Patti B Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 Hi everyone- Just thought I would update whats going on in my life. As some of you may remember, I had a horrible CAT scan on July 1st that showed quite a bit of progression so on July 2nd, they gave me my first dose of Gemzar. The following week, I had a precautionary MRI of the brain which unfortunately showed three small mets. So they had to stop the chemo and I had 15 rounds of whole brain. I was freaking over that, and of course of losing my hair again. I think I focused a lot on the hair thing because I didn't want to admit what was really bothering me. The first day of radiation - I had a melt down. What would become of me??? Would I still be me or would I be someone else?? What long term effects would I have??? Would I lose so much short term memory??? Just the words whole brain radiation sound horrid. Well, the radiation went off without a hitch. Only two days that I slept a little more than usual. I did have to be put on decadron for some headaches and earaches but nothing that I couldn't handle. Of course I lost all my hair and my head is sunburned. I have been done with the radiation for two weeks and I feel great!!! So then last week they called and said I could start back to chemo this Monday but wanted me to have a baseline CAT scan. Once again, I began to panic. 8 weeks of no chemo after having a terrible scan and only one dose of a 6th line chemo agent..........crap.........I was so worried about liver mets, etc. What are the chances of nothing going wrong here. And I have this habit (my PA calls me weird) that when I feel good I have a bad scan, and when I feel awful I have a good one - who knows why!!! Well.......I must have an angel somewhere. CAT scan showed only a tad bit of progression in my right lung, none in my left, AND - shrinkage in my lymph nodes!!!! How can that be???? Not that I am complaining, but there must have been someone, something, looking out for me this time!!! I guess I better not refer to Gemzar as some lowly 6th line chemo agent anymore, huh???? I hope everyone is having as good a week as I am - cause I can't stop smiling!!! Hugs - Patti B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaminkw Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 Patti, I'm smiling all over for you too! What have we been telling you. You'll make Nick's HS graduation and college graduation too. You go girl!!! Judy in Key West Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carleen Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 Oh boy Patti, what an emotional roller coaster. I am so VERY happy to hear that your scans were so good, and more importantly you are feeling great after your WBR. I am sure that there are so many people facing the same treatments ahead that will read your post and find comfort knowing that you faced those demons head on, and came through them without a hitch, and they can too. That they are not alone in those thoughts and feelings. I remember Keith had the same fears before going into WBR. As well as fears of there being "something in his head" to begin with. His biggest fear was whether he'd still be himself, and whether he'd even know or not if he changed. he really didn't want to become mean or hurtful to me and the people he loved, which he heard sometimes can happen with brain tumors. It is great to see that you are here, unchanged, and the same sweet Patti we all love. This is such great news! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnyde Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 Patti, This is terrific news. Earl had that WBR right after he had brain surgery. Of course he lost his hair, but I think that is different for a man. But he really had no long lasting effects other than a little dizziness. The news from your CAT scan is wonderful. You must be flying high. It sounds like your doctors are very thorough. Ok, what college is Nick going to? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick C Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 Patti, this is an incredibly positive update!!!! Awesome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alisa Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 Wow, what great news! I can't stop smiling for you ..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alisa Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 Ooops, I meant to use this: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 Well good for you, Patti. That sounds like a great report and greater yet that you are feeling well. I understand the worry, anxiety, and yes ~ even torment we all go through here. I hope we can all keep our eyes on the prize and remember that there ARE those who beat the odds ~ yes ~ even Stage IV, and hang around to pester the rest of us for many years. For some reason, I just have that vibe when I read your updates, Patti. I sure expect you to be around getting into some kind of trouble for a LONG long time. and I'd be glad to be right there beside you doing it. I hope you continue doing so great! Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jstdzy Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 Geez Patti!!! That was GREAT!!!! Sorry you had to get emotionally hammered to get there! Yeah!!!! Dana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patti B Posted August 26, 2009 Author Share Posted August 26, 2009 Ginny- We don't know yet. We will be going college shopping this year. When I was first dx'd, that was the goal to see Nick graduate from HS. I think thats why Judy said now maybe college, too. And of course, if I am lucky enough to make that HS graduation, I will want more and more and more!!! Hugs - Patti B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fillise Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 Way to go Patti!!!! I'm thrilled that the WBR was not as bad as you feared and overjoyed that you got shrinkage/no progression on your scan. After than July scan--you deserved every bit of this good news! Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caren Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 Patti - I am smiling with you!! This is a fantastic update. I am so happy for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cat127 Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 Outstanding to hear Patti!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandraL Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 Keep on smiling my friend. An angel is shining down on you! Sandra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recce101 Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 That's terrific, Patti — you're quite a trooper! Much Aloha, Ned Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michellep Posted August 27, 2009 Share Posted August 27, 2009 Yes, you do have angels watching over you Patti! We're all here sending our prayers each and every day! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlemike Posted August 27, 2009 Share Posted August 27, 2009 Two thumbs up Patti! If I had four thumbs I would give you four thumbs up but darnit I only have two. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ts Posted August 27, 2009 Share Posted August 27, 2009 Perhaps "bottoms up"? I'm buying a round. Congrats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barb73 Posted August 27, 2009 Share Posted August 27, 2009 Patti, Add in my two thumbs up, as well. I think that will give you four. What good news. The WBR hasn't done anything scarily untoward to Bill either (knocking on wood/my head), and his was more than 2 years ago. You go girl, and get to as many future graduations as you wish. Don't forget there's Graduate School, as well. Keep that spirit going. We love all that spunk going for us here at LCSC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted August 27, 2009 Share Posted August 27, 2009 (((Patti))) Such great news!!! You have me smiling with you... You go girl. Hugs, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce u Posted August 27, 2009 Share Posted August 27, 2009 I've already said this in email Patti but nothing wrong with saying it again. Congratulations !!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fighting4mom Posted August 27, 2009 Share Posted August 27, 2009 Patti, I am so VERY glad to read your good news and report. You are an inspiration! Keep on keepin' on!! Best to you, Kimberly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outrider1 Posted August 27, 2009 Share Posted August 27, 2009 Patti, Great news!!!!!!!. from me and the rest of the Bald is Beautiful bunch (whoever they maybe, past and present). I have had some ear congestion(feeling like they are clogged up like with a cold) and a little hearing loss (temporary I hope). As far as cognitive problems, I started noticing that right after chemo, so I can't attribute that to PCI (which WBR as well). And headaches, of course. I have stepped down off of my steriods so that may be the reason for the headaches. I am so glad you got a good scan and report. Now you can enjoy yourself without the worry. Sending prayers that chemo goes as smoothly for you. Dawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bud Baker Posted August 27, 2009 Share Posted August 27, 2009 That's great news, Patti. Way to hang in there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbb Posted August 28, 2009 Share Posted August 28, 2009 {{{{{Patti}}}}} What fabulous, uplifting news, I'm thrilled for you! Now get yourself some sunscreen and enjoy the rest of the summer!!! Barbb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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