Gary & I met with Dr. O'Malley today for about 30 minutes. Basically his thoughts have NOT changed since my initial visit. He did review my CT & MRI and found 2 lesions measuring 1.2 & 1.4 in my pelvic & sacral area. When he discussed my case with the "Tumor Board", they were unanimous in recommending that the first step be to enter a clinical trial (randomized blind) and start chemo (Gemzar & Taxotere). I will have 50% chance of getting the 3rd drug Avastin.
He is not in favor of attempting surgery unless we can shrink the tumor. He feels it is too wide spread and deep and there would be significant blood loss as it would most likely be a complete pelvic exenteration (look it up). He said there is 10% chance of mortality and 40% morbidity during surgery and for 30 days post-op.
With the chemo, 40-60% of patients show response (shrinking with no further metastasis) to the chemo within 4-6 months. Then I would have to be off the Avastin for 8 weeks before they could do surgery.
So, I will wait to see what MD Anderson says next week but I did go ahead and set up my chemo to begin Wed. May 5th. I have to have it done once a week (Wednesdays)at OSU since I will be in the trial. I have to have a CT,EKG,and labs done prior to that and I will continue to have CT's (whole body) every 6 weeks to check tumor growth or shrinkage. I will also have a port placed in my chest to give the chemo and have blood taken.
Gary's main concern is my pain as it has been increasing over the last few weeks. Dr. O'Malley gave me a RX for pain meds but I will not take that until I absolutely must!!
In the end, his prognosis was not very favorable...BUT, obviously he doesn't know who he's dealing with! I'm a fighter and I'm up for the challenge...BRING IT ON!!
Good news is we had some "shopping therapy" after and then a wonderful dinner at the Liberty Tavern in Powell with Matt, Laci, & Maxton tonight. It was so beautiful out tonight.
Thank you to all of my Facebook peeps...all of your positive thoughts and prayers keep me chuggin away...Let's kick some cancer ass!!! GO TEAM LINDA!!!! :)
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
OSU appt today... Next stop, Houston!
Posted by Linda Vaughan at 10:11 PM
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It's 2010! Time to Reflect...
Almost 18 months cancer-free...how long will it last? Such an aggressive cancer, this damn Leiomyosarcoma! Every CT/MRI I have had since my completion of radiation in August 2008 was VERY stressful. Even when I didn't realize it, "SCAN"XIETY loomed in the back of head. Knowing that I had a 50% chance of the cancer returning. Wondering if NOT having chemo back then was the right path. Since my doc's hadn't dealt with many sarcomas, did they really know the BEST treatments?
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The last year and half has brought me so much joy and contentment. To be a GRANDMA! Wow. I love it! To become so much closer to my family. My sis is my best friend now! My husband and I couldn't be any closer. I get to see my daughter and her family every week when I go to babysit my little Maxton. My stepdaughter moved in with our youngest grandson, Marcus, for 6 months. He is a little angel. My Mom has been so much help to me through all my health issues. My stepdad and I have become closer than I ever thought possible. He has been down the cancer road as well. My Mother-in-law has moved closer to us and our relationship has grown. And then I began working at Samaritan and have some wonderful friends! I love that place so much! It's worth the 45 minute drive.
I HAVE A WONDERFUL LIFE!
And I know how to live it...by the seat of my pants! :)
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive well preserved body, but rather to slide in sideways, chocolate in one hand, a beer (or tequila) in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, screaming "woo hoo, what a ride"
**HEY! DON'T FORGET TO GO TO "OLDER POSTS" JUST ABOVE THIS ON THE RIGHT. LOTS OF COOL INFO THERE TOO! YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS ME WITH TIM MCGRAW!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The last year and half has brought me so much joy and contentment. To be a GRANDMA! Wow. I love it! To become so much closer to my family. My sis is my best friend now! My husband and I couldn't be any closer. I get to see my daughter and her family every week when I go to babysit my little Maxton. My stepdaughter moved in with our youngest grandson, Marcus, for 6 months. He is a little angel. My Mom has been so much help to me through all my health issues. My stepdad and I have become closer than I ever thought possible. He has been down the cancer road as well. My Mother-in-law has moved closer to us and our relationship has grown. And then I began working at Samaritan and have some wonderful friends! I love that place so much! It's worth the 45 minute drive.
I HAVE A WONDERFUL LIFE!
And I know how to live it...by the seat of my pants! :)
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive well preserved body, but rather to slide in sideways, chocolate in one hand, a beer (or tequila) in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, screaming "woo hoo, what a ride"
**HEY! DON'T FORGET TO GO TO "OLDER POSTS" JUST ABOVE THIS ON THE RIGHT. LOTS OF COOL INFO THERE TOO! YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS ME WITH TIM MCGRAW!
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