bunny Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 UPDATE: Hey everyone. Thanks for the prayers and good wishes. So Suki is participating in a clinical trial where a drug called Dasatinib will be added to her regiment after she's been back on Tarceva for 4 weeks. Basically, the new drug, approved for treatment of other cancers, is being used to, hopefully, overcome the resistance most people (including my mother, based on blood and tissue test) build up after some time on Tarceva. The side effects of Tarceva will be harder on her than last time because her dose will be higher. The side effects of the Dasatinib, when added, are potentially more like those associated with traditional chemo, but still not (hopefully) as bad as we feared. Of course, there is a small chance of serious side-effects. So she starts Tarceva this week, gets a lung and brain scan on 3/10 and, assuming all is well, will start the 2nd drug that day. The trial is being done by her regular oncologist (Kris) and Dr. Miller at MSK. Here is a link to the trial, for those interested: http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/2270.cfm?IRBNO=06-143 Suki is doing OK. She is tired and still has left-side weakness in her leg and a lot of mental fuzziness. We had been attributing these symptoms to the after-effects of the WBR, but when we met Dr. Miller on Friday, his fellow seemed to think it was more likely disease. Which is disappointing, because the whole point of the WBR was to shrink the lesions in her spine and brain to alleviate her symptoms. Tough Girl Bunny had a very hard time after the appointment Friday, because I was so disturbed by something that happened. The doctors were discussing how difficult it is to treat leptominingial mets. Suki reacted to the news that there was cancer in cerebro-spinal fluid as if she were hearing it for the first time, even though we've been discussing it for months. It just seemed so cruel that she had to go through hearing bad news again and again like that. Also, I am feeling very overwhelmed by this power of attorney stuff. I can't stress enough how important catastrophic planning is. Suki hadn't done any, and I have no idea how we're going to keep her in her apartment longterm. So that's where we are. Keeping the faith, enjoying each others company and putting one foot in front of the other. Love to all. Amie -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi all. Suki met with her medical onc. today to get the results of a lung scan done Monday and hear his recommendations for treatment now that she's finished whole brain radiation and radiation to her spine (14 concurrent treatments). Unfortunately, there is evidence of disease in a lymph node in her lung. We thought that was the worst news we could get but Dr. Kris said he's not "impressed", that it doesn't change how he wants to treat her. So she'll go back on Tarceva and may qualify for a Tarceva-based trial, as well, which would combine another drug or some other version of Tarceva. Initially she'll take 100mg a day. If that's unsuccessful and she's not in another protocol, they will load Tarceva. If that doesn't work, they will look into other chemos. I have a lot more to say in general but that's the update and I have to get back to work. Love to all of you. Keep Suki in your prayers. She needs them. Amie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 (((Bunny & Suki))), Bunny, Tarceva has really work wonders for many. I will most certainly keep Suki in my prayers. Please keep us updated. Hugs, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolhg Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 PRAYING!!! Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jyoung20 Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 Hi Bunny, It sounds like a good plan!! Your mom is in my prayers! God Bless! J-me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBeth Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 Amie, I'm sorry Suki's results were not better. It sounds like you have a great doctor on your side and a plan. I will be thinking of you all as Suki begins her treatment. As always, you are in my prayers, as is your mom. Love, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MsC1210 Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 ((((Bunny and Suki)))) Lots of thoughts and prayers for you.. Christine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 Prayers to you both! Wendy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 Sending prayers to Suki Amy, Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 Hi, honey. Hugs for Suki, Levi, Davey the Irish and YOU. Faithful prayer daily. Love P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaminkw Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 Bunny, I'm sending many healing thoughts Suki's way. I don't know much about trials but it sounds like you have a great doc with a terrific attitude. Keep us posted. Judy in Key West Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandraL Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 Lots of prayers for Sukie for successful treatments. Thanks for the update. Sandra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolhg Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 PRAYING!!! Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilliBr1 Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 Prayers for both of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 Uploading hugs and support from here. Hold on, honey. Hug Levi and know you are loved. P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LovesLife Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 Adding my prayers. Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 Sending best thoughts and prayers. This journey can be to trying at times. Hope the love and support here helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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