Wow! I can't believe that it's almost a year since my diagnosis and I feel great.
I've learned a lot this past year, but the most important thing I learned is that I can rely on my family and friends to be there for me.
I would not be doing so well were it not for all your help, advice, prayers and good thoughts.
Please keep it up.
Wishing you all a wonderful Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanza, belated Diwali, and Festivus.
My apologies to anyone I left out.
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Thursday, November 24, 2016
Update
I just got my most recent CT scan results.
Since I started with treatment my tumors gave shrunk by more than half.
That translates to a 97% success rate.
I am thrilled with the results and the doctor has reduced my Tarceva pulse dose to 750 mg to lessen the side effects. This will hopefully increase my quality of life without compromising the treatment.
This is the first Thanksgiving in many years that I have not been able to go watch the Macy's parade, but I hope to go back again next year, God willing.
Keep up with the prayers and good wishes. They are working.
Happy Thankdgiving to all!
Since I started with treatment my tumors gave shrunk by more than half.
That translates to a 97% success rate.
I am thrilled with the results and the doctor has reduced my Tarceva pulse dose to 750 mg to lessen the side effects. This will hopefully increase my quality of life without compromising the treatment.
This is the first Thanksgiving in many years that I have not been able to go watch the Macy's parade, but I hope to go back again next year, God willing.
Keep up with the prayers and good wishes. They are working.
Happy Thankdgiving to all!
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Update
I want to sincerely apologize for my lack of updates.
Thank God nothing new has been going on.
I continue on the clinical trial of Tarceva, taking 900 mg twice a week and 50 mg the rest of the week. I continue to have MRI and CT scans on a regular basis.
This past Friday, I had my most recent MRI and it showed no new lesions on the brain.
Today I had a CT scan of the lungs and abdominal area and I will get those results next week.
The side effects continue with some days better than others, but all in all, I am feeling pretty good and very optimistic.
Thank God nothing new has been going on.
I continue on the clinical trial of Tarceva, taking 900 mg twice a week and 50 mg the rest of the week. I continue to have MRI and CT scans on a regular basis.
This past Friday, I had my most recent MRI and it showed no new lesions on the brain.
Today I had a CT scan of the lungs and abdominal area and I will get those results next week.
The side effects continue with some days better than others, but all in all, I am feeling pretty good and very optimistic.
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Update
Just went to the doctor yesterday and I am glad to report that there is no new growth and everything seems to remain stable.
Therefore, the doctor will has reduced my CT scan and MRI schedule from once every six weeks to once every ten weeks and after the next scan to once every twelve weeks.
Also, I will only have to go in for checkups and bloodwork once every six weeks.
I am glad of this change and perhaps I will be able to travel a little between appointments.
Please keep praying for my continued health and that the tumors don't spread anymore and maybe even shrink further.
Friday, September 9, 2016
Rant!
I know that everything happens for a reason, but as 9/11 nears I can't help but be upset.
I worked a few blocks from the World Trade Center and was there on that horrific day and watched as the second plane hit and stared unbelievably as the two buildings collapsed.
So many deaths on that day. Those innocent people that worked in the WTC, those innocent passengers that were on the planes that day, and all the brave and innocent emergency workers, firemen, policemen and EMTs. All those precious souls gone within a few minutes.
However that was not all, many people fell ill due to the debris and contaminated air. Many innocent people developed cancer and other illnesses due to their exposure to 9/11 air. I myself was there working in downtown Manhattan every day as the cleanup and rebuilding took place.
As I sit here and reflect, I think about myself, with no history of cancer in my family and no risk factors for cancer. Yet I sit here on my recliner, overcome with fatigue and nausea, fighting stage 4 Lung cancer which I was diagnosed with while still being treated for breast cancer. Knowing that both of those cancers have been linked to 9/11 make me wonder.
I know I am lucky to be doing well, but I can't help but be bitter that there may be some link between the terrorist attack that shocked the world and my cancer.
Rant over!
I worked a few blocks from the World Trade Center and was there on that horrific day and watched as the second plane hit and stared unbelievably as the two buildings collapsed.
