It's been confirmed that I have the mutation - ALK-positive (Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase) in my cancer tumors to be approved for the new oral chemo drug called Xalkori. The reason I am so excited about this, is that this particular oral chemo drug is SPECIFICALLY for the cancer I have NSCLC (non small cell lung carcinoma) with metastasis. Doc L told me that there is a huge reduction in the size and amount of tumors while on this drug. Anywhere from 40-70%, Now before you start jumping up and down, I am still terminal and always will be. This drug however could give me more time :). I hope to be on it in the next week or two, I just pray I don't have an adverse reaction to it. So, that's where I am with the new drug.
I had a Cat scan last Thursday evening. Basically some tumors have shrunk and some have grown. I'm beginning to understand that this will likely be the way things go right now. I will try not to stress too much. The best news is that the primary tumor that began this whole thing has shrunk :) I'm anemic so I need to look after that as best that I can (not a fan of liver like I used to be) Will look for other options in addition to spinach.Mild sclerosis was found on my T8 vertebrae in my spine. I have some sclerosis near my ileum (intestine). I also have several small bone islands (overgrowth of bone mass on a bone) Guess my bone strengthening meds are working! However, the scan also showed more cancer metastasis on various bones.
How am I feeling? I'm tired, all the time. I'm losing a bit of weight again but I chalk that up to the fact I'm back on the Tarceva (oral meds) again. My left eye is itchy, hoping it's not blepharitis flaring up again. My spine, hips and knee are always sore. Not being able to take anti-inflammatories really sucks. Other than that I'm good. Fuzzy hair is still growing, I can walk (stumble/limp) short distances. With help (usually from Zoe) I can do dishes, laundry and make the bed. Between Peter and I we do the garbage and recycling and share the cooking (he makes a mean fettucini!) So all in all I really can't (and rarely do) complain, there are others who are much worse off.
Thanks again for all the love and support, it truly makes me stronger!
Good and bad news. Love you. Sharen.
ReplyDeleteI guess, we're all "terminal". Most don't have a clue when the end will be. The good news is you're expectancy seems to have lengthened. The bad news is, it seems you will need to continually undergo medicals intervention in some way, seemingly affecting you in some way. And that.. is what makes my heart bleed for you. As a Diabetic, I have undergone many blood tests, undergo nightly needles, have various nerve issues that cause various aches and pains... but.. I can not even remotely comprehend, physically, or mentally, what you have endured and what you are going to endure. For that I am humbled. Thank you for continually sharing your life experiences. I sincerely hope you don't have any bad reactions to this new drug. You, dear Velda, have undergone.. enough. Always in my thoughts, Kathy Evans x
ReplyDeleteHugs and I agree...good and bad news at the same time. Im thinking of you always xoxo
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