I didn't update two weeks ago because everything was the same. I knew I was going to have a PET scan this time and decided to just wait and post.
First of all, I had a PET scan on Monday, Jan 24th. It came back "miraculous." The liver met has completely resolved. They are a little skeptical, so we are doing an MRI to make sure. Also, the colon cancer didn't show up and that was totally unexpected. The chemo regimen was to stop the met (spreading) but they didn't expect it to shrink. More on this later in the post.
This trip has been interesting. I had a very good visit with the dr yesterday. I had my chemo and I also had an appt with my oncologist. They worked me in to see her early so everyone could leave because of the impending storm. The doctor is, of course, very happy and said this is the plan now:
She said she has been hesitant to take me off the Avastin because I was doing so well. She is excited about the outcome and gave me a complete report of the scan. She said we'd stop the Avastin now. YEAH!! Wednesday, Jan. 26 was my last. Mainly because I have to be off of it for 6-8 weeks before surgery. She wants me to complete the 12 regular regimens of Folfox, which is everything I do now, but the Avastin. This treatment is #9 and I'll probably have one more and then stop for surgery.
Dr. Dogra, the oncologist, said she isn't sure what we'll do afte the surgery. We'll probably finish any chemo - 2 sessions, and then depending on the CEA counts, if they stay down, she said she may just monitor me. . .blood tests every few weeks. That's awesome!!!! That means I could be through with chemo the first of May. All depends on the counts.
She told me how unusual it is that the PET shows nothing., . .and seemed a little skeptical. We know it is still there because the counts aren't at 1-3 . My last test on Jan 24th showed the counts were at 8. She then told me she would refer me to the surgeon.
I was able to see the surgeon as I was finishing my chemo. It worked out so well. The offices are across the building from each other - a two minute walk. It is very convenient.
Dr. Seid, the surgeon, went in and read my history - took him 30 mins because he also called Dr Dogra to talk to her. He walked in and said, "I just read your history. You've had an interesting year!" Understatement right? lol He was very nice and explained things thoroughly. He is either Japanese or Chinese. He also said it would be one operation. . . lapriscopically. He looked at my stomach to see if he could use any of the previous ports, . . but no such luck. So, we add four more to the dot to dot arrangement. I already look like I have been shot at - AND HIT!! lol I have 10 scars so far. Add another 4 and it will be very comical. He asked about my hysterectomy and who did it. I explained who I went to, Dr. Garg, and that it was done by the "DaVinci method." He has heard of Dr. Garg. He said, "That's all new technique and skill." He does major surgeries like that and I think was surprised that Kaiser let me go there. As I have said before, God said "You are on this path, and these are the people that are going to take care of you." It's been amazing.
Dr. Seid explained where he would cut and why. I will have a larger scar because he needs to remove the colon through some spot. . but the rest will be little ones. He also said he wanted me to have a colonosopy again because he wants to know exactly where the tumors are and they can "die the tumors or tatoo them" and he won't have to guess which part of the colon needs to come out. He will do it in one surgery, . . .disect and reconnect. . .that's exciting. No colostomy bag. He said I am not inflamed, infected, or an emergency so it should go smoothly. It will take about 4 hours to complete from start to finish.
As I was leaving, he said, "Do you realize how unusual it is not to see anything on the PET scan? I told him I have a son in Med school and a son-in-law that is an I/R dr., so I have an idea of how unusual my whole history is.
The MRI is scheduled for Feb 17 and the colonoscopy Feb 18.
I think that is pretty much it.
Again, thank you for all your prayers and care.
The only hang-up of the whole day was a storm that hit as I was driving to Bryce and Cathi's. On a good day, regular traffic, it takes 90 minutes. I left VA around 3:30 pm and didn't get to Bryce and Cathi's until after midnight, so it was nearly 9 hours to get here. I sat on one stretch of the road for nearly 4 hours. The weather started with sleet and then snow and dumped about 6-9 inches. I didn't see any real accidents, but any incline in the road was slick and stopped traffic. People had spun out, pulled over and it literally looked like dooms day movie. Some were literally just stopped in the middle of the lane and couldn't move. I saw abandoned cars in the far left lane which made me wonder what the plow would do. I had over a 4th of a tank of gas, but I had to fill up as soon as I got a chance to get off the road. Most of the exits were not plowed and people were stuck on the exits. I didn't want to run out of gas, so at times I turned the car off, lights and all, and just let the snow come. Within five minutes the entire car was covered and I was in a cave. The car stayed warm for up to an hour, and I'd get out, clean it off, and get back in and warm it up. It wasn't as bad as it sounds.
So the adventure continues. I'll post when I get the surgery scheduled. Again, thanks for all your prayers, concern and will wishes.
