[Test results]

I haven't posted much, but regularly read all of your postings. Just wanted to give you an update. The roller coaster hit both the high peak and the low peak all with in one week.

Mammogram done end of August... we can not find the breast tumor , Taxol worked!!!!

CAT SCAN/Bone Scan not so good. Guess the cancer cells in the lungs and lymph nodes decided that they liked carboplatin..... the tumors in both lungs and the mediastinium have both multiplied and grown larger then what they were when first discovered in April of this year.

Also there is metastsis to the 9th right rib, in fact the tumor has just about eaten through the rib.

Next plan of attack: 10 sessions of radiation to the rib area to relieve the pain, and then chemo again sometime after 10/12. My oncologist at present is ruling out Taxotere due to the neuropathy I now have in both my feet and hands.

I hate this roller coaster ride, I never liked roller coasters at the amusement park!!

But, off the cancer subject, there is some good news that I would like to share with all of you. My husband, who is my support, anchor, you name it, will be awarded the New York State Respiratory Care Practioner of the year at the end of this month. I will be there, bald head and all, to cheer him on and to educate as many Respiratory Care Practioners about my personal experience with this monster. Figure, I will have a captive audience for a little while, and educationing people about this disease is what we need to do.

Hanging in there, taking each day as it comes and enjoying all the little moments.

DonnaE

[I just have to tell someone]

Hi BJ..

Sorry to hear about your latest struggle and I am hoping that the test results are negative for you.

I encourage you to share your concerns and feelings with your husband, but if you feel you can not, please find some close friend or other family member to be with you.

Remember that the breast tissue is different from lung tissue, and quite often CATS/PETS do not show irregularity. Also remember that the irregularity can be just fibrosis tissue.

Thinking of you and hoping for the best... please do not feel that you have to be alone in this.

DonnaE

[Results of mid session chemo Cat Scan Good News]

Hi all,

Yesterday June 9, I received the results of my mid session chemo Cat Scan and the news was good.

To quote the report.." Significant interval improvement in lung masses and mediastinal and hilar adenopathy. Stable subcentimeter low attenuation focus in the liver, too small to characterize. Two left adrenal nodules measure water attenuation on pre-contrast images consistent with adenomas. The more cephalad of these appears minimally smaller which may reflect slice selection"

The two largest masses in the left lung have shrunk considerably along with considerable shrinkage of the three largest masses in the mediastium.

Unsure about the breast tumor as it realy did not show up on the CAT Scan. Plan to check on that after completion of chemo therapy. Probably in August.

Started on injections of Darbepoetin Alfa once a week to help bring up the blood counts. Hopefully they will help with the fatigue.

As of yesterday I completed 4 of my 6 rounds of Taxol and Carboplatin, my side effects have been few, nothing that I can't handle at this time. Plus based on this last report I'll take these side effects, especially if the shrinkage continues.

Of course, even with this good news, my mind is thinking ahead and is wondering what the next steps will be after the completion of the six rounds of chemo.

How I would love to hear that there is a way to totally destroy all the cancer cells in all of our bodies and let all of us go back to that day before we all received the diagnosis of "I'm sorry but you have cancer."

Some day, soon I hope we and those that come after us will hear these words, " We found cancer, but it is treatable and we now have the tools, medication and knowledge to totally remove it from your body. In fact it is as treatable as the common cold! What a great day that would be for all of us!

To all who read this, I wish you the best in your fight against your disease, may you experience more good days then bad, may the support of family and friends keep you going, and when all is said and done may you be able to say I lived a good, happy and fullfilling life with no regrets.

Please take care of yourselves and your loved ones. Thanks for all the posts they have really have helped me in my journey down this road.

DonnaE

age 55, Married to Norm (Best friend, lover and great supporter)

mom to a Norwegian Elkhound by the name of Bantar (my relaxation therapy... just sitting and petting him)

Dx:3/04 Invasive Breast Cancer

4/04 Second Cancer stage 4 NSCLC

No signs or symptoms of either, picked up on routine mammogram and chest Xray.

4/04 Taxol and Carboplatin every 3 weeks for 6 sessions

6/04 Cat Scan shows shrinkage or no growth of tumors

[Cancer Treatment Centers of American]

Dave S

Thanks for the reply... You are making me think of things I didn't in the beginning.

Thanks....

DonnaE

[Cancer Treatment Centers of American]

I was wondering if anyone has had any interaction/experience with the Cancer Treatment Centers of America? I am curently being treated for my Stage 1 Breast Cancer and Stage 4 Lung Cancer at the James Wilmot Center in Rochester, NY. I am pleased at this time with the staff and MDs. I am anxiously awaiting the results of a repeat CAT SCAN that was completed after 3 rounds of Carboplatin and Taxol. (Will get results on Weds. June 9) If the news is good, then it is onward and upward, if not, I will be investigating other treatment options and Centers.

Update on me:

So far, the side effects from the chemo have not been unbearable. The muscle and joint aches a couple of days post chemo, for which I am taking decadron twice a day for 5 days seems to help. At least it takes the edge off so that I can get some sleep. The fatigue is there, but you just learn to pace yourself. The neuropathy of the hands and feet is interesting to say the least. Now, I have an excuse for my clumsiness!

Also, I have been busy contacting all my State and Federal Representatives regarding the lack of $$ being spent on Lung Cancer research. By now, there is probably a band on my e mail address going to all of these representtives. So far, no return mail, but all that means is that they will be hearing from be again, very, very soon.

Thanks in advance for any info. Best to all.

DonnaE

[New to the site]

Diagnosed in 3/04 with breast cancer, 4/04 with stage 4 nsclc. Currently undergoing chemo Taxol and Carboplatin every 3 weeks. Three cycle completed. Cat Scan this week will get to see official results on the 9 of June, but Med On. is pleased at this time. Did not state that there is any further growth, but also did not state any shrinkage. Up until dx had no signs or symptoms, was feeling great, working 60 plus hours per week, and then a routine mammogram, that lead to chest xray and orginal Cat Scan. Amazing how fast your life can change in one short month. Currently at home out of work, awaiting disability and trying to keep the fatigue, muscle and joint aches from getting me down. Support of family and friends certainly helps.

Since diagnosis, I have been doing alot of research into Lung Ca, and I am shocked at how little research $$ go to this cause. Since keyboarding is not to fatiguing, I am trying to educate as many powers to be about the needs of more $$ for lung cancer research. Guess it is the Health Care worker/teacher in me.

Thanks for being here for all of us. Looking forwarded to communiacting with you.

DonnaE