Back from Chicago

[marie3B]

The whole trip could have been avoided.  All they did was get a quick summary of my case from me and give a suggestion for treatment.  Seems that she could have given her opinion on treatment to my onc when the two of them discussed my case.  I am not sure why I had to go there in person just to show her my records which had already been faxed up there.  Can you tell I am tired and grouchy from the long day of riding in the car and sitting in the waiting room?

The onc said that she doesn't want me to have Avastin since my colon already has a lesion coming through it.  The only way she would consider it for me is if I had an ostomy.  She doesn't think I should have surgery at this time.  She will recommend the colon cancer chemo and see if that works.

The PET scan results and the liver biopsy were not there yet.  She said that grade one cancer like mine does not respond to chemo and does not show up in scans very well.  Not even PET scans.  She said there may be alot more cancer in me than the one colon lesion and the tumor by my liver.

Her attitude was more negative than I expected.  She told me if ovca isn't gotten with the first round of chemo then there was no chance of a full response.  It may be true with my type, but I don't agree that is the case with all types of ovca.

My home-town onc gave me much more hope than this one.  She may still want me to have surgery and that is what I think might be best.  I left there today feeling I have been knocked down.  But I will get back up and keep fighting this even though she obviously feels it's not worth my effort.

Thank you all for helping me through all of this.  Love, Marie

[ireneo]

Well, it certainly sounds like a plan is set in place. It's so much better to have something to do instead of all the waiting and listening to doctors cogitate and ruminate. I've never heard of a power port but I hope it works twice as well as the regular types. Hugs

[bohan54]

I for one will NEVER give up on YOU!!
Love,
Sharon

[abrite]

Hooray! I am so glad there is a plan in place and that you have a doctor who cares about you as a person and is an advocate for what is best for you. Keeping you in my prayers!

[marie3B]

I have returned from my Peoria onc appointment feeling much better than I felt after leaving Chicago.  My onc had not yet heard from the U of Chicago onc, but had a plan of action of her own ready.  She was thinking that since I have had so much time since chemo without detectable signs of recurrence that I am platinum sensitive to some degree.  She wanted to try Carboplatin and Taxotere.  I told her the other onc wants to try the oxiliplatin 5fu combo and was sending my slides and discs to the tumor board next Wednesday.  My doc wants to get the recommendations from the full tumor board before deciding which to use.  She may or may not go with their advice.  Since she seems more confident in helping me than the other one I told her I would go with what she chooses.  She also said that surgery will be part of my treatment.  That I agreed with 100%.  Why leave anything in if it can be cut out??  She will do some chemo first, check the results, remove what is left then finish chemo.  Sounded like the way to go to me.  When I told her the other doc was so negative she assured me that I will be ready to give up long before she will be ready to give up on me.  That really made me feel better. I go next Friday to have a power-port put in.  Then on 3/2 I start chemo with whatever agents she decides to try.  That is the plan.  Sorry to go on and on, but if you could see how hyper I am right now it would make more sense.  Thank you everyone for all of your help.  Love, Marie

[cirella]

Dear Marie...never give up hope.  I am so, SO sorry that the doctor in Chicago left you feeling a little hopeless.  You are a fighter.  I say stick to your ONC and don't go back to the Chicago one.  Who needs that???

Love you,
L

[jane65]

You have such a positive attitude and you're a fighter, and obviously well educated in this damn disease! I know you won't just sit back!
I agree with Flicka, she gave me a smile too, "poop" on that Chicago Dr., their politics are a mess there also.
We'll be waiting to hear what your oncologist and you decide is the next best step for you.
Jane