First - let me apologize for not posting sooner. I have been busy with work, the holidays, and all of that wonderful daily minutia that we generally take for granted. I take it for granted too, but definitely less than I used to.
I have had a total of six treatments of Avastin, as a single agent treatment, for my recurrent ovarian cancer. I had a CT scan on Thursday, and a doctors appointment on Friday. Unfortunately for my doctor, and for me - she was sick and not in the office. I got to see her PA, who I really like though, so I still got my results.
The scan results were a little confusing to us. In some sections, it said "no change from last scan" but in others it said "no abnormal mass". The PA said this means that the cancerous nodules viewed on the last scan are either gone, or so small as to not be visible on the scan. Gone? Really?? I only have one calcified lymph node that is unchanged from the last scan. So, it sounds like wonderful news and I am now on "break" from treatment for two months! Wow! In two months I'll have another scan and appointment.
My favorite husband and I still want to talk to the doctor to clarify this report. It is the "no change from last scan" part that has my husband and I confused, and not quite ready to fully embrace that these nodules are really gone. Don't get me wrong - we are thrilled and very happy that I get a break so that my body can recuperate! We just want to clarify that the absence of information, means that there is no information available (no tumors or growths).
However, even if the scan showed no difference from last time, meaning nodules remain - that is still good news! No growth is always good news! But I hope you can understand our confusion :)
I plan to call my doctor next week (giving her a few days to catch up with her other patients) to make sure that the news is as good as it sounds. I will repost then to let you know too!
What a wonderful drug Avastin is! Its been the only thing in 2 1/2 years that has stopped my cancer from growing and even better - caused it to shrink or disappear! I also think that it is especially effective because of the vaccine I received. Both my husband and I think they are acting in conjunction with eachother - the vaccine preventing new growth, and the Avastin killing the active nodules.
So that is my update! I hope that you are all doing well and enjoying each day! I can promise that I will be enjoying all of mine! :)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
10 comments:
That is WONDERFUL news. No growth is good news! I'm glad you get a break. Go do something really fun :-)
Katie
wheee!! EXCELLENT!! So pleased for you - but yes, a little confusing. Don't forget to update us with the clarification. But it looks like good news no matter what to me. :o)
Fantastic!!!
x
So glad to hear this good report. I had just checked the blog and found no update so decided to email your dad and mom to see what was going on. When I opened my email I had their update with this wonderful news. I shared it at our church this morning and many were pleased since you have been on our prayer list from the beginning of your health issues. I treasure the friendship I had with your mom since we were freshmen in college and your dad from my days of working with him at GPH when he was at CBC. May the further reports also be good.
I hope you're still skipping around and bouncing with joy!!! Yippee!! xoxo
Very good news ... so happy for ya!
Oh boy! Oh boy! oh boyohboyoboy!!! Nat you must be floating! I am so happy for you, and totally understand wanting clarification and reassurance from the onc. I react the same way to good news, it's hard to get used to good when you just have to prepare for bad, but I think you might be turning a corner. That's what I'm praying for anyway. Hugs and hope,
Maggie
My mom who is 57 just started Avastin this past Monday. Three different chemos have been tried since her surgery in Dec. 2008. I plan to share your blog post with my mom.
Hope you continue to receive positive reports!!!!
Post a Comment