mets to lung
Comments
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Susan, let us know how the radiation goes. Sending you lots of prayers and healing energies.
Brenda
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Going for chemo round 6 of 6 today. Woohoooo! This thread has been quiet the last few days. Hope you're all doing well. :-)
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Hope the rads will be effective and easy, SusaninSF - so great your breathing has improved!
Glad your breathing is also improved Carolsue. My sob is sporadic, it can come out of nowhere, like I'll run out of breath in the middle of talking. Stairs do me in. I think part of it is the chemo, part being out of condition after a long time of treatment. I also am more aware of my lungs, odd pains, feeling a heaviness on my chest. Sometimes I feel pain in one particular area, or a general back ache in my lung area, not sure what that's about. But yoga I can do, even if I come home after and don't move for a few hours!!
Jean, I hope the Navebine will kick butt!! (not yours, the cancer's, lol) Like Brenda says, all improvement is good.
Brenda, when do you start back on chemo? I really hope it'll do the same as last time!
Have been nauseous on this cycle of Xeloda, using lots of Ondansetron! Also the fatigue gets bad sometimes. Have been struggling with some depression too, so have changed one of my meds. Sure the fatigue affects the depression too, been wanting to sleep a LOT, and that's often my escape.
Also struggling with a very short attention span - I can't watch even an hour's program on TV without taking a break half way through! Chemo brain still?
Thinking of you all, hoping for a good weekend for all of us!
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Thanks for the positive thoughts on my radiation! Just finished the first week (5 treatments out of 20). Was feeling good until yesterday. Now pretty tired and not feeling like eating much. Taking Zofran which helps some. In general, I feel pretty good in the morning but by the afternoon I pretty much just want to sleep. I do feel that my breathing keeps getting better and I hope it is the Tamoxifen/Zoladex. Hoping my energy will pick up over the weekend since I don't have treatments on weekend days.
Hoping everyone has a relaxing/fun weekend!
Hugs, Susan
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Susan, what is the plan after chemo? It must feel good to have the chemo out of the way.
Carolben, I started last April 25 and had another one today. I had forgotten about the nausea and fatigue. Sorry about the depression. I have that too, but the anti-depressants are still working, I think. I do get dark moments, and I think it's normal to get blue with my/our predicament.
Hugs to everyone.
Brenda
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Carolben, I'm not sure which I hate more -- depression or antidepressants. It's so hard to find the one that works right for you. I'm sure my MO is going to be starting me back on Arimidex now that I've finished chemo, and I'm so not looking forward to it. The worst side effect for me was the irritability. I'm hoping that without the stress of my job, just maybe it won't be quite as bad this time.
Susan, congrats on being 1/4 of the way through radiation! I'll never forget how draining it was. But I also remember how quickly I healed as soon as treatment was over. Hang in there. You'll get through this soon. Keep us posted on how you're doing.
Brenda, good luck with chemo. Hope it kicks some serious cancer butt and that your S/E's are tolerable.
I went to our county Relay for Life last night and had a great time! I was pretty tired after chemo yesterday, but I REALLY wanted to go. So I laid in bed, unable to go to sleep, so I prayed instead. For energy, for no nausea, for the weakness in my legs to go away. (I'm a big believer in the power of prayer.) I got out of bed at 5:30 and found my second wind. I'd had doubts that I'd be able to even finish the survivor lap as weak as my legs had been feeling during chemo, but I ended up walking 3 laps!! One of the ladies from my support group was complaining how out of breath she was feeling and for some odd reason, that gave me such a boost. Here I am, Stage 4 with lung mets, just finished my sixth round of chemo, and I want to keep walking!! It made me hopeful that some of my breathing issues aren't from the lung mets -- they've been blasted to smithereens! -- but from all the chemicals pumped into my body and from being so out of shape. I've started wearing my Fitbit again, and yesterday I walked 6,000 steps. That's the most I've walked since early October!!
Here's a picture from last night -- I'm the tall baldie holding the banner.
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I have been feeling pretty OK, slowly getting a bit worse but still OK other than shortness of breath and as Carolben said, I just notice my lungs more and have odd pains now and again.
It is easier to feel well when I am happy and busy. I am entrenched in final touches on the plans for my youngest daughter's wedding coming up on May 17th. Also, lots doing with my middle daughter who is expecting my 7th grandbaby due on July 31 and she is moving closer. She will now be 1/2 hour from me instead of a full hour and will be in same town as my oldest daughter. My oldest son is getting a divorce (sad) but has really begun to connect on a much deeper level with the family. HE visits quite a few times each week and I babysit a few times a week too.
I hope the lessened activity on this thread means you are all enjoying that spring has finally appeared and that you are all doing well.
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Carolsue, thank you for sharing that heartwarming photo! Are you going to get a scan to see if your mets have indeed been smashed to smithereens?
Chanah: Nice to hear that you have been busy with happy things. Even your son's divorce, though very sad, has good s/e's. He gets to visit you more often because he needs you. I like that feeling.