So many deaths on that day. Those innocent people that worked in the WTC, those innocent passengers that were on the planes that day, and all the brave and innocent emergency workers, firemen, policemen and EMTs. All those precious souls gone within a few minutes.
However that was not all, many people fell ill due to the debris and contaminated air. Many innocent people developed cancer and other illnesses due to their exposure to 9/11 air. I myself was there working in downtown Manhattan every day as the cleanup and rebuilding took place.
As I sit here and reflect, I think about myself, with no history of cancer in my family and no risk factors for cancer. Yet I sit here on my recliner, overcome with fatigue and nausea, fighting stage 4 Lung cancer which I was diagnosed with while still being treated for breast cancer. Knowing that both of those cancers have been linked to 9/11 make me wonder.
I know I am lucky to be doing well, but I can't help but be bitter that there may be some link between the terrorist attack that shocked the world and my cancer.
Rant over!
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
MRI and CT scan results
I had my latest test last week and got the results today.
There is no change or growth in the cancer.
These results are considered very positive for my cancer.
I was a little disappointed that the last few scans did not show any shrinkage but as the doctors explained to me with stage four lung cancer, keeping the cancer at bay and not having it grow is considered a very successful outcome. As long as the cancer doesn't spread we will continue with this clinical trial.
I am, however, thrilled that I have more energy and am able to be more active. It is great to be able to participate in everyday activities without feeling fatigued and short of breath.
Thanks again all of you for your continued prayers and good wishes.
There is no change or growth in the cancer.
These results are considered very positive for my cancer.
I was a little disappointed that the last few scans did not show any shrinkage but as the doctors explained to me with stage four lung cancer, keeping the cancer at bay and not having it grow is considered a very successful outcome. As long as the cancer doesn't spread we will continue with this clinical trial.
I am, however, thrilled that I have more energy and am able to be more active. It is great to be able to participate in everyday activities without feeling fatigued and short of breath.
Thanks again all of you for your continued prayers and good wishes.
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Update
Just want to keep everyone posted.
I am feeling pretty good. I have more energy and less fatigue which motivates me to do more stuff.
Unfortunately, despite my protestations they lowered my oral chemo dose again, albeit by a small amount. When I started the clinical trial I was taking 1250 mg of Tarceva twice a week and 50 msg the rest of the week. I am now taking 900 mg for the pulse doses and continue the 50 mg for the rest of the week. They lowered the dosages because of the continued eye and skin infections, which bother the doctors more than they bother me.
CT scans and MRI in two weeks. Hopefully the cancer won't grow.
I am also officially retiring from the courts at the end of the month. I have not been at work since January third and will be going in to clean up my desk soon.
I am feeling pretty good. I have more energy and less fatigue which motivates me to do more stuff.
Unfortunately, despite my protestations they lowered my oral chemo dose again, albeit by a small amount. When I started the clinical trial I was taking 1250 mg of Tarceva twice a week and 50 msg the rest of the week. I am now taking 900 mg for the pulse doses and continue the 50 mg for the rest of the week. They lowered the dosages because of the continued eye and skin infections, which bother the doctors more than they bother me.
CT scans and MRI in two weeks. Hopefully the cancer won't grow.
I am also officially retiring from the courts at the end of the month. I have not been at work since January third and will be going in to clean up my desk soon.
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Results :)
Just came back from doctor and got results of last week's brain MRI and CT scan of lungs and abdominal area.
Thank God everything remains stable. None of the tumors have grown and there are no new tumors.
This means I can remain on this dose and hopefully the tumors will continue to remain stable or shrink.
The side effects are diminishing in severity and I feel stronger everyday. I plan on taking advantage of this wonderful hot weather and enjoy the rest of the summer.
Thank you all for your prayers and good thoughts.
Thank God everything remains stable. None of the tumors have grown and there are no new tumors.
This means I can remain on this dose and hopefully the tumors will continue to remain stable or shrink.
The side effects are diminishing in severity and I feel stronger everyday. I plan on taking advantage of this wonderful hot weather and enjoy the rest of the summer.
