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Things are Looking Up

Jul 10, 2008 10:48AM - 8 comments

I went to visit my local Oncologist (Dr. A) yesterday.  It was rather funny, because it is obvious he finally realizes he won't be making my treatment choices anymore.  He had a sheepish grin on his face and asked, "Um, how was Houston?"  He was faxed a copy of my CT scans which showed I am stable, so he didn't even do a CA125 this time.  I explained to him I would be on Aromasin for the next few months, and then return to MDA to have all my tests done again.  I never got any kind of argument out of him, which I thought I might get.  The only thing of concern is that my platelet counts are still lower than normal.  They aren't in the danger range by any means, but it is something I will have to watch.  I did have him contact the O2 company to cancel my prescription.  It will be good to have the machine and all evidence of it out of my house!

Yesterday afternoon, I saw my Pulmonologist at the Respiratory Disease Clinic.  I had a Pulmonary Function Test, as well.  I am much improved; however, there is still a slight problem.  He told me they were able to rule out the bad stuff, like Emphysema, COPD, and asthma.  My problem is not obstructive.  It is, however, restrictive.  When I take a deep breath, my lungs don't fill up completely.  At this point, we don't know if it will get better with time, and the longer I am off IV chemo, but I have already made a great improvement in the past month.  He thinks there are probably still pockets of fluid in my chest that may be causing it (but that didn't show up on my last CT).  He gave me a prescription for Advair and told me I may eventually get off that if I do show more improvement.  Told me to keep an inhaler close by just in case, too.  But, I haven't ever had a sudden onset like an asthma patient might have.  Anyway, things are looking better, all in all.  I don't have to go back to see him until October, when I will get my flu and pneumonia shots.

Knock on wood, I don't have to see any more doctors until August 13!  What a lovely thought!

Gail    

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by PF_PVD, Jul 10, 2008 10:59AM
Gail, this is good news!  Congratulations on getting rid of the oxygen accessories but mostly on feeling better.  That's what really matters, isn't it?  And no doctors for an entire month.  My, that is a luxury.  I am currently in the literally three times a week trips to the hospital phase for chemo, onc visits, labs, shots, transfusions, etc.  And trying to work too!  I am having major platelet issues and my onc believes it is due to the fact I had almost no recovery time from the taxotere and then being hit again with the current carbo/gemzar.  Yours could have the same issue from your taxotere.  Hopefully your count will creep up.  Anyway, great news!  Hugs...Paula

by PF_PVD, Jul 10, 2008 11:05AM
Gail, forgot to post this link to a short abstract which you may find of interest:  Paula

Gemcitabine Pulmonary Toxicity in Ovarian Cancer
http://tinyurl.com/5vqp74



by nyc lady, Jul 10, 2008 11:12AM
Gail - I am checking now so I don't have to ask later on the BBBC.

Glad to hear that it is easier to breathe and that issue is clearing up.  I hope that the new durg does what it is supposed to.

Love you,
Pam

by vegas2cr, Jul 10, 2008 01:11PM
Gail what great news... yes yes... I was on advair please look for skin rashes and loss of balance... also I was on singulair and xopenex... was able to come off recently.. I have severe asthma made worse by stress from chemo. as you know I am okay now.. but advair did have some strange reactons for me... hugs and love Ronni

by Gatsby, Jul 10, 2008 02:16PM
Gail, so glad to hear your good news.  Enjoy your break.  Love ya, Kid!!
~Tascha

by Hindat, Jul 10, 2008 02:21PM
That is great news, Gail.   I am so happy that are things are getting better for you.  Hopefully you won't have to many side effects with this new medicine.   I have my appt on Aug 13th also.  I hope I get a better report this time then the last one.  
Take care.

Linda

by Jan214, Jul 10, 2008 03:03PM
I am sure you are greatly relieved on so many levels.  I know you love getting rid of that tank.  I think a couple of months off of hard core chemo would do you a world of good.  I don't think people should jump from one harsh treatment to the next without taking time to rejuvenate in between.  You will be fit as a fiddle for our get together than won't you?  I can't wait for that BTW.  Take good care of yourself and try to have some fun while you are getting this break.  Oh, I am a little confused about the Aromasin.  My MIL used it for 3 yrs or so and that was after she had used the Tamoxifen for 2 or 3 years.  I don't remember which she took for 2 yrs and which she took for 3 yrs, but it was a total of 5 yrs and she took the Aromasin after the Tamoxifen.  What is the advantage of taking it with ovca and do you have to take it for years or just until you go back for your tests?  How are the side effects of the pills vs IV chemo?  Sorry, I just don't know much about the pills.  
Life is good, have some fun.
Love ya
Jan

by gma718, Jul 10, 2008 03:54PM
So Happy for you Gail...My prayers and thoughts are with you..Gia :)

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