It's All a Crap Shoot

Well, the results are in and we have a winner (so to speak). If you discount skin that is flaking and shedding like a snake, fingers, toes and heels that are splitting for no apparent reason and a lovely rash that comes and goes at will, then we can add in the test results that come with a mixed review, all of which leads to this crazy run-on sentence that seems to be going nowhere.

The answer for the skin is just to keep moisturizing, the rash, well that I just have to live with it.

The test results: the cardiac evaluation was great; my heart is strong and healthy. The CT scan showed that there has been no spread of the cancer, however, the tumors are enlarging, so there is progression of the cancer. The blood work results; my blood sugar is perfect so there is no apparent cause for the two low readings (below 70) unless they were a false reading. My CEA (cancer antigens) continues to rise, but slowly. Some people with cancer have a CEA in the hundreds, mine is still below 100. The rise is consistent with the progression, but not consistent for the disease.

Next course of treatment: Next week we will add in Avastin with the Erbitux and Camptosar. This lovely cocktail is given with 2 Tylenol, anti-nausea meds, benadryl and Atropine (for diarrhea). All of this, along with my regular meds, makes me almost a walking drugstore.

So, this is the end of the road (almost). The Avastin is the last treatment available to me, due to the previous problems with other drugs. There is the possibility of desensitizing me to the Oxaliplatin and trying the 5FU again (although more carefully monitored). It's all a crap shoot anyway.

So that is where things stand about now. I still feel great, still am able to do the things I want and still have energy (most days). I am not in any pain, am not nauseous or incapacipated in any way. So all of your prayers and well wishes are working - keep 'em coming folks!

If you are interested in reading about the Avastin you can go here: http://www.avastin.com/

Sherri

HGTV and Philadelphia Homeless Veterans

All you have to do is vote at HGTV for Philadelphia. Help bring this money home!

In partnership with Rebuilding Together, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the 2009 campaign will highlight historic veterans’ group homes in eight U.S. cities -- Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Nashville, St. Louis, Philadelphia and Tampa. Online users can visit HGTV.com/changetheworld to vote for their favorite projects.

Voting will be active from January 1, 2009, to March 2, 2009. The two selected cities will be announced during the HGTV Dream Home Giveaway 2009 special, airing on Sunday, March 15, 2009, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The revitalization activities for the two selected cities may include new insulation, appliances and windows to make the homes more energy efficient. The “befores and afters” will be featured in an HGTV special in October 2009. For the markets not selected by popular vote, HGTV will make a $5,000 contribution.

Update

Well, so far since December 30th, I have had a nuclear stress test, an echo cardiogram and last week I had another CT scan. The results of the tests for cardiology show that I have a very strong heart. There is no sign of any heart disease, all valves and arteries are functioning well. I will get the results of the CT scan in 2 weeks when I see the oncologist again. I am still getting the rash from the Erbitux though.
Not much else to report at this time. I have been experincing being tired again after treatment, but I think that is due in part to the Rozerem I am taking to help me sleep on Monday nights. I am trying to find a happy medium here. I have to try taking 1/2 the dosage. It works very well, but leaves me too tired the next day.
I am getting ready to get some work done on my house, so that will keep me busy for a while. Nothing else going on these days.
Sherri