Husband Is Back From Dana Farber Cancer Institute

Believe51 · 07-06-2007, 03:54 PM

We're backkkkk!! Everything went well at DFCI except we found Neurological Surgeons here in 'Little Rhody' that read the MRI in a rather different light. I am thankful for DFCI and shall keep that an option for future treatment & clinical trials but I was a bit saddened, a little let down.

We were told that my husband had 5 spots in the brain, we thought we could do the gamma knife for these spots and at one point we were a candidate for the knife. I am so glad that we went for a second opinion to read that MRI. Of course before the knife you need others involved with reading the reports anyway, but I felt that we were a bit rushed there and that the only person looking at these reports was a doctor. Most doctors read and believe what they see in the report and do not see the many, many, many spots one has in his brain!! Please do not see me as unappreciative or ungrateful, for I am not. This is my favorite person's life we are talking about!!

This week alone we went to: Dana Farber, 3 doctors & 3 radiation appointments(have not even started it yet!), bloodwork, treatment...and I could go on!!

SUMMARY: He will be doing 15 days of Whole Brain Radiation along with Radiation to Pelvis. Then he will start on a chemo regime of Tykerb/Xeloda and remain on the Tamoxifen. Sounds so easy huh!!..So matter-of-factly!!

We also have a consult with a Nutritionist for him. He has remained healthy and eats well, always did. For some reason he is losing weight and we cannot stop it. He tells me that the gypsy from the Stephen King Novel "Thinner" has placed a curse on him!!! LOL. What am I gonna do with him??

Thank You All For Your Unconditional and Devotional Love & Support for us.......could not do it without ya!!!Waiting For A Miracle>>Believe51 & Her Knight in Shining Armor

Mary Jo · 07-06-2007, 04:14 PM

Sounds as if things went well and a plan of action has been set. That in itself is always a stress reliever.

Thanks for updating us and I pray that the treatment is easy on your husband and healing is forthcoming.

May God's Peace surround you this day.

Mary Jo

Jean · 07-06-2007, 04:52 PM

Glad you went for the additional opinion. Now you can feel confident with your treatment plan and I am sending you loads of prayers and hugs.

Please let us know how he is doing.
Kind Regards,
Jean

Ceesun · 07-06-2007, 07:37 PM

Wishing you success and a bit of peace of mind. God bless you both. Ceesun

Sheila · 07-06-2007, 07:42 PM

So happy that a treatment plan is in order, that removes a little stress....hoping that the WBR goes smooth and the rads to the pelvis...you both have a lot of people on this site praying for you and sending positive wishes that each day will bring healing and renewed strength....you will get your miracle!

tousled1 · 07-06-2007, 07:44 PM

So glad that you now have a treatment plan in effect. Sorry you felt so rushed at DF but as always other opinions really put things in perspective. Praying that the new regime is just what is needed.

Liz J. · 07-06-2007, 08:14 PM

Sending prayers and all good wishes for a very good outcome. Thank you for letting us know what is going on. Please make sure to take care of yourself also. I know, easier said than done, but you must stay strong for the both of you.

God Bless,

Liz J.

Vanessa · 07-06-2007, 08:50 PM

I am also sending prayers and positive wishes your way. I hope everything goes well for your husband and you, too, of course.

Catherine · 07-06-2007, 10:07 PM

Welcome Home!!! Gee, why can't this be easier. I, too, hate that rushed feeling. Oh well, I guess the rest of our "club" is standing in line wanting the best advice and information they can get too. Maybe we can make a longer 24-hour day and produce more doctors to take care of all of us on this planet.....Just free wheeling in my brain for a perfect world.

Speaking of perfect...could we just get cancer to go away???

Wishing you and your favorite person all the best as you start your new treatment regimen. We are all here for you.

Catherine

tricia keegan · 07-07-2007, 02:03 AM

I'm so glad you have a treatment plan in place and can now begin fighting back which will give you confidence and I'm sending lots of positive wishes for a good result!
Bty some of the ladies were posting on Komen and were a little concerned on how you got on so say hello if you get a minute which is probably not easy right now I know!!
(((hugs)))

Emelie · 07-07-2007, 06:13 AM

At least you two know what you will be doing for the next few months. LOL. I am sending you both my wish for successful treatment and time to enjoy each other. For my husband and me that is the best medicine we can find.
Good luck with the treatment,
Emelie

R.B. · 07-07-2007, 07:12 AM

I am delighted that you have found a positive way forward.

Re weight loss

I have posted on this before. There have been several trials suggesting that omega threes and particularly DHA and EPA may moderate weight loss during cancer.

I attach on link on the subject. You might like to print it out and discuss it with your medical advisor. Administration by infusion is another option.

I am not an expert so this is information and not advice. Please discuss with your medical advisor.

I hope all goes well

RB

http://www.joplink.net/prev/200603/17.html

"Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been shown to modulate levels of proinflammatory cytokines, hepatic acute-phase proteins, eicosanoids, and tumor-derived factors in animal models of cancer and may reverse some aspects of the process of cachexia [23]."

Joy · 07-07-2007, 09:35 AM

I am glad you went to Dana (my daughter's name btw). For what it is worth I have an uncle by marriage who was diagnosed with stage 2 bc years ago and after getting the run around i.e. "men don't get breast cancer" in Alaska where they live they went to Dana. He was treated aggressively and haas been clear for years.

i know it is not really a similar case as your husband is stage IV, but I still find it encouraging. Your plan of attack is aggressive and it sounds as if that is necessary. tell him to keep up the good work with his real health care (eating right, moving his body if possible and staying as positive as posssible too-tough, I know). AND tell him he has a lot of great looking chicks thinking of him her at HER2support!!!

I hope you are taking care of yourself too!

lilyecuadorian · 07-07-2007, 11:39 AM

I'm on it ....Joy you write so very nice ...I wish I can do that in english ...I'm thinking on Marie G husband too all the times .....

kareneg · 07-08-2007, 11:02 AM

Dear Marie,

Your husband and you are in my prayers, if you need me for anything you know I am right here. I just got home today from camping but I was thinking of you both all week. Talk soon my friend.

Barbara H. · 07-08-2007, 11:31 AM

Hi Marie,
Both you and your husband continue to be in my thoughts. I certainly wish that you could have received better news at Dana Farber, but it seems as if a good treatment plan has been put in place. I wish both of you all the best.
Barbara H.

MichelleH · 07-09-2007, 06:29 PM

Marie,

I was so sorry to hear of Ed having brain mets, but I am so glad he has started a treatment program. Since I started T/X I have had no bone pain, & Doc thinks it is shrinking the major tumor in the liver. I am so glad Ed will be on this treatment also. You and Ed keep a positive attitude, this combo of drugs WILL Be the magic one to put those nasty cancer cells at bay. And don't forget all the love and prayers from all of us on the board are with you & Ed each and every day!

Keep the faith!

Sending much love and prayers (as always),
Michelle