My results were much more good than bad. My doctor says that a nodule on my omentum (which was there before) is a little bigger. It is 1.5 centimeters now (not sure what it was before). She is not sure if it is bigger due to cancer growth, or bigger due to inflammation from the immune response from the vaccine. We, of course, hope that it is inflammation from the vaccine. The spot on my liver has stayed the same, but she is not certain if that is tumor or scar tissue.
This really is good news, because there was no explosive cancer growth as there was when I was on both the Taxol/carboplatin and the Doxil chemotherapies, and no new areas of growth identified (whew!).
Of course, we had hoped that *nothing* would show up on the scan - but we are very satisfied at this point! So is the doctor.
It also helped that my CA125 is continuing to drop. It is not really a reliable number for me - but if it increased, we would be concerned. It is now 23 (Michael Jordans number - said my favorite husband). ;)
The best part though, is NO CHEMO. My doc is going to give me another CT scan in late May, and we will see what is going on then. I am thrilled that I get a two month break from cancer! I am going to enjoy every minute of it.
Thanks so much for caring about me and my favorite husband. We truly appreciate all the kind words, prayers, good energy, etc. The battle is not over, but I'm beginning to feel like I am now on a winning team!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
On the right track!
My last weekly vaccine was administered today, with no problems. I also had a doctors exam and she said that everything 'felt' just fine. Most importantly my CA125 is now.........
27
:)
That is down from 45 (Feb), from 79 (Jan), from 175 (Jan), and 360 (Dec). At this point we don't know if it is from the vaccine, or if it was the surgery and Taxotere. It was some excellent news. I was really stressed and worried about it last night (I know, I know... worry doesn't help!) When she told me the number, I had her repeat it several times. 27 27 27
I still have appointments with the research team, including Delayed Type Hypersensitivity (DTH) testing to be done at the end of the month, and a booster vaccine shot in six months. I also will see the doc and have a CT scan at the end of the month. That is good, because the CT scan is probably more reliable than my wacky CA125. When everything shows that I'm clear, I will drop down to visiting her every three months. The doctor will still be keeping a close watch.
For now, I consider myself cancer free. The days leading up to the CT scan and doc visit the next day will probably be tense, but I have a few weeks of no cancer!
Just in time for spring :)
:) :) :)
27
:)
That is down from 45 (Feb), from 79 (Jan), from 175 (Jan), and 360 (Dec). At this point we don't know if it is from the vaccine, or if it was the surgery and Taxotere. It was some excellent news. I was really stressed and worried about it last night (I know, I know... worry doesn't help!) When she told me the number, I had her repeat it several times. 27 27 27
I still have appointments with the research team, including Delayed Type Hypersensitivity (DTH) testing to be done at the end of the month, and a booster vaccine shot in six months. I also will see the doc and have a CT scan at the end of the month. That is good, because the CT scan is probably more reliable than my wacky CA125. When everything shows that I'm clear, I will drop down to visiting her every three months. The doctor will still be keeping a close watch.
For now, I consider myself cancer free. The days leading up to the CT scan and doc visit the next day will probably be tense, but I have a few weeks of no cancer!
Just in time for spring :)
:) :) :)
Monday, March 2, 2009
Rising anxiety
My last weekly vaccine will be given on Thursday. Can you believe it is over already?? It seems as though this all just started. There will still be some follow up stuff, and a booster shot in six months. It will be strange though, not making the weekly trek for my shots.
I notice that I am increasingly anxious about the appointment on Thursday. Maybe it is because I will find out my CA125 number, and which direction it is now heading. Maybe it is because the vaccine portion is essentially over - and now we will see if it is effective. I guess I am just worried about what is next.
I notice my hands clenched into fists more often, tension in my neck and shoulders, and insomnia which always accompanies anxiety for me. I force myself to relax only to find my fists clenched again.
I am trying to distract myself by planning an Alaskan cruise for us in May or June. Still, the unknown medical future colors that too. Should I plan a relaxing trip or an adventurous one? I just don't know what my medical situation will be. I guess I will do a combination of both, and get all the cancellation insurance that I can! :)
Otherwise things are just fine. The increased daylight certainly helps my mood, and it is warming up out there. Work is going well, and I am still head over heels in love! Things could certainly be a whole lot worse :)
I'll update after my appointment on Thursday - have a great week!
I notice that I am increasingly anxious about the appointment on Thursday. Maybe it is because I will find out my CA125 number, and which direction it is now heading. Maybe it is because the vaccine portion is essentially over - and now we will see if it is effective. I guess I am just worried about what is next.
I notice my hands clenched into fists more often, tension in my neck and shoulders, and insomnia which always accompanies anxiety for me. I force myself to relax only to find my fists clenched again.
I am trying to distract myself by planning an Alaskan cruise for us in May or June. Still, the unknown medical future colors that too. Should I plan a relaxing trip or an adventurous one? I just don't know what my medical situation will be. I guess I will do a combination of both, and get all the cancellation insurance that I can! :)
Otherwise things are just fine. The increased daylight certainly helps my mood, and it is warming up out there. Work is going well, and I am still head over heels in love! Things could certainly be a whole lot worse :)
I'll update after my appointment on Thursday - have a great week!
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