jane Posted July 7, 2003 Share Posted July 7, 2003 I don't post often, but do read many of the postings. I wanted to share with all of you, who can relate better than anyone else, my sister's miracle. Since I don't post often, a little background first..... my 48 year-old sister, Shane, was diagnosed stage 4 NCSLC, with mets to brain, liver, and spine last 08-02. Had brain surgery, radiation, then 4 months of chemotherapy (cisplatin and gemzar). By Feb '03, blood counts were too low to continue with chemo. She decided to "rest" from the chemo for a while..... after three months off of it, the cancer had of course, grown and she had developed a new met. She was running out of options, because her counts continued to be too low for any type of aggressive treatment. BUT, the FDA had just approved Iressa, and her doctor prescribed it for her, and told us that within 30 days, we'd know whether the drug was effective..... Before 30 days was up, we all knew the drug was doing good things. Her energy level was up, as was her appetite, attitude, etc. She gained a few pounds, and the cough she had developed subsided significantly. The doctor's appointment confirmed what we already knew.... her cancer had shrunk "noticably" (the doc's term....). All of us were giddy with joy (even the doctor hugged her!). She is continuing on Iressa and I see improvement in her condition each time I see her. In fact, last weekend she and I helped her son move into his first apartment (he is that magical age of 18!). She hasn't felt up to anything so physical in months! Although she is a ways from remission, it is so wonderful to be filled with such hope. Her next appointment is at the end of July, and we all expect another positive report..... Shane gives all glory to God for her miracle. Through Him lives hope. She was aware of the odds of Iressa, and also knows the uncertainty of future effects of the drug. But for now, she believes that God will reveal His purpose for allowing her to benefit from this treatment. And she appreciates how blessed she is. As for me, I am ecstatic that my sister has a chance to resume a "better than ever" normal existence. Better because nothing is taken for granted anymore..... as you all know. I feel that drugs like Iressa are the treatments for many cancer patients in the near future..... a way that cancer can become a manageable disease, drugs tailor-made for a person's unique genetic makeup. God bless all of you, whether you are a cancer fighter or a loved one. I pray for you all. Keep the faith and keep your hope..... Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candy Posted July 7, 2003 Share Posted July 7, 2003 Jane, What a wonderful story to read. We all need to hear often about the many miracles that are out there! They help me get through the days that I am down! Hooray for your sister's wonderful and continuing recovery!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted July 7, 2003 Share Posted July 7, 2003 Jane, super news about your sister! I know you are ecstatic. It shows that given time the researchers can come up with an effective treatment. I am glad that Iressa is working for your sister, and I'm anxious for my wife to get on it real soon. Blessings. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fresca Posted July 7, 2003 Share Posted July 7, 2003 Jane- That is absolutely GREAT news. Praise GOD!! I hope she has continued success with the Iressa. Rana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sophia88 Posted July 8, 2003 Share Posted July 8, 2003 OUTSTANDING news about your sister Jane. Thank you so much for sharing the good news. I gives me hope that a miracle can happen for my Dad also..all glory and honor to God...may many more blessings be bestowed on your family...enjoy!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaMRG Posted July 8, 2003 Share Posted July 8, 2003 So happy to share in your good news!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Posted July 8, 2003 Share Posted July 8, 2003 Such good news is cause for happiness and thanks giving. I pray it continues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathy Posted July 8, 2003 Share Posted July 8, 2003 Hi Jane You may not post often but you sure did post at the right time. How wonderful for Shane!!! My dad may be starting Iressa next week because he has been too weak for any aggressive treatment also. Could you tell me any side affects your sister may be experiencing. I know about the rash. Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted July 8, 2003 Share Posted July 8, 2003 Iressa also seems to be working for my husband (knock on wood). We'll know more next week when we get the results of the CT scan he is having done tomorrow. I am so happy to hear that it is doing it's thing for your sister. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim'sKathy Posted July 8, 2003 Share Posted July 8, 2003 Jane- Thank you so much for posting. Aftre 6 treatments of Carbo/Taxol (which worked at first to shrink the tumor in the lung), my husband Tim now has mets to lymph nodes and a vertebrae. He is staring on Iressa on 7/10 and this news was heartening !!!! I am praying that it works as well for him as your sister ! God bless you and your family...Thanks so much for giving me hope... Kathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jane Posted July 8, 2003 Author Share Posted July 8, 2003 Thanks to all of you for your supportive responses.... to Cathy, Ry, and Tim's Kathy, hope the Iressa works for your loved ones.... after about 6 weeks on Iressa, Shane has had no detectable side effects.... not even the rash! She pooh-poohs that one though, and said she'd be pleased to have it as long as it works! I will update again after her next appt, and will be watching the posts for good news from all of you..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David P Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 Jane, the news of your sister's rapidly shrinking tumors is not only good news, it's down right INSPIRATIONAL news!! You know, if we had a dedicated Inspiration forum here on the message board, your story could be one of the first uplifting things a newcomer to the site would see. Hmmm... (sorry guys) Hope things continue to improve with your sister Jane. Take care, David P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norme Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 THAT'S THE FIRST GOOD NEWS I HAVE HEAR ABOUT IRESSA. I WAS LOOSING FAITH IN IT EVEN THOUGH IT JUST CAME ON BOARD.....SO GLAD YOU TOLD US ABOUT YOUR SISTER..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy RN Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 Always good to hear good news! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobmc Posted July 13, 2003 Share Posted July 13, 2003 Hey Jane, Thank you so much for sharing your sisters story. Iressa's suppose to be the first of the new targeted therapy drugs and it's so nice to hear of people having positive experiences with it. I hope and pray that it continues to work for her and that new and better drugs are developed. God bless and be well Bobmc - NSCLC- stage IIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 " absolutely insist on enjoying life today! and just back from Hilton Head " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daggiesmom Posted July 13, 2003 Share Posted July 13, 2003 Dear Jane, Your sister's case is a perfect example of what the dr.s were talking about on TV the other week. They said how in the future, the cancer specialists are looking to treat cancer as a manageable, chronic disease, not a death sentence. When i heard them speak that way it gave me great hope, now i hear your sister's story and i'm FILLED WITH HOPE. IT CAN BE DONE. GOD BLESS HER AND KEEP HER HEALTHY. Thank you for telling us such good news. It makes us all so hopeful. Joanie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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