jaminkw Posted October 8, 2010 Share Posted October 8, 2010 I put my positive spin in this for the benefit of my immediate family but truth is, it's a real disappointment. The progression we've been denying in my abdomen is real. Three months gave it time to show itself difinitively and was read by a radiologist my onc has great faith in. Been thinking while lying in bed lately that this will be my first progression on chemo. If what I thought would happen happened, it would also mean my second remission lasted only a few months compared to my first, a year. Put it this way, I wasn't shocked or blown away with the news. It will be Tarceva if they can get the insurance issue worked out. Think I remember reading of this problem. Maybe it was Susan's Mom. Boy I'd really hoped to stay with Alimta for a long, long time. Then again, I'd been worrying lately about chemo every 3 wks for 3 yrs minus six months off. On chemo that long with the steroids added, I've been getting concerned about long term effects. Guess I can stop worry about that now. Looks like I have a few days before all the wrinkles are ironed out and my Tarceva gets to me in Key West. I plan on enoying them. Judy in KW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muriel Posted October 8, 2010 Share Posted October 8, 2010 Judy, I'm really sorry to hear about the progression. Hope you have good and quick results. Sounds like it wasn't a great trip to Orlando. Muriel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlemike Posted October 8, 2010 Share Posted October 8, 2010 So sorry about your latest news Judy. You are such a inspiration around here that sometimes I forget you are fighting your own battle. Heres hoping and praying that Tarceva will work its wonders for you like it has for so many others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ts Posted October 8, 2010 Share Posted October 8, 2010 Hi Judy, I know having your own bag of side effects is kind of better than anticipating the new ones, and I've been very vocal about the side effects from Tarceva - but I hope it works well for you and that you ride this thing for a long time. I'm still bad at skin care and I suffer secondary issues because of that - so be proactive in caring for yourself and may all the rest be gentle. Welcome to the club. If you need any help with the insurance thing, let me know. I'm pretty certain I understand it well (better than my Onc Social Worker!) Stephanie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sueliz61 Posted October 8, 2010 Share Posted October 8, 2010 Judy, I am so sorry to hear that this is the progression that we had all hoped was just a blip in the report. CRAP! I hope that Tarceva will be the miracle drug for you that it has been for many others .. and with few side effects. (((hugs))) Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted October 8, 2010 Share Posted October 8, 2010 Hang in there Judy and Prayin for great results from the Tarceva side !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric byrne Posted October 8, 2010 Share Posted October 8, 2010 Hi Judy, I just caught your news first thing this morning,didnt have the time to reply,couldnt let it lie until this evening to reply so I am taking a little time out at work to do so now. I am so sorry to hear of your results feedback,I was so hoping for better.I know you said it was not entirely unexpected,due to a previous report you posted in earlier,but none the less,I can only imagine how you are feeling .I know others here have had to share a similar experience,and for the rest of us,in the back recesses of our minds maybe something we may have to face also,hoping we can meet this event with courage and fortitude.I of course am optimistic that a new regime of treatment for you will have every success in promoting you with good health for many years ahead.I have read Stephanies experiences with Tarceva and felt her discomfort regarding the side effects she lives with,but she has coped wonderfully and without loss of a wry sense of humour and optimism for the future. I am wishing you every success in sorting out the strange arrangements you have in America regarding health insurance to fund your new drug requirements,I really find this aspect of American society alien to my culture in the UK and only wish that President Obama can make some inroads to make health care more readily available to every American citizen with less palaver(sorry its a Scottish word,cannot find it in the Oxford dictionary but basically it means fuss) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joppette Posted October 8, 2010 Share Posted October 8, 2010 Judy, This just plain sucks. I pray for the Tarceva to be gentle on you, and to put you in remission for good! I pray for healing. I pray for strength and courage as you face this new phase of your life. I'm just praying Judy. You are a strong woman, and an inspiration to many here. Thank you for that. Judy in MI Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce u Posted October 8, 2010 Share Posted October 8, 2010 Sorry to hear that the results were not what was hoped for Judy but tarceva has been the miracle drug for alot of people. So take a few days off, put on another hat and get back in the fight. You have been a pillar of support for myself and so many other's on this site. You have a big online family rooting for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaminkw Posted October 8, 2010 Author Share Posted October 8, 2010 Thanks all you members of my wonderful supportive family. This is the first chance I've had to get online this morning. Up early with the chickens to follow in the car while Stan drove the RV to Titusville for repairs. We've been driving around in the car looking at the Great Outdoors park here. Pretty cool. They have their own bank and post office and restaurants and the usual amenities--pool, tennis, golf course etc. The draw for us is the sites with florida rooms and/or shops and big carport roofs for pulling your RV under. Very, very nice. I was a bit out of it by the time I posted last night so will add a few details for those interested or coming in today. My lungs and chest wall are clear. Oddball that I am, it is still adenocarcinoma, it just moved to the abdominal wall which the onc says is a similar site. It also manifested as it did on the chest wall--a thickening along the wall of the abdomen, not a tumor. I'm glad we did the 3-mo interval. It gave it time to show itself definitively with an obvious thickening of the wall and a few nodes. I would have gone crazy with those 9 to 10 wk scans and the possibly, probably, maybes. I probably won't get started on the Tarceva til Tuesday, so in the meantime will be looking back at others posts for skin care. I will be getting a script from MDA. Don't know the name. Had to leave the script there is a foam version of something the hospital pharmacy doesn't have so I guess it's new. They will order it. Hope it works! Judy in KW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LovesLife Posted October 8, 2010 Share Posted October 8, 2010 Judy - I am so sorry to hear this news. Tarceva has worked for so many people and I will be praying hard that it will provide you many years of worry-free and minimal symptoms stability. You are such