Today we will meet with my oncologist to discuss where we go from here. I really don't know what he will suggest but there has been a change with this recent tumor in that it came back hormone negative. The other biopsied areas in the past have all been estrogen and progesterone positive. This one however, is not. When the cancer is hormone positive there are some good medications to use, such as Arimidex that I was put on a few weeks ago. After only 2 weeks of being on it my doctor told me to stop as it is not effective on the hormone negative tumor.
This tumor, like the others is HER2+. Going back, you may remember I was on a medication ( Herceptin) that ended up damaging my heart and we had to stop it. That is what would be used to treat the HER2+ tumor.
My fear is that chemotherapy is the next step along with radiation as it appears the above mentioned drugs are probably not an option. But... today's visit will tell us more.
Following the oncology visit, we go to the radiologist to have my simulation done. This is where I get my tattoos and the doctor lines everything up with the "beams" to prepare me for treatment. I wonder if they can at least give me a flower or something as a tattoo instead of just a dot??
The only decisions we have made so far is to go ahead with the radiation as it has worked well on the previous areas on my rib & spine. And... not to make any decisions today. We will think, research and pray before any other decisions are made. Please join us as we pray for wisdom, discernment and strength.
" Be strong and courageous,and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God my God is with you." 1 Corinthians 28:20
4 comments:
I'm sorry to hear that this new cancer is ER/PR negative and that herceptin damaged your heart. I think that radiation would be a good option and I'm glad there are other treatments that you have options to choose from. If you go through radiation therapy, I hope your body stays strong and can cope with it as you have done in the past. Love you lots Elayne.
Hmmmm. I hope you guys get some good information from the doctor today.
I'm sorry you are going through all of this once again.
The Lord will give you Strength!
Thinking of you, my friend. Interesting the change - my sister's original cancer was HER-2 + but the latest one is HER-2 -! Still waiting to hear about the abdominal tumors and what they are. Life is an adventure, eh? Art
wishing God eases your hurdle sis and sending you prayers and hugs from far...
think happy thoughts and stay positive.
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