Hugs to everyone.
Brenda
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Adnerb, I actually haven't had any chemo yet. They are hoping I will respond to the Tamoxifen/Zoladex combo and wanted to do brain and eye radiation right away. I will get scans a month after my radiation and they will see how I've been responding.
Carolsue, Cute picture! I should be bald as a bowling ball in about a week too. Honestly, I think you look beautiful! I'm not afraid of baldness. Kind of looking forward to not having to wash and dry my hair every day. Feeling pretty good today as I get a break in radiation over the weekend. Went to yoga class today and my balance was still very good. I felt strong too. Trying to keep up my strength through this radiation ordeal.
Carolben, Have you tried Ritalin for the concentration problem? I saw the "Symptom Management" doctor last week and he was plying all sorts of drugs. Ritalin for my fuzzy head/inability to focus and some kind of morphine drops for my cough. Haven't taken either yet as I take so many drugs already!
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Chana's -- congratulations on all the happy occasions you have coming up! And even though your son is going through tough times, it's nice to hear that he's relying on family for support.
Brenda -- I think my next scan will be early July. Hoping it will show as much improvement as the one in April, if not more.
Susan -- I'm glad to hear you're feeling strong. Sounds like yoga helps.
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Weddings and grandbabies.....great happenings on the thread. Congratulations to those of you with such wonderful milestones approaching. Take care of yourselves as you get through each step and enjoy your families.
I've had my second dose of navelbine today, so I am hoping this is one that will knock down some of the symptoms I've been dealing with. I have reached out for Home Health care help. They are going to help me try to regain some strength and gain back some of what I lost over the past few months of not feeling well. My latest trouble are with my stomach so I need to get reading on a thread I saw recently about mets to stomach and colon. Not sure if it applies to me as I have mets in the peritoneum which is outside those areas but in-between and affecting them greatly. My 02 sats have been better since the second tapping but I still have great effort needed to get those breaths in.
I love the relay pic! I remember the advice when I did radiation therapy was to rest when you need it. Take care all. Jean
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Have been away from the boards for a while, but for good reasons. Vacationing with my husband, sister, brother and their spouses in Florida! Had a great time but now back to reality. Chemo today! This is my 2nd on carboplatin and white counts are borderline but I need it today because of my daughter's wedding on the 17th. Chanah and I will be celebrating together! Onc agreed to chemo today if I get the neulasta tomorrow. Jean, hope you regain your strength soon and that the navelbine does help with your side effects. Carol sue, love your picture. You look tall and proud and bald looks great on you. I was told I would lose my hair but so far still have a full head. Have been bald a couple of times and I sure don't look as good as you!! Susan, hope the rads don't wear you out too much and that the tamoxifen combo will keep you away from chemo for a long time! Brenda, yes, dark moments are normal. I'm usually the Pollyanna type but had some tearful nights after my last treatment. Sometimes I just get tired of the whole process!! For anyone in the thread that I've missed, hope that the springtime has finally come for those in the states and that everyone has good days to enjoy!
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Glenna, "tired" is spot on for 99% of my breakdown moments. Tired of this or that and a lot of times just tired of being tired. Maintaining Pollyanna for everyone is pretty tiring in itself!
I have a CT tomorrow to take a look at the state of me following my lung resection 7 weeks ago. Trying to be nonchalant about it and pretending not to be anxious about the results...
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Hi Ladies,Unfortunately I have recently been dx with stage 4 with mets to lungs. Going threw the omg rush of dread feelings I'm sure you all know about. Meeting with my new medical oncologist next Tues. to get back into treatment. I did tamoxifen for 2 years but could no longer tolerate it because of the extreme side effects. HOT all the time and extreme hot flashes and sweats sometimes every 20 mins but it was doing the job as the "spots on my lungs" were not growing for 2 years. At that time it was unknown if it was cancer or scaring and they did not want to biopsy due to the possible side effects.
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Hi Tryn2staycalm,
When I was hospitalized for pleural effusion I thought I was going to die. That was in September, so it's been 9 months.
Since tamoxifen seemed to be doing its job maybe your doctor could have you take an AI. It's worth a try, I think.
Welcome to the "mets to lung" group. I wish you great days ahead.
Hugs to everyone,
Brenda
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Thanks Brenda.. yes my rads oncologist that has been following my spots on my lungs thought the same thing (another AI). I just hope its not one that gives me as severe s/e as tamoxifen did. Anyone ever try this I-cool (for severe hot flashes)? I'm going to call the 1-800 number and get a list of the ingredients and as long as it does not have Estrogen then I will ask my doctor about it.0 -
I called about the I-Cool and got a list of ingredients and NO Estrogen. It's suggested retail price is 19.98 for a box of 30 which is a months supply. They say it is available in Shoppers Drug Mart and getting it into Walmart. Wouldn't it be nice if it worked? There were several testimonials saying how it cut down on the amount of hot flashes and not nearly as severe. If it clears my onco I will certainly give it a shot. The site also said it may take 2 weeks to feel a difference. Anyone interested in it also www.i-cool.ca0 -
I have results of my lymph node biopsy: Er+ (50%), Pr-, Her2-.