Thank you all for your prayers and good thoughts.
Thursday, July 7, 2016
Update
The results of the biopsies showed that the rashes were probably caused by the Tarceva.
So after almost a two week hiatus I am back on the Tarceva but on a lower dosage.
Hopefully, my body will tolerate the lower dosage better.
Thanks again everyone for your thoughts and prayers.
So after almost a two week hiatus I am back on the Tarceva but on a lower dosage.
Hopefully, my body will tolerate the lower dosage better.
Thanks again everyone for your thoughts and prayers.
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
A bump on road
This weekend I developed a fever and rash and my blood levels were off.
For those that have seen me as a zombie cop, you get the picture of what my face looks like.
I was admitted and they did biopsies on my eyes and different skin areas. They put me on antibiotics and the fever went down. The rash may have been from the Tarceva, but it is not a typical Tarceva rash, unfortunately, they stopped the Tarceva until they figure it all out.
Since the full biopsies result will not be completed until next week, I will be hopefully go home as soon as my blood levels improve and wait at home for the results.
I will post as soon as I get results.
Thanks for your prayers and good wishes.
For those that have seen me as a zombie cop, you get the picture of what my face looks like.
I was admitted and they did biopsies on my eyes and different skin areas. They put me on antibiotics and the fever went down. The rash may have been from the Tarceva, but it is not a typical Tarceva rash, unfortunately, they stopped the Tarceva until they figure it all out.
Since the full biopsies result will not be completed until next week, I will be hopefully go home as soon as my blood levels improve and wait at home for the results.
I will post as soon as I get results.
Thanks for your prayers and good wishes.
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Praise the Lord, for all that He does is good.
I got my results of MRI and Cat Scan that was done last week.
April's MRI showed that all previous brain tumors are gone. New MRI of brain shows no new lesions and only one tiny residual lesion. It's a great feeling knowing that I will not need brain radiation.
The tumor on my lung has shrunk and is now less than half the size it was in April. Breathing is so much easier now.
Bone metastases in the skull, skull base and spine are unchanged. That is great as they have not increased in size.
Therefore I will continue in the clinical trial and hopefully the rest of the cancer will shrink.
Once again I want to thank everyone for being there for me when I need you and for your positive thoughts and prayers. As you can see, they help. I cannot adequately express my appreciation for that, but I really, truly do appreciate it.
April's MRI showed that all previous brain tumors are gone. New MRI of brain shows no new lesions and only one tiny residual lesion. It's a great feeling knowing that I will not need brain radiation.
The tumor on my lung has shrunk and is now less than half the size it was in April. Breathing is so much easier now.
Bone metastases in the skull, skull base and spine are unchanged. That is great as they have not increased in size.
Therefore I will continue in the clinical trial and hopefully the rest of the cancer will shrink.
Once again I want to thank everyone for being there for me when I need you and for your positive thoughts and prayers. As you can see, they help. I cannot adequately express my appreciation for that, but I really, truly do appreciate it.
Friday, June 3, 2016
Thank You
I had an MRI of the brain and a cat scan of my lungs and abdominal area to determine if the clinical trial of medicine I have been taking the last three weeks is working.
I will see the doctor on Wednesday June 8th for the results.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my family and friends for their unending support, encouragement and love
It really helps me to know that you are thinking of me and praying for me.
Keep it up!
I will see the doctor on Wednesday June 8th for the results.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my family and friends for their unending support, encouragement and love
It really helps me to know that you are thinking of me and praying for me.
Keep it up!
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Update
Sorry for not updating in a while, but thank God nothing is doing.
I am on the clinical trial of Tarceva. Two days a week, I take 1200 mg of Tarceva and the other five days 50 mg.
The side effects have been minimal and in the second week of June I will have a Cat Scan and MRI to see how effective the medication has been.
If it's working, which means the tumors are either remaining stable or shrinking, I will continue on this indefinitely. Hoping and praying that it will work.
I am on the clinical trial of Tarceva. Two days a week, I take 1200 mg of Tarceva and the other five days 50 mg.
