Had my scans today. Let me first tell you, for some reason I knew things had changed, and progressed. I have no idea why or how I knew that. But something made me do some things that I have never done before. Today, as I was getting ready to head downtown to the scans appointment, I made sure that I had on a special bracelet, a special necklace, a couple of affirmation stones, a small figurine of Malcolm Reynolds (Nathan Fillion’s character from Firefly– he’s a total bad a$# who helped me through chemo), a small pin that belonged to my mother (who died of brain cancer) and I wafted a bit of Persian Magic around the house. All of these things were gifts from my first round of treatment, nearly one and half year ago. Somehow I thought they would bring me luck…because somehow, I just knew.
Jack came into the room (it took him awhile to get there, and I speculated , jokingly, to Matt that he was trying to stop crying about what he had to say to me…) and I asked “So, good, bad, indifferent?” to which he replied, “Actually the scans do look a little worse.”
UGH.
Not a lot of progression, but some. Enough to decide that Alimta, although it gave me a good ride for a solid year, isn’t quite up to the task. Alright, what next? I managed to hold it together through the appointment while we discussed a study that doubles up Avastin and Tarceva, and so that’s what we’re going to do…starting January. Jack told me I could take a break, that I didn’t need to get my Alimta today, but I went ahead with the treatment anyhow (it was also my last chance for that lovely B-12 shot you get with Alimta!!).
While I was down in treatment, feeling a little sorry for myself, but still trying to look on the bright side, Barry came down with a consent form for the study, which is funded by the National Cancer Institue. The study is in it’s third year, and there have been some pretty remarkable results. He said that with several of the participants, there was an average of 30 percent reduction in their cancer in the first cycle. Hmm. My time on Alimta, although fairly glorious in terms of very few side effects, netted me only stability (which is also pretty glorious, if you think about it) — what if this combo actually gets RID of some of my leftover cancer??
Veeery interesting. So I signed the consent form. I’m in. And actually, I’m excited to try this — I have energy to spare, feel great, think it sounds like a great study that could possibly help many more people — so what started out as a very worrisome morning, a depressing piece of news (although, really, the progression was not huge by any means), a mini, private tearfest in the bathroom after Matt went back to work, turned into a fairly exciting opportunity to try something that sounds very positive.
I’ll keep you posted.
You never fail to amaze and inspire me, my dear. Not the news we were hoping for, but when one door closes….. This study sounds right up your alley – a brand new challenge to conquer and another opportunity to kick butt! Sending lots of hugs and smooches your way today.
go get’em! I have no doubt this will be a good thing. Cancer never saw you coming, and it won’t know what hit it. !!!
Whatever you need – you got it. Just let me know.
I found your blog awhile back and have been keeping up with you since. My sister has stage IV NSCLC and is currently taking Tarceva. She is not doing Avastin but I have read about a lot of people who are. The Tarceva alone is working well for my sister. She is 11 months since diagnosis. She has the EGFR gene mutation. If you have questions about Tarceva side effects please email me coolchange22669@yahoo.com and I will help you any way I can.
Keep fighting!!! There will be a CURE before long
Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Val
You continue to inspire me, Melissa. The study sounds perfect and I’m so relieved you’re where the docs are bringing you great options. I have no doubt you’ll knock the big C out of the park! XOXO
Ooohh, I’ve got good vibes here. Reduction is a very nice word to hear. You are in good hands as you know and I’d say it is officially time to let the cancer breakthroughs work their magic. I have enjoyed keeping up with GRACE on Facebook and have read many of the articles posted. There is a lot going on out there and people working hard on this as I type. Progress is being made.
Hi Melissa,
I stumbled across your blog earlier this year while researching lung cancer, because I also live in Seattle I felt compelled to keep up with your blog. It amazes me how many young people that have never smoked fall victim to this disease. My best friend Amy died on July 25th of this year from lung cancer. We found out she had incurable lung cancer on March 13th, only 4 1/2 months before her death. She died shortly after her 36th birthday.
I’ve spent the better part of this year researching lung cancer.
Amy’s cancer was very aggressive and mimicked mesothelioma. She originally went to the doctor because her leg hurt. They found a DVT in her leg and an embolism in each lung. To make things worse, she also had a collapsed lung due to pleural effusion. Originally the cancer was only in her left lung and pleura (with some lymphatic involvement). The progression was horrifically fast after she ended her first round of chemo (cisplatin, etoposide, and cetuximab). If you would like to read her blog, the address is
http://www.amystrandberg.wordpress.com
Cancer is so damn scary. I still am searching for a reason why this could have happened to her. She had no health problems. I have seen some commonalities with other young lung cancer victims, not sure they mean anything though. I’d love to talk to you, via phone or email, if you don’t mind. I work for Group Health and am an active user of our database for research. If you ever need information, please feel free to contact me (our medical librarian is a friend). I also have a friend that is an oncologist that I barrage with questions on a regular basis.
my email is powell.h@ghc.org, please feel free to contact me whenever.
I want to wish you the best of luck in your fight. You’ve got a lot to live for. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Heather
Hi Melissa. I’m sorry to hear about your progression. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers, especially about the new study. I miss your smiling face.
Dusty Donaldson
Lovely Melissa, you are so powerful! Your optimism, your energy, it’s endlessly inspiring, and I hope that all that you give out bounces right back at you tenfold, ten hundred fold… ten hundred thousand million… infinity fold…. and gives you all the strength you need. We love you and will keep sending you, Matt and Lucie our love and prayers for your new treatment and it’s success in kicking “c” *%$$ – yes, this is a little “c”, since honey you are SO much bigger and more powerful that it!