Back in the Fighting Ring

[gah_70]

I'm currently in Houston for an MD Anderson visit. Spoke with my doctor today and it seems I have a new mass behind the pelvic wall close to my colon. Being a holiday week, there isn't any way to get a radiotherapist to see me, so I will return in 3 weeks for a biopsy. They will send a sample off for CARIS testing, which among other things will tell us grade and "target point now" receptors. That will enable my doc to determine the best course of treatment. Since my last recurrence was low grade, they think this might be as well. If that's the case, surgery is likely since low grade doesn't respond to chemo. So, once again its a waiting game!

Gail

[hopeshell]

Gail,

I am so sorry you are having to deal with this!!! You are in my thoughts and prayers.  You are my birthday buddy and we have to beat this!!! Please keep us updated on how you are doing!!!

Love,

Shelly :)

[kfc48]

Thinking only good and positive thoughts.  Praying that you will receive good news. Hugs, Kathy

[Jane39]

Keeping you in my heart Gail, and hoping that you get nothing but positive news.

Hugs!!


Jane

[dawnlyn]

I just wanted you to know that I am holding you in my thoughts and prayers....I am so hoping you hear good news next week.......Love, Dawnlyn

[ireneo]

Prayers, hugs and wishing on every star for you.

[gah_70]

Thanks to you all for the kind wishes. I got back from Houston today. Was hoping to have some news before I came home but no such luck. I also have no idea if they were able to get enough to send off for the specialized testing. The radiotherapist explained that the location of the mass made it hard because they are limited by the size of the needle. They weren't even sure they'd be able to get to it at all until I was on the table. I know they got enough cells for their tests, though, so I'll at least know if its high or low grade. My doctor is interested in trying a clinical trial, and I'm not sure how I feel about that just yet. But, until I know more, I can't really make a decision. Hope to hear something early next week.

I'll post when I know more. Thanks again...

Gail

[dian07]

Just want you to know I am thinking of you, as well.  I am looking forward to some good news when you are able to get back to the computer.
Take it easy....take care of you, girl.
Peace.
dian

[nyc lady]

I know that according to Gail's Facebook, she is at MD Anderson now.  I am sure that she will post more info as soon as she can.

[Jane39]

Hi Gail, any update on your plan of attack or surgery dates?  You've been in my thoughts.  Stay positive.  With my last bout, my tumor was sitting on the back of my stomach on top of my pancreas, very hard spot, could of been a nightmare of a surgery, when the doc was telling me that their could be the possibility of removing my spleen, part of my pancreas, etc.  Luckily the little bugger was sitting on on the medial lining, popped right out, no attachment, no spread, nothing else had to be removed.  
So if it has to come back, make it early and easy to get out, right?
Hugs and Prayers!!

Jane

[lvfrogs]

Just reread what I wrote. Saying "that's it" didn't come out right and I am sorry for that. I just want them to be able to operate and it's all gone!!

[lvfrogs]

Just saw this Gail. I hate to hear this but I do know you are strong and a fighter, so am praying for it to be low grade and not spread, they can operate and that's it. Please keep us updated. I will be thinking of you and keeping you both in my prayers! Much love!

[kfc48]

I am so sorry to hear that you are going through this again.  We have to accept this as a chronic illness and believe there are solutions for each problem.  I know you will get through this and come out on top.  

[gah_70]

Presumably surgery would take care of this particular mass. It's the only one that showed up in the scan although there are lymph nodes growing, too. It's in a hard place to reach so the radiotherapist will look at the scan between now and then and will discuss with me the day before how he plans to go in for the biopsy. I don't know how long results will take but I'll see my doc the day after the biopsy to hopefully come up with a preliminary course of action.

[ireneo]

So if it's low grade, will they do surgery to remove it and you'll be in clear for awhile? I know, my ignorance is showing but I'm wishing for whatever is easiest for you.

[Jane39]

Oh Gail, I am so sorry.  Plain and simple, this *****! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, but we all know you are strong and a SURVIVOR.  Kick it to the curb girl.  Please keep us updated.  

Jane