The side effects have been minimal and in the second week of June I will have a Cat Scan and MRI to see how effective the medication has been.
If it's working, which means the tumors are either remaining stable or shrinking, I will continue on this indefinitely. Hoping and praying that it will work.
Friday, April 8, 2016
Change of Plans
I was scheduled to have my last dose of Cisplatin and Pemetrexed chemo next week.
The side effects of extreme fatigue were just an inconvenience for me, but my oncologist felt that it was reason enough to switch now to the targeted chemo based on my DNA mutation of EGFR.
The new chemo drug is Erlotinib (Tarceva) and will be taken in pill form. It will have less side effects and is shown to be very effective in people who have the same DNA mutation as me.
I am very hopeful that, God willing, it will do the job.
The side effects of extreme fatigue were just an inconvenience for me, but my oncologist felt that it was reason enough to switch now to the targeted chemo based on my DNA mutation of EGFR.
The new chemo drug is Erlotinib (Tarceva) and will be taken in pill form. It will have less side effects and is shown to be very effective in people who have the same DNA mutation as me.
I am very hopeful that, God willing, it will do the job.
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Cat Scan Results
I had a CT scan Monday from my neck to my hip to see how the tumors are doing.
Most of the tumors shrunk slightly or remained the same size. None of them grew and the one in my liver disappeared totally.
I feel great about the results and am optimistic that with God's help we can beat this cancer.
Most of the tumors shrunk slightly or remained the same size. None of them grew and the one in my liver disappeared totally.
I feel great about the results and am optimistic that with God's help we can beat this cancer.
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Wonderful News
I just want to re-cap the previous treatment plan and update with fantastic news.
When I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, the found that it had metastisized to the spine, liver, brain and spinal fluid; a very grim diagnosis.
The plan was to do chemo first to shrink the tumor blocking my bronchial tube, as well as the tumors on my spine and liver. That was to be followed with full brain radiation for the many tumors on my brain, since chemo is not the treatment of choice for brain tumors. It seems that the chemo drugs I get, Cisplatin and Pemetrexed, have difficulty passing the brain-blood barrier.
Yesterday I had a brain MRI to check out the brain tumors and to see if they have grown. Lo and behold, every brain tumor had disappeared. It seems, as if the chemo destroyed on all those tumors, even if it wasn't meant to. That basically means that at this point, I do not need any brain radiation at all, of course I will have another brain MRI in two months to re-check brain, but this is the most wonderful news so far.
It is amazing how miraculous the body is and how powerful the power of prayer is.
When I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, the found that it had metastisized to the spine, liver, brain and spinal fluid; a very grim diagnosis.
The plan was to do chemo first to shrink the tumor blocking my bronchial tube, as well as the tumors on my spine and liver. That was to be followed with full brain radiation for the many tumors on my brain, since chemo is not the treatment of choice for brain tumors. It seems that the chemo drugs I get, Cisplatin and Pemetrexed, have difficulty passing the brain-blood barrier.
Yesterday I had a brain MRI to check out the brain tumors and to see if they have grown. Lo and behold, every brain tumor had disappeared. It seems, as if the chemo destroyed on all those tumors, even if it wasn't meant to. That basically means that at this point, I do not need any brain radiation at all, of course I will have another brain MRI in two months to re-check brain, but this is the most wonderful news so far.
It is amazing how miraculous the body is and how powerful the power of prayer is.
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Great News!
Today's chemo went well. As the meds, cisplatin and pemetrexed, course through my body, I am really excited and thrilled to know they will be destroying cancer cells and shrinking any tumors.
I just got the final results of the third spinal tap, which was done to see the extent of the cancer in my spinal fluid, which was seen on the earlier taps. The results showed a totally clear spinal fluid with no evidence of cancer. Thank God.
I will have an MRI of the brain next week to see how the brain metastasis are doing, please pray for a great result.
I just got the final results of the third spinal tap, which was done to see the extent of the cancer in my spinal fluid, which was seen on the earlier taps. The results showed a totally clear spinal fluid with no evidence of cancer. Thank God.
