On Tuesday I talked with Dr. Sabbatini at MSKCC and he strongly suggested that I go back on the Gamzar, so that's what I will do, at least for the next 6 weeks. He feels that because it worked so well before that there's a good chance that I will respond again... keeping my fingers crossed! It's my habit to jump to "plan B" just to be prepared for the "what ifs" I am trying not to indulge in this too much, because the Gemzar going to work, right?! But nonetheless, I will do my homework for the "plan B, C and D"
Overall it's been a tough week, the emotional roller coster at it's most extreme, from feeling like this is the unthinkable slippery slope, to the Gemzar is going to work and that if it doesn't I have many unused treatment options. One of the things that has really helped me out this past week is my Qi Gong practice which I have really stepped up since last Wednesday, it's so empowering, it gives me a strong connection to the power of the mind in relation to health and healing.
Despite, all this hell I got the green light to go on a yoga retreat in Mexico! I am so looking forward to it, it's going to be wonderful to be near the ocean and doing yoga with Gay White, my favorite yoga teacher and friend, and hanging with my dear friend Maryclare. I leave on Saturday.
Best,
Becca
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
big shock!
On Wednesday I had a CT scan and got news that blew my socks off, just 6 weeks after my good PET scan, I have a 6 cm tumor low in my abdomen and an other slightly farther up that measures 5.5 cms. It' unclear if the two are connected. I have started back on the Gemzar for the meanwhile and am waiting for Dr. Sabbatini at Memorial Sloan Kettering to get back to me with other treatment options. Dr. Tap at UCLA has suggested a combination of two drugs both pills, one is Temodor and the other is called Sorafenib. From my conversation I had with Dr. Sabbatini in late December I think he will also suggest this protocol. I am trying to stay calm, not always easy to do.
I am looking hard for the "good" news and the silver lining, digging digging...... Okay, so nothing is attached to a major organ, not yet any way, and my lungs are clear, with the exception of a small density at the base of the left lung, not sure what it is. There is a bit of uncertainty about the left rib area. So really the only major issue is the abdomen. I am in a scary place right now, but I keep on reminding myself that I have been in these predicaments before and I have gotten through. Way back when, over two years ago, I did have 40 nodules in my lungs, that was BAD but the Gemzar and Taxatere took care of that. Last year, more tumors and again surgery and Gemzar did it's magic. So, yes the good news is my body responds really well the chemotherapy drugs, and if the old chemo protocol doesn't do it I have other options.
On a happier note, me and few dedicated friends and family members, including Maryclare, my mom, Deanne, and Kalen, are organizing an art show and a silent auction at Vintage Berkeley Wines on College Ave. The auction is on March 27th at 7:00. We have collected many pieces of beautiful art from local artist and we plan on having a great party with terrific wine and yummy hors d'oeuvers. There will be an e-flyer soon with all the all the details.
In this time of stress it's really nice to be working this fundraiser, such a good distraction, toward a cause so important to me and others with Leiomyosarcoma.
That's all for now,
Becca
I am looking hard for the "good" news and the silver lining, digging digging...... Okay, so nothing is attached to a major organ, not yet any way, and my lungs are clear, with the exception of a small density at the base of the left lung, not sure what it is. There is a bit of uncertainty about the left rib area. So really the only major issue is the abdomen. I am in a scary place right now, but I keep on reminding myself that I have been in these predicaments before and I have gotten through. Way back when, over two years ago, I did have 40 nodules in my lungs, that was BAD but the Gemzar and Taxatere took care of that. Last year, more tumors and again surgery and Gemzar did it's magic. So, yes the good news is my body responds really well the chemotherapy drugs, and if the old chemo protocol doesn't do it I have other options.
On a happier note, me and few dedicated friends and family members, including Maryclare, my mom, Deanne, and Kalen, are organizing an art show and a silent auction at Vintage Berkeley Wines on College Ave. The auction is on March 27th at 7:00. We have collected many pieces of beautiful art from local artist and we plan on having a great party with terrific wine and yummy hors d'oeuvers. There will be an e-flyer soon with all the all the details.
In this time of stress it's really nice to be working this fundraiser, such a good distraction, toward a cause so important to me and others with Leiomyosarcoma.
That's all for now,
Becca
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