mhutch1366 Posted January 31, 2007 Posted January 31, 2007 Now six and a half years out from surgery, and still NED. The results of the Phase II clinical trial which was stopped at 1 year for immediate implementation -- that's right, phase II! -- were just published for the 96 month mark (8 years). They still have not yet reached the 50% survival mark . That means most people are still alive. The pancoast tumors never came back. That's the protocol the doctor pulled out at the 11th hour to use on me. From an Abstract, no less, in a Conference Proceedings publication. Literally, I was due for palliative surgery of a 13 pound tumor on Tuesday, and Friday afternoon I get a call to see the surgeon in his lab. The Radiation oncologist happened to spot this in her readings, and thought it might be worth a try. So I had 25 rounds of radiation flanked at either end by Cisplatin/VP-16 chemo (6 days). 7 weeks later a 14 hour surgery, followed by two more chemos at 1 and 2 months. Dam*ed tumor was dead on removal. Never turned up again. Talk about random chance, and flukes, and coincidences.... Still shaking my head in wonder..... Bottom line is I AM STILL HERE. And thankful to be so. Although I may not be around much or post much ( I remember Snowflake's comment about my illustrating the ugly truth only too well in postings), I am here, by God's good grace, against all logic and reason. I poke my head in and read, cheering your successes and rooting for you in your challenges. I share your tears. I just do it more quietly these days. Miracles can and do happen. They may as well happen to you as to anybody else. But the bottom line is attitude. If you go out with a positive attitude, you still win. Love to you all, ( PMs or email if you like, I'm here to help, albeit QUIETLY now...). XOXOX MaryAnn Quote
Kasey Posted January 31, 2007 Posted January 31, 2007 Hurray for you, MaryAnn! Hurray for NED! Hurray for Dr. Schrump! Hurray for the rad onc! I was thinking and praying all day yesterday (Fred too)! We are overjoyed for you and the girls. Now keep up with your rehab and regain some stamina, ya hear? I thank God every day for you, dear friend. May those 6-1/2 years multiply many many fold. Love and thank you for helping me to be here with you, Kasey Quote
Don M Posted January 31, 2007 Posted January 31, 2007 Hi MaryAnn, it is nice to hear form you again and especially to hear that you are still NED. Don M Quote
dchurchi Posted January 31, 2007 Posted January 31, 2007 A wonderful story of survival These are the happy times we all love to celebrate. Quote
Donna G Posted January 31, 2007 Posted January 31, 2007 Happy, Happy , Happy News Mary Ann. Donna G Quote
Don Wood Posted January 31, 2007 Posted January 31, 2007 You are an imspiration, Mary Ann! So good to see the dogears flapping again. Don Quote
chloesmom Posted January 31, 2007 Posted January 31, 2007 Mary Ann, You are one of the people who gave me some hope when I first came here in 2003. Congratulations on your success! Stay healthy! Cindy Quote
Connie B Posted February 1, 2007 Posted February 1, 2007 "mhutch1366"]Miracles can and do happen. They may as well happen to you as to anybody else. XOXOX MaryAnn Miracles CAN HAPPEN and DO is RIGHT, and MaryAnn I am sure glad your one of them! So glad to see your doing so well. That really is great news! Just goes to show that there really are two sides to those Stats, and Thank God we're living proof!!! It's always good to see you pop in. Quote
Ry Posted February 1, 2007 Posted February 1, 2007 I love that dog. I am so glad you posted, thank you for giving everyone hope. Quote
terriep Posted February 1, 2007 Posted February 1, 2007 Mary Ann - WONDERFUL to hear from you - you give such hope and inspiration to us all! Quote
barbara5452 Posted February 1, 2007 Posted February 1, 2007 Congrats, need to hear that stuff.... Quote
carolhg Posted February 1, 2007 Posted February 1, 2007 WHAT A WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL BLESSING!!! Carol Quote
Heather_T Posted February 1, 2007 Posted February 1, 2007 Congrats!!!!!!!!!! Thats what I love to hear. I hope me and everyone here can say that in 6 years. Quote
dadstimeon Posted February 1, 2007 Posted February 1, 2007 Way to go Maryann--you are an inspiration for sure! Quote
Maryanne Posted February 1, 2007 Posted February 1, 2007 WOW MaryAnn you certainly are an inspiration. You give so much hope here being 6 1/2.... Keep it coming and coming. GREAT NEWS!!!! Maryanne Quote
TracyD Posted February 1, 2007 Posted February 1, 2007 What Wonderful, Wonderful news!!!! Tracy Quote
J.C. Posted February 1, 2007 Posted February 1, 2007 MaryAnn, So glad for you post, lots of hope there. Keep well and many more years for you Jackie Quote
ginnyde Posted February 1, 2007 Posted February 1, 2007 Hi Sweetie, long time no see post and that is good news. Life is moving on for you and that is our hope for everyone here. Glad you check in occasionally. Quote
trish2418 Posted February 1, 2007 Posted February 1, 2007 I'm sooo happy for you, MaryAnn. Here's to the next 6-1/2 years. Trish Quote
Dazy Posted February 1, 2007 Posted February 1, 2007 Hey MaryAnn! GREAT to see that you, Happy, & NED are still cruisin!! May you continue to do so for MANY, MANY, MANY X 100,000,000 moons to come!! Yours in HOPE!! Stacey Quote
Ellen B. Posted February 1, 2007 Posted February 1, 2007 Congratulations, MaryAnn! Wonderful news. Ellen. Quote
jang Posted February 2, 2007 Posted February 2, 2007 6 1/2 years! That is wonderful! Congratulations! Quote
Geri Posted February 2, 2007 Posted February 2, 2007 I've missed that flapping eared dog and now here he is with wonderful news. I'm so pleased for you. Geri Quote
Cheryl Ferguson Posted February 2, 2007 Posted February 2, 2007 Absolutely wonderful news Mary Ann. You go girl! Cheryl and Jack Quote
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