Re: Good News for a change!!!!

[Guest guest]

That sounds great Joyce. All your dedicated work and study on behalf

of is paying off.

Barry

> Hi folks,

> Maybe I can start a new trend here for a while. We went for

> 's three week visit with Oncologist. He had RFA to the

right

> lung March 7th. He started his first round of Xeloda April 7th.

He

> finished his 4th round on June 23rd. We were very discouraged

> because his CEA started at 6.7 after 1st round, second round 7.1

and

> third round 7.3

> We were expecting the absolute worst today. The Onc was running 2

> hrs late and got up and went into main exam area and

> announced he was leaving. I stayed in the reception area quite

> embarrased. A couple of minutes later the nurse told me to come

> back because they had him in a exam room. The nurse said " Please

> don't leave because we have good news for you today. "

> His CEA dropped to 4.5 and the Onc said to start new round of

Xeloda

> tomorrow and he did not need to see us for 6 weeks this time. He

> wrote his orders for his next round ahead of time and told us to

get

> a CT scan of chest and complete blood work before we come back.

He

> had increased his Xeloda to 5 pills twice daily last visit. He is

a

> tiny bit anemic and they gave his some iron pills to take. The

Onc

> could not tell us how long he will be on the Xeloda but we left

> there with everyone smiling for a change.

> The Xeloda is not causing any side effects except for fatigue,

which

> I still think may be depression while he is on the pill. On his

> week off his whole attitued changes. My son and him are actually

> out in the workshop working on the air boat again.

> Lets hope I am setting a trend for some good news on this board

> again.

> Joyce

[Guest guest]

Thanks Barry,

Sometimes gripes because of the time I spend on the

computer. Little does he know that most of it is researching the

newest treatment for this disease. He is the type that does not

want to know anything or hear anything. Kind of like if you don't

talk about it, it will go away.

I will NEVER give up as long as my computer holds up. Today he is

outside in his workshop and he looks and feels so much better with

the news of the drop in the CEA. We know this will not last forever

but at least it gives us more time to do the things we never got

around to doing.

Joyce-- In colon_cancer_support , " bcranbrook "

<canada.book@a...> wrote:

>

> That sounds great Joyce. All your dedicated work and study on

behalf

> of is paying off.

>

> Barry

>

>

>

>

> > Hi folks,

> > Maybe I can start a new trend here for a while. We went for

> > 's three week visit with Oncologist. He had RFA to the

> right

> > lung March 7th. He started his first round of Xeloda April

7th.

> He

> > finished his 4th round on June 23rd. We were very discouraged

> > because his CEA started at 6.7 after 1st round, second round 7.1

> and

> > third round 7.3

> > We were expecting the absolute worst today. The Onc was running

2

> > hrs late and got up and went into main exam area and

> > announced he was leaving. I stayed in the reception area quite

> > embarrased. A couple of minutes later the nurse told me to come

> > back because they had him in a exam room. The nurse

said " Please

> > don't leave because we have good news for you today. "

> > His CEA dropped to 4.5 and the Onc said to start new round of

> Xeloda

> > tomorrow and he did not need to see us for 6 weeks this time.

He

> > wrote his orders for his next round ahead of time and told us to

> get

> > a CT scan of chest and complete blood work before we come back.

> He

> > had increased his Xeloda to 5 pills twice daily last visit. He

is

> a

> > tiny bit anemic and they gave his some iron pills to take. The

> Onc

> > could not tell us how long he will be on the Xeloda but we left

> > there with everyone smiling for a change.

> > The Xeloda is not causing any side effects except for fatigue,

> which

> > I still think may be depression while he is on the pill. On his

> > week off his whole attitued changes. My son and him are

actually

> > out in the workshop working on the air boat again.

> > Lets hope I am setting a trend for some good news on this board

> > again.

> > Joyce

[Guest guest]

Joyce - We can certainly use some good news around here! I am so happy

for you. It is hard not to expect the worst. Hearing a good report

seems much sweeter when it's unanticipated.

