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10/04/2007: "Good News – Bad News"

I just returned from a doctor’s appointment to discuss the results of my latest scans and to talk about future treatment. I know that the tumors in my lungs have progressed, as I am unable to do much without oxygen support. So it was no real surprise when my doctor stated that it was her main concern. Because of this progression, it is concluded that the chemotherapy drug I have been on, 5FU (xeloda), is not effective. Again, no surprise as it was the main drug in my first round of chemo when, during treatment, my colon cancer spread to my lungs and spine. Still, I have been living life ignoring these facts and it is always a tough hit when it is laid out in front of you.

The good news is that there are no other tumors in any other organs. One of my last CT scans showed some small unknowns in my liver so I feared for the worst on this recent scan. At least I am thankful for that news.

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know that I am not a big fan of chemotherapy. I have had my share and done enough research to be disappointed in the results we get. Considering the mental, financial and time commitment we have made as a nation, it seems we should be seeing better results than 2 to 3% success. That said, I have spent a lot of my own resources in finding and using alternative options. Since those have not seemed to stave off this disease, I will give conventional medicine another try. On Thursday I go into intravenous chemotherapy with the drugs Camptosar and Avastin. Camptosar made me very nauseous and sick when I first had it. So I am a little reluctant. So armed with lots of anti-nausea drugs, I will give it another try.

Challenging my doctor to give me her feelings about how successful we may be, she gave me about a 30% chance of success with these drugs. She has seen Avastin successfully reduce tumors in her patients. My past oncologist thought Avastin was working a year and a half ago when I chose to quit that second round of chemo and head for Mexico for treatment.

So today brought a few tears and a little ray of hope.

Replies: 5 Comments

on Tuesday, October 9th, pam said

you are in my thoughts, praying for you daily.

on Saturday, October 6th, Ric Barline said

Hi Doug. Yes, I'm still lurking on your site. A good friend of mine with colon cancer went into remission after her surgery and chemo and has been cancer free for ten years now. I don't know what the exact drug was, but can find out if you are interested. I guess I offer this as an example of where it can, actually, help. I hope this round works for you. No new tumors is excellent news!

on Thursday, October 4th, Mia said

Here's to many more rays of hope! You're in my thoughts often.

Much love.

on Thursday, October 4th, Bonnie Marks said

That there are no tumors showing up in other organs is good news, indeed. While Chemo treatment is not good news, we'll maintain high hopes that Avastin will reduce tumors and help you breathe easier.

on Thursday, October 4th, Jay said

Just wanted to drop a note to let you know I'm thinking about you. I just spoke to Patrick on Sunday, and he told me he saw you up at Dorrington this summer. It brought back some great memories.