sharon1's Cancer Blog

July 13, 2008

3 MONTHS DOWN THE LINE

Views: 246

Three months ago I visited my surgeon with a burning pain on the front of my chest. He immediately sent me for a bone scan and chest x-ray to check for a cancer recurrence. I had originally been diagnosed and treated in April of 2005. I came home from work and had a message on my answering machine from my surgeon confirming that a chest x-ray I recently had taken showed a “nodule” in my right lung. I was stunned. The beast was back – I just new it. I had not eaten any lunch that day but decided a glass or two of wine would help to settle my nerves. I was not feeling great so called one of my best friends to come round as I was very emotional.

When I wakened up the next morning I told myself I could continue to feel self pity or I could do what I done 3 years ago -research the best treatment available and fight it. I chose the latter and so far have not looked back.

For me a cancer recurrence is more frightening than the original diagnosis. First time round we were aiming for a complete remission This time round we would hope for a complete remission but the reality could be very different indeed.

I consulted with my oncologist who done a CT of chest, MRI of Brain PET and whole body CT scan and two tumors were in one lung and four in the other. There was also a couple of spots in my shoulder area. He suggested a second opinion so I called MD Anderson in Texas, Cancer Hospitals of America, had a second opinion at the Cleveland Clinic and ultimately had my treatment at my original cancer center. The treatment regime is Abraxane every 3 weeks with one week off and Avastin ever 2 weeks. This regime is nowhere near as bad as the Adriamycin, Cytoxin and Taxol regime but the side effects are bothersome and interfere with your daily life I started this in March..

Posted on July 13, 2008 at 3:22:04 PM by sharon riley ( 3 MONTHS DOWN THE LINE, 3 comments)

Welcome to the group Sharon.

Posted on July 13, 2008 at 8:09:22 PM by jill

Hi Sharon,
You have come to the right place.
Keep us updated on what is going on with you.

Hug Sherri

Posted on July 14, 2008 at 12:17:46 AM by karlak

Sharon,
You have the right attitude to achieve the best outcome.
You go girl, we are with you all the way! Gaile

Posted on July 20, 2008 at 4:01:28 PM by gaile