Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Results

I got my results from my CT Scan and they were not good. They were actually worse than I could have expected. The tumors in my lungs have grown and now there are more. There is also a new .5 centimeter mass where my right kidney used to be.  I don't even know how to put my emotions into words except, I'm devastated.  Beyond this crap though, I feel great.  All of my blood work came back healthy and my lungs sound great nor do I have shortness of breath or pain.

I had an appointment with my onc in Tucson and his recommendation is a clinical trial that is testing a breast cancer chemo against an approved melanoma chemo (ABI-001 vs. DTIC).  It is a radomized study.  I'm not confident in this treatment option as there is another drug that is proven to be successful with Melanoma.  The drug was suposed to be approved by the FDA Chrismas Eve, but they postponed it until March 2011 to get additional data.  There is an open study for this drug at MD Anderson in Houston, TX.  My Uncle Art and Aunt Diane live there and I know they would take care of me if this is where I need to be for treatment.

So, anyways, this is a difficult decision and I am seeking other opinions to make sure that the treatment we choose is right for me.  I'm hoping to get an appointment with The Mayo clinic in Scottsdale.  I faxed them my medical records Tueday night and I hope to hear from them tomorrow. Also a wonderful friend of ours, Jaci, is helping us find other opinions through her contacts in the world of cancer.  We are so grateful for all she is doing for me.

Any of the treatments that are available will wipe out my immune system as well as possibly kick my butt with numerous other potential side effects.  I could be in treatment for the next 6+ months.  Because of this I have to quit my position at the Pre-School and this Friday will be my last day.  I am so sad to have to leave.  As one of the teacher's (Miss Laura) put it, it is my happy place and it will be hard to leave such great co-workers (who really are a second family) and great children and their families.  Friday will be a hard day for me.

Due to the spreading of my cancer, I am having an MRI of brain tomorrow.  We need to ensure that this nasty stuff hasn't made a home there as if so that would be a totally different treatment.  Should have the results on Friday.

I am praying for guidance in my decision and healing.

18 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Tina,
I'm so sorry to hear about your recent results. We will be praying for you (we've always included you in our prayers) and your family. I'm not sure if you have read my comment about my friend who had stage 3 small cell in her brain and is now Cancer free. She went to FUDA in China. Let me know if you would like more information.
Take care!
Always,
Wendy D.

CB said...

Thanks for the update Tina. I'm sure it was difficult to write, but even more difficult for you to hear.

I enjoyed our visit this afternoon. I know you are scared, but I was happy to see that you are still very strong and will not let this defeat you. Your army of friends and family are ready to take the next step with you.

Prayers for clear results Friday and guidance in making your treatment decisions.

<3
CB

OceanDesert said...

thank you for the update, T. Explore anything and everything and your heart will know where to guide you, and we will all be by your side on this journey.

Liz said...

Thank you for updating us on your results. I know they weren't the ones that you wanted to hear, but you are one of the strongest people I know. I hope you find the treatment that will work best for you. Hugs to you and Teya and Todd!

Unknown said...

Thank you for posting your latest results Tina. Though we were hoping to read better things we're relieved to see that you're still staying strong in heart and mind. We remain by your side and stand ever ready to be of help to you, Todd and Teya.

Praying for you and yours always,
Jim, Jess, Ethan, and James

Anonymous said...

Tina -
Thanks so much for sharing. I can not imagine how hard this is for you but your positive attitude and your ability to share - you are truly amazing! Anything you need, let me know. I am continuing to pray for you.

Anna

melissa LaFleur(Hale) said...

praying along with you for guidance.. and peace.

Alicia said...

Tina,
I am so sorry to hear of this news! Thank you for keeping everybody posted! I know it has to be a bit draining-seems like never ending and I feel for you immensely! My thoughts are with you always!!

Brent Baker said...

I can't even imagine how tough things are for you and your family right now. Please just remember that God loves you and in times like these, keep your faith in him. He has a purpose for you that only he understands. You are in my prayers every day.

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Linda said...

Tina,
We are here for you for anything you need. Jordan will miss you at school. He loves Mrs. Tina!
Your strength and committment to fight the cancer, physically and emotionally will get you through this along with the support of family and friends.

Linda

Karen said...

Hi Tina ~ I was so sorry to hear the results of the latest treatment. I can only imagine how hard this is for you. Please know that you are in my thoughts and my prayers!!!!

Anonymous said...

Tina

You and your family continue to be in my prayers. This cancer doesn't know who it's messing with! Even though you may have moments where you don't feel it, you are such a strong person and such an inspiration to so many people out there, and you have so many friends helping you with the fight.

I'm happy to see you looking at all your options and know you'll make a good choice...whatever and wherever it ends up being. Praying for your continued strength through all of this, guidance in making difficult decisions, and that you'll stumble across the most amazing doctors who can help you and your family through this. Big hugs from all of us!

Anonymous said...

Tina,

I'm so sorry the results weren't what you were hoping for. I'm praying for you to get the guidance you need and the good health you deserve. You are an incredibly courageous and strong woman. Keep going and focus all that energy on finding the right treatment for you.

We're all behind you!

Anonymous said...

T, you know us, and we love you. We're here, use us any way you need as tools for your fight!

Rob said...

Tina,

I know that these results were more than dissappointing, and we appreciate your sharing them with us. I am constantly inspired by the strength you show in mind, spirit and body to address both your setbacks and options with the straight forward candor that we all know and love you for.

As always, we are here for your anytime for anything.

Anonymous said...

Bob and I just read your blog together. We are speechless. Thank you for your dedication in keeping your blog posts up to date. It has to be incredibly difficult to write the updates,in such a painful, confusing time.

Bob wanted to mention the possibility of getting services at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America (in Goodyear, AZ), although, I am sure you have done much research on what hospitals, doctors, etc. will serve you best. If you havent already, please consider a homeopathic specialist to aid you in this battle.

Until we see you, lots of cyber hugs from us both.

with love,
Heidi & Bob

Anonymous said...

I am Evie Gray and have known of you all your life. Your mom has been a friend since high school. We went to prom together. By the time Rose and i got back together as adults, you were married and living away. I have been praying for you during your surgeries and treatment. Right now i am just speechless, its not what any of us expected to hear. Whether you decide to continue treatment or not , I will be here cheering, praying and hoping that the cancer gives up and leaves your body for good. The Peace of the lord be with you always. Evie

Anonymous said...

We love you Tina, Todd & Teya --- Your our first thought in the morning and all through the day. We are praying for a complete healing and that God will show HIS miracle -- There are more people praying for you then we can count. Your on many many prayer list..... God will show the way.
God Bless
Uncle Mike & Aunt Shelly