Well, for the most part my CT scan showed fairly positive results. My lungs remain clear, with no additional disease and no fluid, no new areas of problems....... My head (which the last doc threw in either for good measure or to freak me out, which worked like a charm) is clear, as are all my other organs, liver etc.... no new areas of cancer. All very good.
I do, however, have one area that is a problem, and that is the mediastinel lymph nodes (they are easist thought of as sort of surrounding the lower part of the esophagus). They have shown slight growth. Hard to say if it counts "officially as progression" but it doesnt really matter as it is causing me trouble with symptoms, and therefore unacceptable.
These nodes seem to be pushing on something important, creating an urge to cough and also a real problem with shortness of breath, and shortness of breath with even minimal exertion. This has been getting worse for me especially over the last month, and both have become somewhat unbearable. Episodes of either (terrible cough, and/or shortness of breath) are scary and exhausting.
SO........ I move on to try another chemo, this time it is Navelbine. And we all hope for the best. If the Navelbine shrinks these nodes, then all will be well, at least for awhile. My oncologist is also looking into the possibility of radiation to those nodes. It would be a large area to radiate and so may not be possible, especially given the radiation I have already had, but I guess we will see what the raditaion oncologist thinks.
This particular news has hit me hard, harder than previous CTs, for some reason. My biggest sadness is that I am now SO limited in what I can do and I must try to use my wheelchair for everything, to avoid getting short of breath. It is managable, but it feels horrible to me. I'm trying to stay calm because crying just makes breathing harder, and therefore I'm limiting my conversations until I get more adjusted to this new reality.
I will most certainly read the blog, but for those who do not post answers (or who are sick of posting, Lord knows that is a legitimate option) I've also put my email address in the margin. I will get myself over to the computer (or use a laptop) every few days.
So.... I start the new drug on Monday.... and I really need it to work!!!!! It seems odd that lymph nodes could be causing all this trouble even when my lungs are fine, but there it is, this can be a cruel and unusual disease!
Love to all, Joanne
7 comments:
Joanne:
I was glad to see that some of the results were positive but sorry to hear that others gave you mixed results. I hope that the new drug on Monday will be the starting point of something better. I will continue to pray for you. Thinking of you often. I am sending positive thoughts your way. Take care.
Carla
HI Joanne, I am so sad to hear this news. I know how much you like to live life and lately this has not been possible.I will be praying that this new chemo gives you some relief and enables you to have more energy to enjoy whatever you want. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you now. I hope that you can feel a BIG warm Hug and kiss on your cheek.
Lots of Love, Loretta
Hi Joanne! Thanks for the update - this is certainly a "mixed bag" of news. I'm sure you must get very discouraged at times and I hope the prayers of all of us help to "raise you up" at those moments. It is encouraging, though, that your scan showed no other problems. We sincerely hope that the new chemo regime works to give you some relief so that you can start to enjoy each day more. With lots of love and the promise of continued prayers - N & L, Calgary
Dear Joanne, It is a cruel and unusual disease. I am glad the scan results were, for the most part, good. The 'unbearable' symptoms must be very difficult. I continue to pray for you and send positve thoughts to "raise you up" and bring some relief. Lots of love and support. Claire
Hi Joanne,
What a drag! I am sorry to hear the bad news. I really enjoyed the good news and I hope that can keep you strong through all of this. My prayers are with you today as you begin your next treatment. Fingers and toes crossed as well.
It may be cold outside but the sun is shining down on you.
Love Jill
Hi Joanne,
Just a quick note to say that we'e thinking of you often with love and caring. It must be horrid to be so short of breath and have trouble breathing. Perhaps the new round of "chemo" can bring you some relief.
Gen
P.S. - My thoughts are with you and wishing you the best always Joanne.
Glen
Hi Joanne
I find it amazing and inspiring how, no matter what your situation, you find the courage and the energy to report on it in such an open and honest way. Thank you so much for that. I know from experience how important the love and support of friends and family is, so please add my encouraging thoughts to the heap that you already have.
Love and hugs
Susan Hanson (Powell River)
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