My husband is too busy trying to keep his law practice afloat to do much

research and so I am in the same position as you are - my new " hobby " is

internet cancer treatment research. Not nearly as enjoyable as my old

hobbies of weaving, knitting and spinning....but hopefully far more

productive in the end.

The best to you and -

Peggy

J

[Guest guest]

That's great news Joyce! I know how happy you both must be! In

attempting to continue your " good news trend " :-) I will update

everyone on Rick's situation. First, I've been absent from posting

because my son had a beautiful wedding this weekend and we had many

friends in and much to celebrate. Also had to work alot to catch up

from being out during our trip to MD .

We had an appointment with Dr. Bradford at Highlands Oncology

Group in Bentonville (AR) and he was such a breath of fresh air! We

went to discuss a possible trial (which it turns out he isn't

eligible for because he hasn't had progression and actually failed

the last chemo treatment completely). But in our discussion with him

about Rick's condition, he was so very upbeat and

encouraging .......was just what Rick needed. He told Rick he had a

fantastic response to his last chemo and that he has every reason to

believe he'll have a great response to the next one (Oxi/Xeloda). He

said to Rick " Your job is to focus on living to be an old

man!.....you need to look at this as a chronic condition and don't

spend your time worrying about the what if's. " He added that

diabetes doesn't have a cure either, and most people with that

disease will probably eventually die from something related to that

too, but you don't see them stopping their life and being depressed

about that. He told him to " live " and be happy! He understands the

need to not strip hope away from his patients and it was worth the

short trip to see him just for the hope he gave Rick.

We have Rick's port put in next Wednesday and he'll have his first

new treatments on Thursday and Friday. We're both ready to get back

to the fight. Have a great 4th of July!!

Kindest Regards,

Donna Sisco

> Hi folks,

> Maybe I can start a new trend here for a while. We went for

> 's three week visit with Oncologist. He had RFA to the right

> lung March 7th. He started his first round of Xeloda April 7th.

He

> finished his 4th round on June 23rd. We were very discouraged

> because his CEA started at 6.7 after 1st round, second round 7.1

and

> third round 7.3

> We were expecting the absolute worst today. The Onc was running 2

> hrs late and got up and went into main exam area and

> announced he was leaving. I stayed in the reception area quite

> embarrased. A couple of minutes later the nurse told me to come

> back because they had him in a exam room. The nurse said " Please

> don't leave because we have good news for you today. "

> His CEA dropped to 4.5 and the Onc said to start new round of

Xeloda

> tomorrow and he did not need to see us for 6 weeks this time. He

> wrote his orders for his next round ahead of time and told us to

get

> a CT scan of chest and complete blood work before we come back. He

> had increased his Xeloda to 5 pills twice daily last visit. He is

a

> tiny bit anemic and they gave his some iron pills to take. The Onc

> could not tell us how long he will be on the Xeloda but we left

> there with everyone smiling for a change.

> The Xeloda is not causing any side effects except for fatigue,

which

> I still think may be depression while he is on the pill. On his

> week off his whole attitued changes. My son and him are actually

> out in the workshop working on the air boat again.

> Lets hope I am setting a trend for some good news on this board

> again.

> Joyce

[Guest guest]

Donna,

Maybe I am starting a new trend here, sure hope so. I am very happy

for you and Rick. Could you refresh my memory on what chemo he was

on that he responded to? is on only Xeloda. The only side

effect is extreme fatigue. He also said the dizzines is coming

back. I told him thats a lot better than vomiting and nausea.

Hopefully some of our other member will join us with a encouraging

post. I know last month it was really getting depressing to read

the site.

Joyce

> > Hi folks,

> > Maybe I can start a new trend here for a while. We went for

> > 's three week visit with Oncologist. He had RFA to the

right

> > lung March 7th. He started his first round of Xeloda April

7th.

