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

[marie3B]

Wow!  I woke up this morning and came straight to the computer.  Glad I did.  After reading this from all of you I feel like my batteries have been super-charged.

Jan,  They did take my b/p up there and weigh me.  Other than that they just flipped through some of my records and gave the suggestion on a chemo to try.  I go see my own onc today.  I want to get going and do something.  I know my body and I feel the tumors growing.  No, they haven't used pet scans to follow me.  The first one of those I had was last week and have not been told what it shows.  Ct found the tumor near the liver on the last scan, but til then it didn't show up.  The Chicago doc said my tumor type probably won't show much on the PET because of the low grade cell type.  No one else has ever told me that.  Also said Ct not reliable for me.  She said there is no tumor marker blood test for me and no reliable scan for me. I guess I am a difficult case.  That figures.  

Flicka,  You really gave me a laugh....a much needed one.

Love, Marie

[Flicka0459]

Marie, I say poop on the Doctor in Chicago.  You have a positive attidude and you can fight this.  You may be tired right now, because of your trip, but keep following your local doctors advice.  Do whatever it takes to beat this thing down.  We will be right here to help you. You are always in my prayers

GO MARIE!!!!!!!

Love, Lisa

[Jan214]

Marie, I am really sorry you were subjected to all of that.

I'm with Gail. What DID they do while you were there? Did they take your BP, do blood work, something?

When my onc told me the possible side effects of Avastin (perforated bowel, etc.) it about scared me silly, but I agree that you should go for the surgery if it will buy you some more time for the Avastin or something else to start working.  By the way, the Dr who says it isn't worth it for this or that surgery has never had to fight for just one more day with his/her spouse, child, mother, etc or they would know that it IS worth it.

How have you been gauging your tumor growth if the PET scans have not been working well?

I hope you are taking care of yourself and that the others in your life for whom you have done so much are pitching in a little more to help you out.  Take care honey and you will continue to be in my prayers.
Love,
Jan

[Sandymac]

Marie, you must be flat out exhausted. I'm so sorry you had to put up with all of this.. Hoping tomorrow will look better for you and you can get some plans in order to kick this thing in the teeth.. !!!

Take care,
Love, Sandy

[dawnlyn]

I am so sorry for the Doctor's negativity....But I am so glad you are positive...As always you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Dawnlyn

[gls2824]

Marie, I can't believe the doctor spoke to you that way!  I don't really care that some of them feel they need to be "detached" in order to do their job.  That's bulls***t!  Part of being a healer is dealing with the patients emotional needs as well.

There are great doctors everywhere, not just in the big cities.  I'm sure your hometown physician knows what to do and how to get you through this.