Don Wood Posted January 18, 2006 Share Posted January 18, 2006 We went to the oncologist today to get the report on last week's PET scan. Bad news: little change (no improvement). Good news: little change (no progression). Because she has a large tumor on her liver (she has no symptoms from it), the onc wants to start a new chemo. He is going to give her two weeks more to rest up. In two weeks, she will start Alimta, and continue that every three weeks. She will also have to take B-12 shots and folic acid to counteract side effects. For those of you who have experience with Alimta, would appreciate knowing side effects and effectiveness for your case. Lucie is disappointed, but accepting of the circumstances we find ourselves in. I am glad the lc has not progressed. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikkala Posted January 18, 2006 Share Posted January 18, 2006 Thank you God for no progression. No advice with Alimta but prayers for great results with little side effects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joanie55 Posted January 18, 2006 Share Posted January 18, 2006 Sending both you and Lucie my best wishes. Hope this new chemo goes easy for her. Glad to hear "no progression". Joan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann Posted January 18, 2006 Share Posted January 18, 2006 So happy to hear there is no progression, Don and Lucie. No experience here with that particular drug but I know you will get lots of great answers. I'm saying prayers that Lucie tolerates the new treatment well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted January 18, 2006 Share Posted January 18, 2006 Don and Lucie, Don't you just hate those 'good news - bad news' reports? So happy about the good. So sorry about the bad. Lucie has been such a trooper. I am disappointed for her to have to go through yet more chemo. I know she can do it. That's not the point. You guys are so awesome. You need to catch a break big time. I don't know about the chemo effects. I will hope and pray she has a gentle time with it. Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunny Posted January 18, 2006 Share Posted January 18, 2006 I know you must be a little disappointed with no reduction, but no progression is good news. hopefully, the Alimta will do it's job and not be too hard on Lucie. love and admiration, as always, xoxo bunny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarHart Posted January 18, 2006 Share Posted January 18, 2006 A relief to hear "no progression". Ken only had 2 rounds of Alimta and I don't remember him having any bad side effects. He even drove our motorhome from FL to WY by himself during his treatment with Alimta. I hope the new treatment does the trick, sending good thoughts and prayers. Karen H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dadstimeon Posted January 18, 2006 Share Posted January 18, 2006 Don/Lucie, Glad no progression. Hope the Alimta does it's thing. No experience with that one. I admire and respect how both of you go about this with class and dignity. Both of you are in my daily prayers. Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elkiesmom Posted January 18, 2006 Share Posted January 18, 2006 Don and Lucie I also am glad that there was no progression. Thank goodness for Alimta. Don Your Lucie seems like a fighter. Lorrie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieD Posted January 18, 2006 Share Posted January 18, 2006 Don and Lucie, Sounds like good news to me. Little to no progression falls within the realm of stable to me. I did the Alimta thing earlier this year and it wasn't too bad after the 1st 4 rounds. I also had it every three weeks. Just the normal tiredness, little SOB, slight soreness in the mouth and the usual stomach nausea and acid reflux. I had a 30% reduction of the main lung mass after the 4th round. The original intent was to have only four but was encouraged to continue to see if there would be further reduction. Took two more rounds, side effects got noticably worse and no more reduction so they stopped it. Remained stable for the next six months. All in all, wasn't bad. Would do it again in a minute. Good luck with it Lucie. God Bless. CharlieD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimblanchard Posted January 18, 2006 Share Posted January 18, 2006 I would really call the news pretty good...no progression is good. I had Alimta and had virtually NO side effects. Keep the faith. Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bauner95 Posted January 18, 2006 Share Posted January 18, 2006 It is great that there is no progression. I can imagine how difficult it must be to have to start chemo again. I am sure this is difficult to deal with for both of you. We have not had to start chemo again yet, but I expect that when Mike sees the doctor on Feb. 3rd, we will be doing more chemo too. He has a CT next week. We don't have any experience with that chemo yet. We will be praying for both of you. Stay strong! Kim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calintay Posted January 18, 2006 Share Posted January 18, 2006 No progression is good but I can understand the frustration of no improvement. Hopeful and praying that the Almita will work for Lucy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe B Posted January 18, 2006 Share Posted January 18, 2006 Prayers are with you both Don. God Bless you and Lucie. Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted January 18, 2006 Share Posted January 18, 2006 I am sure Lucie would like to have a longer break from the chemo...sorry she needs to start again. The above posts sound positive on Alimta--I hope it does the trick for her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dchurchi Posted January 18, 2006 Share Posted January 18, 2006 Don, Always mixed emotions with those good news/bad news appointments. I am glad there is no progression. Alan did not have Alimta so I have nothing to add there. The both of you are in my prayers. Lucie you keep fighting and with Don's love and support I know you will win this next battle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted January 18, 2006 Share Posted January 18, 2006 dOn and Lucie: I hope the alimta works wonders. Stable disease is good news, but no disease at all would be better. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trishnmiller Posted January 18, 2006 Share Posted January 18, 2006 Dear Don, Jeffrey had a 4.5 cm tumor on his liver. Alimta was the only drug that really worked well. When the tumor reduced in size to about 2.5 cm we had it cyberknifed. That was at the beginning of August and there has been no recurrence. Best of luck to Lucie on this round. Trish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharyn Posted January 18, 2006 Share Posted January 18, 2006 Don, Sorry that Lucy is dissapointed, but no progression is a good thing.... I can't help out with the Altima questions, but I am offering my prayers. Love, Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nancy c Posted January 18, 2006 Share Posted January 18, 2006 Don and Lucie..I think that is pretty good news. Lucie will do well..she always does. What a fighter! God bless,Nancy C Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted January 19, 2006 Share Posted January 19, 2006 Hi Don and Lucie.. That is encouraging news from our group members! What a great place to come for answers. You will do well, Lucie. You have my prayers. Cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myrnalu Posted January 19, 2006 Share Posted January 19, 2006 Don,You and Lucy are in my prayers.Dont know anything of altima but am praying it works for her Marie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eppie Posted January 19, 2006 Share Posted January 19, 2006 Joining late to the Lucie and Don love fest. Don and Lucie please know you are both in my thoughts and prayers. Hey, no progression...that works for me. I'd hate hearing that too...espcially since I long so much to hear words like "cancer obliterated" "NED" and "remission". I hope the alimta brings those words toward our dear Lucie. The way things are going round here....we could use some good news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilliBr1 Posted January 19, 2006 Share Posted January 19, 2006 Happy to hear there is no progression. Sounds like several people here have had good results from the alimta. Praying hard that Luci also has great results. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geri Posted January 19, 2006 Share Posted January 19, 2006 No progression sounds okay, wishing only good results from the Alimta. Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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