> He

> > finished his 4th round on June 23rd. We were very discouraged

> > because his CEA started at 6.7 after 1st round, second round 7.1

> and

> > third round 7.3

> > We were expecting the absolute worst today. The Onc was running

2

> > hrs late and got up and went into main exam area and

> > announced he was leaving. I stayed in the reception area quite

> > embarrased. A couple of minutes later the nurse told me to come

> > back because they had him in a exam room. The nurse

said " Please

> > don't leave because we have good news for you today. "

> > His CEA dropped to 4.5 and the Onc said to start new round of

> Xeloda

> > tomorrow and he did not need to see us for 6 weeks this time.

He

> > wrote his orders for his next round ahead of time and told us to

> get

> > a CT scan of chest and complete blood work before we come back.

He

> > had increased his Xeloda to 5 pills twice daily last visit. He

is

> a

> > tiny bit anemic and they gave his some iron pills to take. The

Onc

> > could not tell us how long he will be on the Xeloda but we left

> > there with everyone smiling for a change.

> > The Xeloda is not causing any side effects except for fatigue,

> which

> > I still think may be depression while he is on the pill. On his

> > week off his whole attitued changes. My son and him are

actually

> > out in the workshop working on the air boat again.

> > Lets hope I am setting a trend for some good news on this board

> > again.

> > Joyce

[Guest guest]

You're right Joyce ......we did go through a period of bad news in

the group, didn't we? Well, Rick took 24 treatments of CPT-11/5FU/LV

(three weeks on and one week off in each cycle). He never had to

skip any, his blood counts stayed strong, no hair loss (except legs :-

) ) ........... and no diarrhea. I don't believe I've heard or read

of anyone having a better time with that regimen. And best of all,

he had 50% shrinkage in the larger tumors and some in the smaller

ones. After all that he is still left with over 60% tumor burden in

his liver (both lobes). We're just thankful he had good response.

He never actually " failed " that treatment, he had just stablized and

we didn't want to wait until the tumors started growing so they

decided he should switch now. Next treatment will be

Oxi/Xeloda .......... I'm hoping he will do well with that too.

Can't remember if had other chemo with traditional

5FU .....did he? And if so, was he very fatigued from that too?

Because Rick has some fatigue, but it has never really slowed him

down. I hope the Xeloda doesn't either ........... I love seeing him

enjoying life and continuing to do all the things he regularly fills

his day with. Best wishes to you and hopefully others will have some

good reports too! ;-)

Donna S.

> > > Hi folks,

> > > Maybe I can start a new trend here for a while. We went for

> > > 's three week visit with Oncologist. He had RFA to the

> right

> > > lung March 7th. He started his first round of Xeloda April

> 7th.

> > He

> > > finished his 4th round on June 23rd. We were very discouraged

> > > because his CEA started at 6.7 after 1st round, second round

7.1

> > and

> > > third round 7.3

> > > We were expecting the absolute worst today. The Onc was

running

> 2

> > > hrs late and got up and went into main exam area and

> > > announced he was leaving. I stayed in the reception area quite

> > > embarrased. A couple of minutes later the nurse told me to

come

> > > back because they had him in a exam room. The nurse

> said " Please

> > > don't leave because we have good news for you today. "

> > > His CEA dropped to 4.5 and the Onc said to start new round of

> > Xeloda

> > > tomorrow and he did not need to see us for 6 weeks this time.

> He

> > > wrote his orders for his next round ahead of time and told us

to

> > get

> > > a CT scan of chest and complete blood work before we come

back.

> He

> > > had increased his Xeloda to 5 pills twice daily last visit. He

> is

> > a

> > > tiny bit anemic and they gave his some iron pills to take. The

> Onc

> > > could not tell us how long he will be on the Xeloda but we left

> > > there with everyone smiling for a change.

> > > The Xeloda is not causing any side effects except for fatigue,

> > which

> > > I still think may be depression while he is on the pill. On

his

> > > week off his whole attitued changes. My son and him are

> actually

> > > out in the workshop working on the air boat again.

> > > Lets hope I am setting a trend for some good news on this board

> > > again.

> > > Joyce

[Guest guest]

Joyce,

Thank you for sharing such positive news! I am so happy that

is responding to Xeloda. I think it is so convenient, to be able to

take chemo in pill form, and allows you to have a more 'normal'

lifestyle, instead of sitting for hours in a chemo room. Keep up

the good work you guys!

