I got the call from the oncologist, she said that one of the spots on my liver has grown, a small amount, but it has grown. The tumor and the spots in the abdomen have not changed, which is great news. She said its not the best news, but there are many options. The first thing she said was that she will change my chemo regimen and that I responded so well to the first treatment that she expects me to do well with the new meds. She sounded more optimistic than she has ever sounded, which surprised me in a good way.

Still trying to process it all....

Hi Bossan

Hope the new treatment goes well.....

My dad was on Irinotecan and Capecitabine, after a course of OX and 5FU.... he responded very well to the first treatment too...... he had his CT scan 2 weeks ago and they told him the tumour in his lung and liver had increased and the one in his colon had stayed the same. They are putting him on a new treatment of Irinotecan and Cetuximab..... apparently you can become immune to a certain type of treatment which is why they are changing it. What is your new treatment to be?....... and too right you should stay optimistic....i'm sure the next one will work just fine for you and my dad.....

all the best x x

Hi bossan....sorry to hear that one tumour has grown a little but there are several options for treatment. You have done so well so far and, with your indomitable spirit, will continue to do so.

This kind of news is always a bit overwhelming at first. Take care of yourself.

Hi bossan....sorry to hear that one tumour has grown a little but there are several options for treatment. You have done so well so far and, with your indomitable spirit, will continue to do so.

This kind of news is always a bit overwhelming at first. Take care of yourself.


Thanks Alison, I called my best buddy last night and started crying while I was walking the dog. I haven't cried in months, I was due. It was a blow to hear the news. I guess it hit me hard since its the first set back Ive had since the first big blow...

The doc called me on the cell to tell me. The strange thing is, I was driving on the same freeway, same spot, that I was on when the first doctor called wth the first CT scan result, which was really bad.

The oncologist said she was going think about it for a few days but she will probably put me on Irinotecan and avastin, and I'll continue with the 5fu. I'll be getting it every week instead of every other week for 4 weeks, then 2 weeks off. She said the side effects are similar to the meds I'm already taking. She also said that the avastin may cause an allergic reaction at first, so they will give it slowly.

Hi Bossan

Here in england, we would say the news was not as good as it could have been. am sorry.

Like the others have said, you still have more ammunition in the armoury and i guess the onco will want to use it wisely. Husbands onco went to great lengths to reassure us that he would always have options if there was ever an "if" and since that conversation (January 2004) there are even better drugs out there now.

still sending those positive thoughts across the pond...... can you feel the vibes buzzing across the water?

take care
ktee

Hi Bossan

still sending those positive thoughts across the pond...... can you feel the vibes buzzing across the water?

take care
ktee

I feel it, but I thought the buzz was for Sven, Becks, Rio, Lampard, Gerrad and Owen to bring home the cup from Germany :)

Bossan, my thoughts are with you. I am encouraged by the optimism of your onc. You have such a strong, positive attitude that is contagious. You know, your online "family" is here for you whether you want to laugh or cry, joke or vent.

I'm probably going to vent soon. I spent the day feeling sick to my stomach, just like the first diagnosis, which was way worse than this setback. I've been blessed with many friends staying in touch. I started an online forum that people can see so I don't have to tell the details over and over. Now friends call after reading the dirty details or they email me with stories or stuff to talk about to get my mind off the bad stuff. The online forum
has been a great way to get my thoughts out. Wish I could share it here :)