Does this mean that my lung met has the same pathology? There's no way
to say, says my oncologist. My lung biopsy yielded no hormone status
information. Is this a good thing? I always thought my cancer was
triple negative.I still want to have the liquid biopsy done. My
doctor is requesting it but he is sure my insurance company will not pay
for it.We flew to Indiana last week. The flights (AA) and
travel agency (Expedia.com) were awful. First flight was delayed, then
cancelled. Hotel cancelled our reservation because we "did not show
up". What a nightmare. But a big celebration was had by all when my
son and his girlfriend graduated with their JD's. We are so proud!!!Hugs to all,
Brenda
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Here is what my sis wrote for meThought maybe it can help others find strength and hope too
For my sister
Never Give Up
They told me it's hopeless
It wouldn't be long
My body was dying
I'd sing my last songI wasn't a quitter
Just what did they know
For I am a fighter
I'm running the showConsumed with a faith
That will fuel a great drive
To pass all the hurdles
And know I'll surviveMy body is weakened
my heart leads the way
To walk bravely onward
Towards a new dayNever give up
"Hopeless" doesn't exist
For Love lives within me
And I'm truly blessed.0 -
Met my new oncologist and he is sending me for more of the usual scans to check for more mets.He will be putting me on a new AI as soon as he gets the results of the scans. He also asked me if I be interested in a new drug trial. The drug is so new it has not been named but a number PD-0332991. 66% will receive this drug and Letrozole versus placebo plus Letrozole. Neither my doctor nor I will know which I am receiving. He did say that this study shows promising results so far. Praying that I am the 66% and it does help.
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tryntostaycalm, thanks for sharing your sister's poem. You could add melody and make it into a song.
Hope you can get into that trial. I'm rooting for you.
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I was touched by it. Hope others are too. And ty for rooting for me!0 -
Tryn,
I think this drug is Pfizer's Palbociclib, a CDK 4/6 inhibitor. If you put "Palbociclib" in the search field you'll find a lot of discussion and background info on it.
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Thanks carpe .. will try that!0 -
beautiful poem, tryn2staycalm, thank you for sharing it with us. Am also hoping you get into the 66% and that it will really kick some cancer butt!
Brenda, we also couldn't get enough tissue from my lung biopsy to see if it was 3neg too. My surgeon was querying the whole thing just now, and suggested maybe this is a second primary - lung cancer. So I spoke to my onc, who said my surgeon had called him about it. He says the shape of the cells are very similar to the bc cells and everything points towards bc mets and not a 2nd primary. But it would be nice to know if the mets are also 3neg. What is a liquid biopsy?
Had developed a femoral hernia that had to be repaired, so that was done one Wed, with a spinal block, no anaesthetic. Had to stay overnight but came home yesterday and slept like a log. So I've got an extra week break from chemo, while this heals, that's a bonus. It's a lot less sore today, but boy was it painful for that first day! Anyway, it's not cancer so not a big deal and I'm going to try and listen to instructions for a change and rest up, no yoga or driving for 10 days - 2 weeks. Ho hum
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Carolben Glad you liked the poem. I hope it inspires more of us to keep positive and fight hard. We will do whatever we must to try to make it to one of those 5 year clubs
. Love hearing those stories. And thanks for your well wishes for me making it in the 66% on the drug trials. Sorry you going thru so much now and surgery too! Hope your resting well and wish you a fast recovery!
Also Carpe I found that thread for the drug trials and thanks so much!
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Carolben, here's a blurb about LiquidBiopsy. Out of Pocket is $2500, but I was told that if my doctor requests it before the 1st of June I will not be charged (even if my insurance denies it):
"LiquidBiopsy detects and enumerates nucleated cytokeratin
positive and CD45 negative cells (target CTC cells) by immunomagnetic
separation and immunofluorescence. The test provides efficient and
reliable CTC recovery from patient samples with a 3-day turn around.By
using LiquidBiopsy testing alongside the standard of care for cancer
patients, oncologists are provided timely, valuable insight into cancer
progression and response to treatment*. For pharmaceutical researchers,
CTC testing can provide valuable efficacy information during early stage
clinical trials."I know we should be thankful that our lung mets are too tiny to biopsy, but it really disturbs me that I don't have more information about it!
Hugs,
Brenda
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Hi all - My daughter's graduation weekend last week and wedding weekend were both fabulous. Except for some pain standing so long for the service and pictures, I felt pretty darn well thoughout the weekends. I am blessed with a third amazing son-in-law!
I put off my lung CT scan until after the wedding, so I went today. I should hear tomorrow...
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Keeping my fingers crossed for a really good scan!
Love,
Brenda
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Yes good luck chanah!Had my eye exam today and happy to report everything is looking fine. I am also a insulin dependant diabetic so I can go in anytime and have my exam covered. Wanted to rule out any mets there also as my MO suggested.
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