In the middle of November, 2007, I started having acute abdominal pain. After some false diagnoses, a second CT scan revealed the need for a colonoscopy. On Dec. 3 I was hospitalized, and a tumor was found in my colon. A laporoscopic colonectomy on Dec. 6 removed a walnut-sized cancerous tumor, along with half of my colon. However, they could not guarantee that all the cancer cells had been caught.
( I have a hard time inserting myself into the ever-growing category of "people with cancer". I never expected to find myself here.)
A few months later, I started having abdominal discomfort, with bloating, gas, sometimes cramps, low-grade nausea, and many almost sleepless nights. My gastroenterologist ordered: blood tests--negative, ultrasound--negative, endoscopy--a small tumor on my duodenum.
He sent me to an oncologist at the Cancer Center. Another CT scan revealed a 4-centimeter-in-diameter cancerous tumor, stage 4, on my liver, plus other small spots.
It so happens that my very own oncologist & the local Cancer Center are taking part in a nation-wide clinical trial "...to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Avastin in combination with Xeloda in frail [or elderly] patients with untreated metastatic colorectal cancer".
I had a preliminary conference ad exam last week, and am scheduled to start the study on August 28. It will consist of a 21-cycle, where Avastin will be given once intravenously, and oral Zeloda will be taken twice a day for 14 days, followed by 7 days off. After each 3-cycle period, a CT scan will be made.
I can stop the study any time, and the doctor can stop it anytime also. If it helps it will be continued as long as the tumor is shrinking. It is sponsored by Genentech, who pays for the expensive Avastin. All the rest is covered by Medicare.
(I am excited about taking part in this experiment. I know I must be prepared for serious side-effects, but if I can get uninterrupted sleep it will be worth it. And I like the idea of adding to the store of human knowledge and perhaps helping other cancer patients. My family and friends, on whom I rely for rides now that I no longer have a car, are very supportive and helpful.)
2 comments:
Good luck with your medical adventures!
Earlier this year, I was thought by just about everyone to have a terrible case of brain cancer. As to identifying as a cancer patient, I found that I took that on rather quickly, and it was kind of bewildering when I had surgery and found that -- ta da! -- I had no such disease, just another completely bizarre one that left me with mild brain damage, but otherwise basically fine for now.
Hi I'm Tom and I found your blog today. I began reading your medical plight and I am so impressed with your free spirit and attitude. I loved your poems as well. You seem to be a loving and lovable person and I am thrilled that I happened to find you...May the Universe lovingly bless and protect you and give you all that you need.
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