I will have an MRI of the brain next week to see how the brain metastasis are doing, please pray for a great result.
Monday, February 29, 2016
Apology
i'm sorry for the 10 day silence. I was waiting for results. Preliminary results from spinal tap came back clear. This is great news, because that means I can finish full chemo rounds before doing radiation.
I am feeling stronger everyday and I will have my next chemo this Wednesday, God willing, and see cardiologist on Thursday to try to stabilize my pulse.
Thank you all for your prayers and good wishes and for your patience for info.
I am feeling stronger everyday and I will have my next chemo this Wednesday, God willing, and see cardiologist on Thursday to try to stabilize my pulse.
Thank you all for your prayers and good wishes and for your patience for info.
Thursday, February 18, 2016
The heart rebellion
Five days after chemo, my heart decided to rebel. I developed tachycardia (a very rapid heartbeat) and an infarct (silent heart attack). I spent the last four days going through tests and will continue more testing next week. Right now everything is under control with medication and the plan is to continue with the chemo as scheduled.
The good news is that the blood clot in my right lung dissolved totally, making the risks a lot less.
Waiting for results of spinal tap to see extent of cancer in spinal fluid, please pray for great results.
The good news is that the blood clot in my right lung dissolved totally, making the risks a lot less.
Waiting for results of spinal tap to see extent of cancer in spinal fluid, please pray for great results.
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Update and musings
Update:
Chemo went well yesterday.
Today, no side effects or nauseaness. Just fatigue, which is fine, cause I have an empty schedule until Monday.
Musings:
Yesterday, was the beginning of the Hebrew month of Adar, in the lunar calendar, the sign for it is the fish, Pisces.
Adar is an especially joyous month and an auspicious month. The joyous holiday of Purim comes out in Adar. We celebrate our victory over the evil, Hamen. It was a victory that came painlessly and quickly, not after years of slavery, or destruction of the Holy Temple. The victory came through a young Jewish woman, Esther, who became the Queen of Persia. For those not familiar with the story, there are a lot of sources, just let me know and I will send you a link.
This year, the lunar calendar, like the solar calendar also has a leap year, and instead of one extra day, we have a whole extra month of Adar. That is two months of auspicious time, two months where the heavenly gates are open to our prayers, two months where we can expect quick and painless miracles from God.
I thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. Keep it up. They are working!
Chemo went well yesterday.
Today, no side effects or nauseaness. Just fatigue, which is fine, cause I have an empty schedule until Monday.
Musings:
Yesterday, was the beginning of the Hebrew month of Adar, in the lunar calendar, the sign for it is the fish, Pisces.
Adar is an especially joyous month and an auspicious month. The joyous holiday of Purim comes out in Adar. We celebrate our victory over the evil, Hamen. It was a victory that came painlessly and quickly, not after years of slavery, or destruction of the Holy Temple. The victory came through a young Jewish woman, Esther, who became the Queen of Persia. For those not familiar with the story, there are a lot of sources, just let me know and I will send you a link.
This year, the lunar calendar, like the solar calendar also has a leap year, and instead of one extra day, we have a whole extra month of Adar. That is two months of auspicious time, two months where the heavenly gates are open to our prayers, two months where we can expect quick and painless miracles from God.
I thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. Keep it up. They are working!
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Good news
CAT scan done yesterday showed a slight decrease in tumors in lung and liver since the January 21 scan. Probably due to the Taxol chemo they gave me when they suspected a recurrence of breast cancer.
Taxol is used in both breast and lung cancer, which is a blessing.
Today, I will be getting a new chemo regiment geared to adenocarcinoma lung cancer and will hopefully achieve a greater shrinkage in the tumors.
Taxol is used in both breast and lung cancer, which is a blessing.
Today, I will be getting a new chemo regiment geared to adenocarcinoma lung cancer and will hopefully achieve a greater shrinkage in the tumors.
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Update
Yesterday, I had my medi-port placed, to make it easier to deliver the chemo. which will start tomorrow. Thank God, it went well.
