CA is up & biopsy is positive

[jane65]

My oncologist just called, my CA is up another 30 points and is now 287. He spoke to the dermatologist who took the biopsy to diagnose the induration and it came back positive for cancer.
He said this show that the disease has progressed, even though my lymphedema is somewhat better.

The cancerous lymph nodes are in the pelvic area and the pubic area and it shows the Gemzar is not working. It's the 3rd chemo drug I've been on with no remission.

Monday we'll meet and discuss a new treatment plan. Obviously this is very distressing and frightening to me.

I'll keep you informed,
Jane

[jane65]

Hi Heidi,
Thanks, the encouragement is so necessary and I know the ladies here understand how I feel.
Take care of yourself,
Jane

[jane65]

Hi,
I assume that you've had tests to see why you're having those pains, if not don't let it go. Make sure your doctor orders whatever is necessary to make a diagnosis.

Pain is not normal, it tells us there is something to look into.

Thans for your kind words,
Jane

[jane65]

Hi Sue,
I appreciate the book information, I do follow a mostly healthy diet with lots of vitamins. My oncologist approved all of them before I started.

I'm so tired, and there are so many books, alternative treatments and I just can't deal with that. I've made the decision to put myself in my Oncologist's hands and together we'll decide my treatments.

This disease is just so wearisome both physically and mentally.

Take care,
Jane

[jane65]

Hi Pam,
I have not been on any estrogen blocker, but I'm putting it on my list of questions for my doctor.

I have been on Topo. and it was not a bad chemo and worked for 10 months. Then my CA began to climb and we went to Gemzar.

Thanks for your encouragement, I hope your friend does well.
Jane

[justscore]

Hoping you find answers and a treatment that WORKS!!  Keep your chin up, we are all here for you!!!

Heidi

[crab08]

I am so sorry about your news.  I am praying for you and praying that they find a treatment that you respond to.  Hang in there.  I sense your discouragement and stress though I am not qualified to fully understand.  Your situation touches me because I keep feeling pelvic and pubic pain though nothing is apparnet.  I pray that you can have peace while waiting for a plan.

[Sue838383]

Hi Jane,
You are a super star member and obviously have been a survivor for a few years, well done. I may be teaching my grandma to suck eggs. Have faith that there are new chemo agents all the time and the onocologists are amazing. I have just read a book by an Australian naturopath Katrina Ellis, called "Shattering The Cancer Myth" (2003) By Hinkler Books Pty Ltd. www.hinklerbooks.com  
I know it is a bit old, but you may be able to get it. She overcame her aggressive cancer with traditional, diet & suppliments. She gives brilliant summaries of whats out there without all the advertising jargon.It is the most comprehensive and professional books I've seen. Her approach almost seems too much, but hey, she survived.
I go through phases of reading books and sometimes I find it downright annoying when authors preach. This book was on my shelf from a friend and it jumped out at me last week. It seems she has written her naturopath notes (inside information)  I am a middle of the road girl myself but that gives me room to move and adjust my diet and approach when the time is needed. There are lots of known vitamins, herbs & minerals researched as reducing tumour size and clearing the lymphatics assisting traditional chemo. Hope this helps.

[nyc lady]

So sorry to hear this.  A friend of mine is also going through something similar.  She is going to Sloan to see if she can qualify for any trials.  If not, the next chemo will be topoteacan.  Have  you been on Femara, Arimidex, any of the estrogen blockers?

I hate this disease so much.

Hang in there....and try to be positive....as long as you still feel good, keep fighting, they will find something.

Pam