MarkVR Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 Well, I've completed 4 rounds of cisplatin/etoposide. Had a follow-up CAT scan on 7/1, (after 3 chemo rounds), results indicated 35-40% decrease in mediastinal tumor. Also showed the fluid on my right lung appears to be gone. Praise God for this great news. I'm scheduled for a PET scan (can anyone enlighten me on this test??) on 7/18, and then 2 more rounds of chemo. So far I'm tolerating the chemo quite well, but I'm certainly feeling the effects, fatigue, taste loss, etc. One other question, I seem to have trouble getting blood tests out of my mediport implant. Flushes fine, infusions work fine, just have trouble getting blood tests out. I also have a lingering minor pain where the catheter goes into the SVC vein. Anyone else have any issues with mediports? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilliBr1 Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 Sorry I can't answer your questions, but I want to say I'm very happy things are going so well and praying they continue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doughnut Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 I too have no ideas on your questions but thinks sound good! Dee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pamm Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 Congrats on latest news, I am very happy for you. I go tomorrow to see onc about newest treatment, but I'm scared that what he's going to tell me is going to be bad b/c he said to bring my husband, and he never said that before. It's been a nerve-wracking week, but can't do anything about it except keep praying. As for your port, I have a similar problem. When I go for treatments or blood work, I have to put my arm over my head, or even lay flat with the arm up in order for the blood to flow. Try that if you haven't. Pam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 Mark, glad to hear the good news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 It's so good to hear such good news this morning!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy RN Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 PET scan feels kind of like a CT scan. Except they inject a different substance. As for the port. I too, have the same problem. I have been twisted into all weird positions and just can not get bld out. They can flush it fine, also it gets used for IV infusions etc. I have had mine 4 1/2 yrs now. They did an xray along time ago just to make sure it was where it should be and no problem. Great news about shrinkage, we like things that shrink!! Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 Hi Mark.. Congrats on your good news! yes, praise God, now let's head over to the pub! PET scan is much slower than a CT. They will inject a radioactive dye laced with glucose about an hour before your scan. You sit quietly in a room as the sugar takes effect. Then you go to the PET scan, a tube shape. It starts at your toe end and slowly ...very slowly moves until all of your head is in the machine. And then you are done. The scan for me, took about an hour. It is painless and not frightening at all. As for your port, one of my friends who has heart cancer, had the same problem as what you describe. They tried everything short of replacing it. He just has his blood drawn the old fashinoned way now. Again, congratulations on your good news. Praying it continues for you! Cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 Glad to hear things are going well..and Cindi is even opening the pub in your honor. Nice picture of you and your daughter. Congratulations on your good news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Lamb Posted July 12, 2005 Share Posted July 12, 2005 Mark,congratulations on the good news.Also glad your doing ok with the chemo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted July 12, 2005 Share Posted July 12, 2005 Mark, Wonderful news!!! We thrive on good news. Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharyn Posted July 12, 2005 Share Posted July 12, 2005 Good news is always wonderful to hear.... thanks for sharing!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pammie Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 Mark, so very thankful you had good news on the shrinking of the cancer. What a blessing. Continuing in prayer for you. pammie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted July 14, 2005 Share Posted July 14, 2005 Yes, Mark, so glad to hear your good news. You must be estastic. Keep it comming. Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stand4hope Posted July 14, 2005 Share Posted July 14, 2005 Yes, Mark, praise God for this good news. The PET scan is my husband's least favorite because it hurts his back to lay in that position so long, and the last time he was having hip pain and it got worse during the scan since he couldn't re-position his hip. But in any case, he stills says it's not too bad, just a little uncomfortable. You can do a google search and find tons of information on PET scans. Love, Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eileen Posted July 14, 2005 Share Posted July 14, 2005 Mark, Great news for you, congratulations . The PET is just time consuming. I had a PET 2 x---the first time it got umncomfortable because they made me keep my arms over my head and after awhile it really got uncomfortable. The second time I could keep them down so it was fine. My sister just had one and somehow they made it more comfortable for her and she was fine throughout. I hope you continue to get great results, regards, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted July 14, 2005 Share Posted July 14, 2005 Hi, Mark, Brian's oncology nurses told him that it is common for the port to be less useful for 'draws' vs. infusion.....................just FYI. Glad for your positive news! pat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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