Take Care,

Kathy O.

> Hi folks,

> Maybe I can start a new trend here for a while. We went for

> 's three week visit with Oncologist. He had RFA to the

right

> lung March 7th. He started his first round of Xeloda April 7th.

He

> finished his 4th round on June 23rd. We were very discouraged

> because his CEA started at 6.7 after 1st round, second round 7.1

and

> third round 7.3

> We were expecting the absolute worst today. The Onc was running 2

> hrs late and got up and went into main exam area and

> announced he was leaving. I stayed in the reception area quite

> embarrased. A couple of minutes later the nurse told me to come

> back because they had him in a exam room. The nurse said " Please

> don't leave because we have good news for you today. "

> His CEA dropped to 4.5 and the Onc said to start new round of

Xeloda

> tomorrow and he did not need to see us for 6 weeks this time. He

> wrote his orders for his next round ahead of time and told us to

get

> a CT scan of chest and complete blood work before we come back.

He

> had increased his Xeloda to 5 pills twice daily last visit. He is

a

> tiny bit anemic and they gave his some iron pills to take. The

Onc

> could not tell us how long he will be on the Xeloda but we left

> there with everyone smiling for a change.

> The Xeloda is not causing any side effects except for fatigue,

which

> I still think may be depression while he is on the pill. On his

> week off his whole attitued changes. My son and him are actually

> out in the workshop working on the air boat again.

> Lets hope I am setting a trend for some good news on this board

> again.

> Joyce

[Guest guest]

Donna,

The only other time did chemo was before his surgery. They

did 6 weeks of 5fu/lv by a port. He did pretty good with that one

except for the diahreah. From what we were told, it was the

radiation that he was given with the chemo that caused the side

effect. He did get fatigued, but not as bad as this time. I think

the fatigue was not that bad then because he started it in good

health. His colorectal tumor was found on a routine physical.

I do know a young lady with 2 children that has breast cancer and as

a follow up takes Xeloda. She attends all the boys sport functions

and works at the school all day. I guess it does not effect all

people the same and I still think attitude has a lot to do with it.

Joyce

> > > > Hi folks,

> > > > Maybe I can start a new trend here for a while. We went for

> > > > 's three week visit with Oncologist. He had RFA to

the

> > right

> > > > lung March 7th. He started his first round of Xeloda April

> > 7th.

> > > He

> > > > finished his 4th round on June 23rd. We were very

discouraged

> > > > because his CEA started at 6.7 after 1st round, second round

> 7.1

> > > and

> > > > third round 7.3

> > > > We were expecting the absolute worst today. The Onc was

> running

> > 2

> > > > hrs late and got up and went into main exam area and

> > > > announced he was leaving. I stayed in the reception area

quite

> > > > embarrased. A couple of minutes later the nurse told me to

> come

> > > > back because they had him in a exam room. The nurse

> > said " Please

> > > > don't leave because we have good news for you today. "

> > > > His CEA dropped to 4.5 and the Onc said to start new round

of

> > > Xeloda

> > > > tomorrow and he did not need to see us for 6 weeks this

time.

> > He

> > > > wrote his orders for his next round ahead of time and told

us

> to

> > > get

> > > > a CT scan of chest and complete blood work before we come

> back.

> > He

> > > > had increased his Xeloda to 5 pills twice daily last visit.

He

> > is

> > > a

> > > > tiny bit anemic and they gave his some iron pills to take.

The

> > Onc

> > > > could not tell us how long he will be on the Xeloda but we

left

> > > > there with everyone smiling for a change.

> > > > The Xeloda is not causing any side effects except for

fatigue,

> > > which

> > > > I still think may be depression while he is on the pill. On

> his

> > > > week off his whole attitued changes. My son and him are

> > actually

> > > > out in the workshop working on the air boat again.

> > > > Lets hope I am setting a trend for some good news on this

board

> > > > again.

> > > > Joyce