Yesterday I had my petscan and ultrasound. The petscan shows the progression or regression of the cancer. I had asked the doc to put in an order for an ultrasound for my legs to see if the blood clots are still present. I moved my infusion with Erbitux to the same day so I wouldn’t have to drive back today, but unfortunately they were too busy in the clinic so I had to go back anyway today for the acupuncture and to meet with the Oncologist.
The valium that I took yesterday really knocked me out. During infusion I took Benadryl like usual and that knocked me out even more. I felt like I was in a dream state the whole day. I think at one point I felt like I was having some sort of strange hallucination or something. It was more of a feeling than anything else. The whole thing was a little strange. Eventually it passed. I was so tired last night I actually fell asleep at a normal hour.
Today I headed back to CTCA to find out the results of the tests. I was a little anxious, but felt that the petscan at least would show either positive results or show the cancer as stable. I haven’t had any complications in a very long time and the pain I feel is minimal. I have been able to go out and about and run errands, do things around the house and take care of business and still have some energy by the end of the day.
The Ultrasound showed that I still have the blood clot in my right leg. Interestingly, the blood clot in my left leg is gone. I have had the blood clot in my right leg since February of last year and the one in the left leg has only been there for about 6 months or so. I am just hoping that if I keep taking Arixtra then it will finally go away and I can be rid of this horrible medication.
It is a syringe that I have to use daily by sticking myself in the stomach. It is anything but fun and it hurts. When I first started taking it, I got bruises all over my stomach. This is not unusual. Thankfully, it doesn’t happen anymore…at least for now.
The petscan came back showing positive results! The tumor in my lung shrunk from 3.2cm from the last scan down to 2.7cm! YEAH!!! The mets in my bones correlate directly with this shrinkage. So even though there is no way to actually measure the cancer in my bones, we know that it is shrinking still. The pleural effusion is also shrinking. A pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity.
So now what? Well I am off Taxotere for an undetermined amount of time. If the cancer starts growing again then I will most likely have to go back on it for 2 more rounds and then switch to another type of chemo because of the danger of toxicity levels. I will still be taking Erbitux (chemo) on a weekly basis. The Oncologist said it’s possible to double up on the Erbitux and take it every 2 weeks instead so that I can travel and do things that I really want to be spending time doing.
I really would just love to celebrate and head out of town this weekend. I would just love to hop in the car and head to the beach to feel the sun on my face and the sand under my feet. Hmmmm….This is looking like the beginning of a new great healthy year.
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Add a Comment5 Comments
That is wonderful news! I am happy for you!
January 18, 2010 - 2:10pmThis Comment
Hi Melissa - Thanks so much for making us aware of this article! I guess we can now call you a "cover girl" as we celebrate your continued contributions in making others aware of the realities of life with cancer. I'm going to share your article with others who have lung cancer and appreciate that you shared it with us.
I also wanted to let you know that I value and learn from your blog posts, and they inspire me in my own efforts to live with leukemia. One of the things I've discovered in this journey is that the information and attitudes in the websites and support groups for younger people have a strong focus on self empowerment and living one's life to the fullest despite having cancer. Although I may not be classified as "young" in age, I am "young" in heart and mind. I'm familiar with, or a member of, most of the groups listed with your article because I've found that many of the more mainstream cancer groups don't meet my needs. They are often too focused on preparation for the end of life and on getting donations for the organizations. Like you, my focus is to "enjoy life, and all that you've been given."
I'm looking forward to your next post, and continuing this journey with you. I know it has to be hard at times to write to us, and yet you continue to do so, and it means a lot to every single person who reads your words and learns from you.
Take care, Pat
January 17, 2010 - 10:04amThis Comment
Diane and Pat,
I have noticed that you two have posted several replies to my blogs over the past year. Thank you so much for your comments, feedback, and support. It means so much to me to know that others are reading and standing by my side as I go through this fight. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I wanted to let you know that I was featured in a cancer magazine that just hit the newstands. Here is the link to where I have posted it on my website. You can click on the image and flip through the pages http://www.themelissawaller.com/2010/01/magazine-article/
January 17, 2010 - 2:53amThis Comment
Oh Melissa, I'm so happy to hear your wonderful news! A celebration is definitely in order. Enjoy your celebration, and we'll talk again soon.
January 15, 2010 - 5:46pmThis Comment
Melissa,
This is wonderful news!!! I'm so glad you would update us so quickly. You were feeling good and you knew it, but getting results like this can only double the effect!
Here's wishing you a 2010 full of more shrinking of cancer and more expansion of your life -- everything from that bathroom renovation to that trip to New Zealand, and all the things in between. We'll be with you every step of the way.
January 15, 2010 - 9:52amThis Comment