PET results after 3 mos. off chemo - 8/31 Update

[Welthy]

Just posting to let everyone know that Tony had his PET scan Monday. He has been on a chemo holiday since late May. This has been the first time since diagnosis that he wasn't on any chemo. The results were not unexpected, but not what we hoped for either. The primary tumor has increased in size and there are a couple of other small tumors in the left lung again.

We are feeling rather disappointed right now and a bit blue. We were hoping for stable.

Tarceva will be the next regimen, but I'm leery of this non-chemo chemo and Tony's not thrilled about the side effects. It has such a low response rate for shrinkage and we need these things to go away!! If he doesn't respond, then we are that much farther behind the eight-ball.

I'm sure we will feel better and ready to fight some more once the disappointment wears off.

Welthy

[Kasey]

Well darnitall, Welthy!!! I am really sorry the news wasn't better. But ya know, Tarceva CAN be a MIRACLE for some. Let's take a breath and try it and in the meantime line up a LONG range plan of action. REALLY feeling bad about this ,

Kasey

[Don Wood]

Welthy, sorry the news wasn't better, but there is a plan in place for treatment, and that is promising. Don

[terriep]

(((((Welthy))))(((((Tony)))))Sigh. Prayers will continue............

[joanie55]

Welthy,

I know how dissappointed you both must be, but I have faith that you'll recoup and put your fighting gloves back on.

Let's give Tarceva a chance and there are plenty of other drugs out there if need be.

You two can do this.

Joan

[ginnyde]

Welthy, I know this news is disappointing. But don't count Tarceva out yet. Every person reacts differently to the different meds so keep your hopes up that Tarceva likes your husband.

[Connie B]

I too am very sorry to hear the news wasn't a lot better then what it was.

Try hard to stay positive and remember this, there are still over options that could very well do the trick. Your not out of DRUGS just yet!!!

As long as there are drugs and new drugs,that Tony has had yet, there is still HOPE!

[ma's kid]

(((Welthy)))

Sorry the news isn't better for your Tony but lots of prayers that this new plan will be successful.

You guys are in my prayers....big time!

Love and hugs,

Libby

[Welthy]

Got the actual report in hand today. Worse than we thought. Over six new growths in both lungs and uptake numbers are higher than when we started in March of 2005. All growths are 1 to 2.5 cm and above and original tumor (that never went away) has increased by another cm. Hilar region involvement too. This just sucks. Best I can say. Doing the legwork on Tarceva and coverage today.

Oh well, at least they can actually count the number of tumors whereas in the beginning there were too many to even distinguish one from another.

Praying that Tarceva is the ticket to hold this beast at bay.

Thanks for your kind words.

Welthy

[Don M]

I am sorry you got such sucky news Welthy and I hope the tarceva turns things around for Tony.

Don M

[carolhg]

I am praying with you also that Tarceva will keep the beast away.

[MEA]

Welthy,

Keeping you in my thoughts and praying that Tarceva will be the miracle drug.

Mary

[Linda661]

Crossing everything that Tarceva does the job!

[ErinC1973]

Welthy, I am so sorry for you and Tony. This damned disease. Hope Tarceva is THE ticket to blasting all of the tumors away. My thoughts and prayers are with you constantly.