a rock for this community and are so loved. I wish I could do more than shoot off what sound like empty words, but I want you to know that with all my heart and soul I hope that Tarceva brings good results and peace of mind. Once again you are in the ring - take no prisoners! Enjoy your driving around...it sounds beautiful. Love and hugs, Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Libby Posted October 8, 2010 Share Posted October 8, 2010 Judy, I am so sorry to hear about your results. I also heard Tarceva works for a lot of people. You are an inspiration to everyone, expecailly me! I apprecialte your early morning posts they are inspirational and I get great joy reading them. I am praying for you right now and will continue. As they tell me "it is just another stumbling stone that you will be able to overcome." Keep us updated. Libby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bud Baker Posted October 8, 2010 Share Posted October 8, 2010 Dangit, this is definitely not what we wanted to hear. Here's hoping the Tarceva will keep it at bay for a very long time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annette Posted October 8, 2010 Share Posted October 8, 2010 I'll add my prayers (for what they are worth) and agree with everyone that says they offer all the virtual support they can. I know yours is one of the first stories I stumbled on and truly I read every post on here - I thought you and Ned were the best shoulders on here - although now I know of many others. So it is only fair that as each of us depends on you, you can depend on us - that's what this place is for - and look at all the people that have already offered their good thoughts to you. Just smile as you picture all our shoulders there for you (even though we will probably just be in your way as you fight your way through this to show us how it's done). I hope you know how much this "family" means to me - and how I would be so thankful if I could offer you even a small amount of support. Annette Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted October 8, 2010 Share Posted October 8, 2010 Well, Judy, this just stinks. The others have said all I would say - the sorry and the prayers and the support. But it just plain stinks. We both know Tarceva DOES work and HAS worked long term for many. Let's be optimistic that you are among those folks. Keep thos gloves on and your fists up, friend. LC is not for sissies and you are a true fighter. Will be keeping you thought and prayer. Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dianew Posted October 8, 2010 Share Posted October 8, 2010 Sorry to hear that the results were not what was hoped for Judy but tarceva has been the miracle drug for alot of people. So take a few days off, put on another hat and get back in the fight. You have been a pillar of support for myself and so many other's on this site. You have a big online family rooting for you. Judy - don't know that I can add anything to the above. I will be praying that the Tarceva stops this progression in its tracks for a long, long time. Diane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recce101 Posted October 9, 2010 Share Posted October 9, 2010 Judy, sorry the Alimta didn't work longer for you. My experience with it was sort of mediocre too. So it's on to Tarceva. First thing is to get well lubricated — your skin, that is. The foam stuff is new to me too. Can you let me know the name and how it's used when you find out? My best, Ned Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fillise Posted October 11, 2010 Share Posted October 11, 2010 Judy, I'm so sorry to read about the progression. Cancer sucks. I hope the Tarcwva will do the trick for you. Mom had skin issues UN the beginning. She used Ulcering facial moisturizer and some stuff that came in her Tarceva starter kit. You can buy it without a prescription but I don't remember the name. I'll be praying UT kicks some cancer butt for you! usan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted October 11, 2010 Share Posted October 11, 2010 (((Judy))), I can see that I don't get to this board near enough. My dear friend, I am so so sorry to be reading about the progression. You have been and are such an inspiration to so many . You have given so very much of yourself to this community and now it's time for you to take some of that support for yourself. You are dearly loved here and we want to do whatever we can for you as you face this new challenge with a new weapon from the arsenal. God be with you , Judy. I know I will be stepping up my prayers for you. Hope Tarceva is the silver bullet for you. Please keep us updated. Love, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JONESLADY Posted October 11, 2010 Share Posted October 11, 2010 Judy, Can't add anymore than whats already been said, just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and hope the Tarceva kicks it royally in the butt!!! Take care my friend, Bonnie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaminkw Posted October 11, 2010 Author Share Posted October 11, 2010 Thanks Sue and Bonnie. I posted a little blurb on FB the other day but never did see it. Knowing me, I probably forgot to hit "share." I'm really doing o.k. right now. No treatments lol. Not to make light of it (but why not?) but I am side-effect free until MDA settles the insurance issue. That's one good thing about being there. They have patient advocates or reps who deal with that stuff. Lucky me, huh? I plan on enjoying every single day until I have to start the Tarceva. Then you may see me back here whining like a baby! Judy in KW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted October 12, 2010 Share Posted October 12, 2010 Judy, many people have had almost miraculous results from Tarceva . I'm praying you will be one of them. You did well with Alimta and some people have had severe reactions to it. Everyone seems to react so differently to different drugs. Enjoy your time until you actually start and try to have positive thoughts. Lots of cyber hugs headed your way and prayers going up. Hugs, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann Posted October 12, 2010 Share Posted October 12, 2010 Judy, so very sorry to read this and hear the results weren't what we were all praying for. But...you're one tough little cookie and I'm not counting you out of this fight for one single minute!!! We have all read so many great things about Tarceva and I know it's going to do great things for you, my friend. You already know that you're going to remain in our thoughts and prayers. We'll be here for you, as you are always here for us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jstdzy Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 Sorry Judy. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Dana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Van55 Posted October 15, 2010 Share Posted October 15, 2010 Judy, I read about your not so great news over at Grace and didn't have time to post a reply. I really am sorry you have suffered a progression and I am putting up big time prayers that it reacts favorably to Tarceva and that you suffer zero side effects. Cyber hugs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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