Patti B Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 Well - here it is. The brain MRI is OK - I have no brain met!!! Yeah!!! But - altho the tumors in my lungs have not increased in size, there is increased activity in my lymph nodes AGAIN. The progression that I had in August was in my lymph nodes and now there is more. The doc was calling me from his cell phone from in his car and said that all he was able to access on his PDA (he was away from the Clinic today) was the written report from the radiologist. He wants to personally compare the August scan with this one and take measurements and will do that when he returns to work Monday morning. I have an appointment with him then. He told me to continue taking the Tarceva until Monday and then we will decide if I stay on it or not........What???? Has anyone ever heard of staying on Tarceva if the first scan showed some progression??? I have only been on it for 7 weeks and I swear I read somewhere that sometimes it takes 3 months to show any decrease in the cancer but of course now that I look for that article I cannot find it. I fricking hate cancer......I really do!!!!!!!! HUgs - Patti B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recce101 Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 Has anyone ever heard of staying on Tarceva if the first scan showed some progression??? Patti, I think it would depend to some extent on what the remaining treatment options are. If everything else is stable or improved, it might be reasonable to stay on Tarceva and rescan in a couple of months. Aren't there things other than cancer that can cause lymph nodes to become larger? Aloha, Ned Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 (((Patti))), Ok, first of all we have some good news to celebrate.. right? No brain mets is enough for a celebration. As for the rest, it seems that you are on hold until Monday when your doctor can see for himself about the rest. I think you need measurements, numbers, radiologists impressions etc. before you can decide what next. As for the timeline, I don't know , but IF there is progression, I would be open to options. Maybe you could ask Dr. West for his opinion. Hang in there girlfriend. It doesn't sound that bad from where I sit. Wish I could come there and REALLY sit with you... Lots of Hugs, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 I know nothing of Tarceva, Patti, BUT I 'fricking'' HATE cancer too . So sorry. Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaminkw Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 Patti, I'm with Sue. We're not exactly in the bad news camp yet. But I do get your frustration. It's the waiting. It makes us nuts but don't crawl into bed and pull the covers over your head unless you can sleep. Distraction helps make the time go by better if you're awake. Hanging in with you girl. Judy in Key West Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkelley Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 Hi Patti, I'm glad there are no brain mets As far as staying on the Tarceva, I know that one of the times that my dad was scanned while on it they did say there was maybe some slight progression and they had him stay on it a little while longer so that they could re-check and see if it was staying stable. Now, I don't know if that helps or not but that was our experience. Hang in there! I hate cancer too!! Tammy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MsC1210 Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 (((((Patti))))) I am sorry it was not good news and good news but as the others have said, there IS something to be said for no brain mets!!! Hang in there sweetie and know I am here if you need me.. You have my numbers! Love and hugs Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandraL Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 Hey there Patti. I am sorry it wasn't all good news. And even sorrier that you have to wait until Monday to discuss next steps. Don't they get that we just hate the waiting!!!! That for sure is something I am going to add to my lc from a survivor's perspective speech...don't make us wait!!! We hate it. I am choosing to remain hopeful until Monday as the written report does often not tell the real story. And even if there is growth, maybe you can still stay on Tarceva and if not, you know that there are other options if need be. It does suck big time to get any not good news. Cancer sucks for damn sure. Hang in there girlfriend...this too shall pass. Thinking of you Sandra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muriel Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 Patti, I'm sorry it wasn't all good news. But, on the brighter side, it really is good that the brain mets scare was just a scare. I'm sorry you have to wait until Mon. to find out what's going to happen next. Again, I suggest white zinf. Muriel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 Oh S H I T ! ! ! ! BUT, I am VERY HAPPY your empty headed!! HOORAY!!!!! So, give me a call gal-pal if you need an ear! ((((((((((PATTI)))))))))))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nonni Posted October 23, 2008 Share Posted October 23, 2008 Patti dear.....let's wait till Monday and see what your doctor say's...may not be as bad as you think....no brain mets is a good start for the report....and I hate this fricking disease to and I could speak plainer than that....grrrrrrrrrrrrr nonni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fillise Posted October 23, 2008 Share Posted October 23, 2008 Patti--the good news is that they scanned your head and there was nothing there! No wait, that didn't come out quite right. . . That's pretty good news and as for the rest. . . it will be what it will be (and I'm personally thinking it will be ok) so let's concentrate on the good news and have a drink to celebrate! I'll be waiting to hear the rest of the good new on Monday, Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.