Sharing a Little Good News

[gah_70]

Today started off to be a bad day.  I was already hurting when I woke up.  As I've mentioned before, I am on Aromasin, and Aromatase Inhibitor.  It's easier than IV chemo, but one of the side effects is bone pain.  Since I work, I can't really start popping pain pills first thing, and then drive to work (my commute is nearly an hour).  It was bad enough that this afternoon, one of my co-workers drove me home, and another followed us in my car.  I had an appointment to get my port flushed, so after I got home, my dad came to get me and took me to the doctor's office.  They let me sit back in the treatment room so I would be more comfortable.  When the chemo nurse came back to get started on my port, she said, "I checked your chart to see what your tumor marker was last time to see if the pain is worth it.  It's down to 35."  As bad as I felt, I couldn't help but smile!  That's down from 64 last month, and 196 in June. They use an assay where 0-20 is normal instead of the usual 0-35...so I can't say I'm in the normal range just yet, but I feel like it won't be too much longer before I am.  I know there are other Aromatase Inhibitors I can try that may not cause the pain, but I feel like this is the one for me since it is doing such a good job.  I'll just have to manage the pain as best I can.  

Gail :)  

[Tybear]

Hey Gail - I can't tell you how happy I am to hear you GREAT news! We really needed a pick-me-up around here...
I'm glad they found out what was causing all of your pain...is it easily controlled? I was taking a long acting hydro/morph/contin and it didn't "zombie" you out like some other pain pills do...that might be an option for those of us who can't be comatose!
Have you ever thought of acupuncture or anything? I tried it once...I'm sure it would have helped more had I continued on with it. I know it's sounds stupid, but I was just so sick of nurses coming by the house that having one more person every week was too much for me...
Anyways, it looks like your headedin the right direction...I hope you continue on that path towards NED!
Love ya,
Becky

[lucymullis]

so glad to get an update.  I have been thinking for you.  Hope you have that prescription  by now.

[gah_70]

Kept telling myself the pain I've felt this week was a little more than just regular bone pain.  My left knee had so much pain, it felt like fire.  So I went back to the doc today.  Saw my Primary Care doc because I knew he's do x-rays and such.  So, I found out the pain has been worse because I have gout in my knee.  I've had it in my toes, feet, and ankles, and fingers, but never in my knee.  Makes perfect sense, too, given the kind if pain it is, and that I can't bend my knee.  So that answers that question.  Now, if they can only find the prescription they called in for me, I'll be set!

Gail

[kmccarthy]

Every small battle that is won contributes to us winning the war. Congratulations! Let's keep the good news coming.

Kelly

[marie3B]

Makes me feel pretty darn good, too!  Love, Marie

[dian07]

Hey there kid...I am so glad to learn your numbers are declining.....and so sorry to learn of your bone pain.  I know how bad that can be.  I do hope someone will have worthy suggestions for you in Houston.  
As has already been said; You are an incredible woman!
Congrats on your successes!
Peace.
dian

[Sharon2714]

w00h00 ... way to go gail !
Praise God
Love,
Sharon

[gah_70]

Thankfully it isn't constant.  If I take Lortab, it helps.  It's just the fact I can't take Lortab all the time since I have to drive.  But if I need to, I can call work and they'll send someone to come get me and take me home (again, I have to thank God for the coworkers He gave me).  I kind of think the weather has a lot to do with it, too.  Today was cool and damp, and just like any bone ache, that makes it a little worse.  My doc in Houston said he would look at the possibility of putting me on Boniva at my next visit.  I think things will gradually improve.  I'm on the verge of reaching remission #2, which is something not a lot of OvCa survivors reach.  That in and of itself is something that makes me feel pretty darn good.

Gail  

[marie3B]

I hope they can help with the pain.  Is it constant, or are you relieved of pain some of the time?  I hope it will improve for you.  I am just so happy with the good results.  Marie

[gah_70]

Thank you ladies for your kind words.  It does help to know the pain is not all in vain.  I go back to Houston in 6 weeks, so while I'm there, and I am going to do a consult at the pain management center.  They might have some ideas for me that don't necessarily involve medication, or maybe they can help me better use the medication I have.  I'm hoping they can also help me get up off my arse and move around a little more, because I know that would help, too. I have plenty of motivation knowing you all are behind me, and also in the memory of those we have lost and are about to lose.  

I'm praying all of you start getting some better news, too.  Nothing is sweeter to my ears than hearing something is going right for once.  Thanks again for all your support.  I honestly couldn't do this without every one of you.

Love,
Gail

[Terrin2]

Happy for you......

[Angie_Lou]

Fabulous news on your number count.  Hope you find the right "formula" to keep the pain at bay.  I would like to hope the news on your number helps ease some of the physical pain, but, if not, pretend.  It's absolutely great news when the numbers start working in the right direction.

My best to you, Angie

[nyc lady]

Gail - thanks for making me smile!!!  I love good news!!!!  Lets hope that number keeps on falling!!!!!!

Love you,
Pam

[JC145]

I guess this is a situatioin where "no pain, no gain" is appropriate.  Congratulations on your great # .. I know how absolutely exhilerating that is.  Hope you can find something to manage the bone pain,  Bless You, Judy

[jlock]

Congrats on the lower numbers...I know they will keep coming down for you and then you will be with NED forever. ~~~~Joanne

[bohan54]

Gail,
I truly admire you for continuing to work thru all this.  Decreasing numbers is what it's all about, eh?  Mine is going down very slowly, now at 104 but better than 2900!  We have to celebrate whatever victories we can get!
Sharon

[TrudieC]

Congratulations!  Fantastic news!

[vegas2cr]

Hey Gail what great news.. My oncologist also used the under 20 test too...The main thing is that you are heading in the right direction down...now how funny does that sound when I say you are heading down..... so glad to hear that.. Ronni  

[Jan214]

Oh Gail, that is glorious news.  My onc uses that 20 thing too, but fooey, yours came down a LOT & it seems headed in the right direction. I am just so tickled for you.  You always look "mahvelous dahling", but I must say you looked so much better this last weekend than the time before that.  Of course not having oxygen tanks helps and being able to breathe always improves your looks, mood and general health.  : -)   What was it you said the other day, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" so I am with you, stick with it. I sent you an email on the pain thing.  Take care of you and do what you have to do.
Love,
Jan

[SimplyStar]

Oh Gail  I am so glad to hear this, you made my day.  I want all of you to get those numbers under control and even tho you hurt sometimes, keep up the good work and keep smiling.   Marty

[Janet535]

Congratulations Gail,

It's always so uplifting to read/hear good news. I hope you continue to go from strenght to strength!!!
Best wishes, Janet

[Brownie3321]

Yay Gail!! That is great news. You keep it up sweetie. Love, D

[yrrek]

Nice! You are surviving and working thru it all.  You are amazing.

Kerry

[crecco]

Gail, that is just great and hey, you are so close to normal that I consider it there.
  What a way to brighten up a yucky day!
     Way to go!
        Chris