Nova Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 The results weren't good. He has several Mets on his liver now. (No more "limited" SCLC). He also has another tumor in his lung, and a lot more fluid surrounding the main tumor. The doctor gave him a couple of choices. One is a type of chemo that starts with a "T".(Tope-??-can?). He said that he didn't recommend that though, because Harry has such bad reactions to chemo meds, and that one is known to drop blood counts quickly. The other is the one that starts with a "C", and has the number "11" in it,~~ I think. (I'm sorry.... my brain is in shock.) It causes severe diarrhea. The last option was Hospice. Poor Harry.... He didn't even know what Hospice was. The doctor was trying to say something to him about them controlling the pain, and I think Harry finally "got" what he meant, and said that he wasn't ready for that yet. He stood up and said he was done, and that it was time to go. I had to talk him into staying to hear the rest of what the doctor had to say. I feel so sick in my heart. I guess I thought he wouldn't get worse. I don't know what I thought....I'm scared . I appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers. Nova Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welthy Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 ((((Nova and Harry))) This sucks. I don't even know what to say except I'm sorry and you know you are always in my thoughts and prayers. Any chance of radiation? Oh gosh, I'm sick over this one. News of this type is like getting sucker punched. Hang in there sweetie, we're all here for you. Topotecan and Irinotecan (CPT-11) are the two drugs. Tony did 2 cycles of CPT-11 and, as billed, it does cause diarrhea. Sorry I missed the news that he was being scanned. This is not what any of us wish for you our dear Nova. More hugs, Debi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 (((Nova & Harry))), I'm so sorry the news wasn't better. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you as you digest the news and make a decision as to where to go from here. We will be here for you, Nova. Love, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laban Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 Oh Nova, What can I say except "I know what you are going through" and I'm so sorry. It's very, very difficult to be given those choices. As you may remember, Bill did the Topotecan and it didn't do anything positive, it just dropped his blood counts, just like you mentioned. I will pray that Harry can accept whatever you two decide and that you also have the strength to get him through it. My heart just hurts so bad for you and Harry and Jake tonight. Try and rest tonight and make decisions tomorrow. I pray God will let you rest tonight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patti B Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 Nova & Harry- I am so terribly sorry about this. It sucks, its not fair and I hate cancer!! Know that you both are in my prayers - you know we will all be here for you both. Many hugs and love to you both - Patti B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.C. Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 Nova and Harry, Don't even know what to write, just will pray and write later. Hugs Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tnmynatt Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 I'm so sorry to hear this news, Nova. You are both in my prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 Wish to god I had all the answers. Sadly I don't. CAn say prayers and Offer a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen with though. Wanted top post earlier but just too emotional. Sending BIG HUGS ((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))) for both of you and everybody in the family! IF you need to blow off steam go for it!!!!!!!!! Grab a dozen eggs and go out back and wail away! Throw them as hard as you can. IT helps some what...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelley (MLC) Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 Nova, I am so sorry to hear your sad news. Please know that you and Harry are in my prayers. Sending lots of hugs your way. Shelley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teriw Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 Nova, I'm so sorry. I so know the pain, heartache and shock that comes with those results. Bill always wanted to do more chemo -- he never wanted to give up. Although the doctors wouldn't have wanted him to have more (he had to stop because of the radiation), I always supported his decision to continue treatment if he had the chance to. Harry needs to do what he needs to do. ((((Nova and Harry))) PM me anytime, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 I'm with him: STANDING WE ARE DONE HERE. This just freaking bites. I hate it and I hate and I hate it. My heart is with you and I so hope Harry's determination and spirit are quickly rewarded. Please know that I care and that I am praying my heart out and sending all love support and admiration. Hugs for all of your family. Please PM if there is anything you can think of that I could do or say or be. P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiredmom959 Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 So very sorry to hear about the results, this disease is SO unfair, such a disgusting monster. I'll be praying for you and hoping for the best outcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nova Posted January 8, 2008 Author Share Posted January 8, 2008 Thank you. I can't express how much I appreciate you. The fact that you all KNOW what it's like, makes it easier somehow. Debi, thanks for the actual names of the chemo meds ~ My mind was blank. Laurie, you're going thru way worse times then