Today was an appointment with the neuro- oncologist to continue discussing options for the brain metastatises. The doctor is concerned that even though I am asymptomatic as to neurological function, that there may be some cancer in the menengial fluid. Therefore, I will have a third lumbar puncture (spinal tap) on Monday and then hopefully a decision to see if I can wait until after a few rounds of chemo before whole brain radiation, or if I need the radiation immediately.
Thanks again everyone for your prayers, hopes and encouragement.
Gila
Today was an appointment with the neuro- oncologist to continue discussing options for the brain metastatises. The doctor is concerned that even though I am asymptomatic as to neurological function, that there may be some cancer in the menengial fluid. Therefore, I will have a third lumbar puncture (spinal tap) on Monday and then hopefully a decision to see if I can wait until after a few rounds of chemo before whole brain radiation, or if I need the radiation immediately.
Thanks again everyone for your prayers, hopes and encouragement.
Gila
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Treatment Plan
We met today with my oncologist.
Based on the latest biopsy reports and a clinical exam, I will start a new chemo regiment next week. A cocktail that will hopefully stabilize and shrink the tumors.
I will see the radiologist tomorrow to discuss the tumors on the brain and will prepare to deal with them if they become symptomatic or as soon as practicable based on chemo regimen.
The good news is based on my 'young age' and otherwise good health, the team expects my body to respond positively to the treatment.
They are still doing DNA studies on my biopsy and will tweak the chemo based on the results, as they come in.
All your prayers and positive good deeds are helping.
Thanks everyone.
Based on the latest biopsy reports and a clinical exam, I will start a new chemo regiment next week. A cocktail that will hopefully stabilize and shrink the tumors.
I will see the radiologist tomorrow to discuss the tumors on the brain and will prepare to deal with them if they become symptomatic or as soon as practicable based on chemo regimen.
The good news is based on my 'young age' and otherwise good health, the team expects my body to respond positively to the treatment.
They are still doing DNA studies on my biopsy and will tweak the chemo based on the results, as they come in.
All your prayers and positive good deeds are helping.
Thanks everyone.
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Leaving hospital
The full results of the possible infection in spinal tap won't be back until Friday, but since I have no symptoms they are letting me go home today to sleep in my own bed.
I will be back tomorrow to meet with the thoracic oncologist and start a new treatment plan to get these tumors to shrink into oblivion.
I guess there will always be some bumps along the road, but at least the road is going the right direction and I know that so many people are praying for my full and speedy recovery.
I will be back tomorrow to meet with the thoracic oncologist and start a new treatment plan to get these tumors to shrink into oblivion.
I guess there will always be some bumps along the road, but at least the road is going the right direction and I know that so many people are praying for my full and speedy recovery.
Monday, February 1, 2016
Back in.
I came home from the hospital Wednesday, but received a call on Sunday that my spinal test showed an infection and even though I didn't have symptoms, they wanted me back in the hospital for more tests and treatment of infection. I had more tests and just waiting for results.
I will try to update as soon as I know anything.
I will try to update as soon as I know anything.
Friday, January 29, 2016
Update
I have decided to start a blog giving those who want updates a quick an easy access to what is going on.
When I first was re-diagnosed with cancer, after my original breast cancer ten years ago, they assumed it was breast cancer that metastasized to my lungs, liver, brain and spine.
Unfortunately, the updated biopsies came in and show that it is a primary lung cancer.
I will be seeing the thoracic lung oncologist this Wednesday, February third and hope to get a treatment plan started soon, so I can kick this cancer.
Faith, prayers, and positive thoughts can make all the difference in the world.
When I first was re-diagnosed with cancer, after my original breast cancer ten years ago, they assumed it was breast cancer that metastasized to my lungs, liver, brain and spine.
Unfortunately, the updated biopsies came in and show that it is a primary lung cancer.
I will be seeing the thoracic lung oncologist this Wednesday, February third and hope to get a treatment plan started soon, so I can kick this cancer.
Faith, prayers, and positive thoughts can make all the difference in the world.
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