we are. My heart breaks when I think about it. Randy, I've only got 8 old hens left out in the coop, and 2 roosters, (that won't lay eggs, even though I threaten them with the stew pot), but I think I might take your advice, and do some egg throwing tomorrow. Teri, After Harry decided to sit down for the rest of the appointment, (I actually thought he was going to leave... ), he told the doctor he wanted the chemo. He knows how sick they've all made him, but he won't give up. Lord Bless him.... he's so much braver then I would be. Thank you all. Know that I think of you, and say prayers for each and every one of you every day. What would I do without you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LovesLife Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 I am just so very sorry for this crappy news - no words to convey eloquently how much I hurt for you both right now. Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 I am so sorry the news wasn't better. Harry's spirit will take him far. I hope he gets a good response from the chemo. Many times I thought we were on a downward spiral only to have something work and stabilize John again. Harry can do this. Rochelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debi Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 Nova, I'm so sorry to hear this news about Harry. It sounds like Harry is not ready to give up - I know after you regroup you will both be back up and fighting the fight. My thoughts are with you both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lc46 Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 Nova-I'm so sorry for the news. My Mom is also in the same situation. When they found her liver met in Sept they put her on CPT11 (Irinotecan) which I believe is in the same family as the Topotecan. It didn't work for her @ the time and since it was only 1 met they did the radiation-well now it's still in the liver and 4 mets! She got her Cat Scan today but the Dr is having his baby tomorrow and is taking 2 weeks off!!! One of these chemo's might be the one that works for Harry - He doesn't sound like he's ready to give up yet and he doesn't have to if he can tolerate some more chemo. Keep me posted and I will forward by PM some things I have found on the liver mets so far. PM if you want..... Dar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbb Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 Our Dear Nova and Harry, My heart is just breaking for you. Harry, you have amazing courage and spirit. Nova I believe you have strength you haven't even brought to the surface yet. Hang on, do what you both believe is the right thing for Harry, I am praying my guts out for you. Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolhg Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 ((((((((((((Nova & Harry))))))))) I am so very sorry that your news was not better. Please know that I continue to keep you in prayer and I pray for and believe in miracles. Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyka69 Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 Oh Nova, I wish I was there to throw my arms around both of you. I know what a harsh shock it is to receive such news. Joe tolerated Topetecan well, although it did not work for him. Dr. West suggested that CPT-11 could be a good choice for his third round of treatment. Our onc opted for something else however. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that either choice sounds like a good plan. I would opt for whatever the onc thinks will have fewest side effects. Harry is lucky to have such a strong, beautiful woman beside him. And don't you forget that you have all us to be by your side. Sending love and hugs to you both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nova Posted January 8, 2008 Author Share Posted January 8, 2008 Today is a new day.... I woke up this morning, (at 1 am, 3:30 am, and 5:30 am), and decided that I needed to "Pull up my Big Girl Undies" and help Harry do what he feels is the best thing for him to do. If he's not giving up, how dare I? Yesterday's news was a shocker. I guess I thought we were in the "Elite Group of Limited", as far as lung cancer goes.... Now we've been booted out of that "Club", and sent on to the Extensive group.... Yesterday I was a wimp ~~ now I'm mad. I don't think the doctor was quite right to throw the word Hospice at us so quickly. I thought about radiation . The Doctor didn't mention it, and I wonder why? I'll call today and ask. Thank you all for holding us up in thought and prayer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.C. Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 Nova and Harry, Even if the sleep was not the best, you woke up in the fighting mood, good for you. A few options were talked about yesterday, you may find more today....so one day at a time for now. Prayers and good wishes for the right choice. Hugs Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leela Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 (((Nova & Harry))) You are in my prayers. Keep that fighting spirit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 Keep that fighting spirit going!!! I am also so sorry to hear that distressing news. I was speechless when I read his results. I'm with Katie and pray the the Topotecan will work for him with miminal side effects. I can feel how mad you are and Iam in your corner there. I don't feel he should have used the word Hospice either. Prayers sent to your Harry.. Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JB Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 Nova, very sorry for this unfortunate turn. Praying that things will look up. Hang in there and keep fighting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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