Just a shout out to REB

REB · Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2009 7:36 am Post subject: Re: Just a shout out to REB

Hi Bruce.

The Erbitux is about a 1 to 2 hour drip. If that is all I do, then that wouldn't be too bad.

You said the pump word. I hate that thing. I won't be sad to see that go Smile

I am going to talk to my Oncologist on Tuesday to see exactly what the plan is and what my options are.
_________________
10/01/07 - Removal of Stage III Colon Cancer Tumor & Temporary Colostomy
11-07-07 - FOLFOX regimen - 5-FU (5 Flurouracil), leucovorin & oxaliplatin. Also Avastin
04-09-08 Finished Chemo, 04-28-08 Colostomy Reversal
06-02-09 1 Tumor on outside of colon & 2 in the adipose tissue - same cancer- SUV 5
06-23-09 FOLFIRI and ERBITUX chemo.
08-18-09 Tumors have shrunk. SUV 1
10-26-09 Tumors gone.
11-25-09 Finish FOLFIRI - Jan 2011 Finish ERBITUX?
Age Diagnosed 40. Current Age:42

REB · Last edited by REB on Wed Nov 04, 2009 8:37 am; edited 1 time in total

I talked to my primary Oncologist today. The game plan is that I finish up my last two rounds of chemo, then take a month off. In January, I'll do just Erbitux every other week for a year. Then, assuming the cancer stays away, they'll do a thorough look around in the area. If they find nothing, then I stop chemo and we do routine scans. As long as nothing comes back, then no more chemo. So there is a chance I can finally be cancer free.

I also found out they are calling my cancer Peritoneal. But it did not start as Peritoneal cancer (Which is very rare) but as colon cancer. They still have me listed as colon cancer, since that is where it started. It is kind of confusing. Anyway, it is a hard for Peritoneal cancer to be eradicate. There is only a 25%, for each of my 3 spots, that the cancer is totally gone, so they are assuming it is not. Which is why I will do the Erbitux for a year.

Survival rate for Peritoneal cancer is around 41% for 5 years. I think, since I had such a good response to the Erbitux, my odds are a little higher. Erbitux hasn't been around long, so they don't have a lot of data for it in relation to 5 year survival rates.

Several outcomes can happen. One is that the cancer comes back despite the Erbitux. Two, my body can no longer tolerate the drug and I have to stop. Three, after doing Erbitux for a year, the cancer comes back. Four, after a year of Erbitux, the cancer doesn't come back- this is what I am hoping for.

All I wanted was for him to tell me there is a chance I can beat this thing, and he did. I can beat it and I will.
_________________
10/01/07 - Removal of Stage III Colon Cancer Tumor & Temporary Colostomy
11-07-07 - FOLFOX regimen - 5-FU (5 Flurouracil), leucovorin & oxaliplatin. Also Avastin
04-09-08 Finished Chemo, 04-28-08 Colostomy Reversal
06-02-09 1 Tumor on outside of colon & 2 in the adipose tissue - same cancer- SUV 5
06-23-09 FOLFIRI and ERBITUX chemo.
08-18-09 Tumors have shrunk. SUV 1
10-26-09 Tumors gone.
11-25-09 Finish FOLFIRI - Jan 2011 Finish ERBITUX?
Age Diagnosed 40. Current Age:42

wytyspy · Experienced user Joined: 13 Nov 2006 Posts: 57

Well, at least you heard the greatest words, you can beat it! You have a great attitude and sounds like wonderful doctors. I hope all goes well and the outcome is what we want for you and everyone, cancer-FREE!

Take care,
Lucinda

DulcimerGal · Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 9:37 pm Post subject: Re: Just a shout out to REB

REB,

I too am happy you heard those words that it can be beaten.
Your persistence and determination to stay involved in your treatments and with actually being one of those people on the cutting edge of new drugs is going to pay off. Thanks for paving the way for those of us who may have to follow you.

I know you can beat it.
Your Oncologist sounds like he has a good solid plan for you.
Good news - so Cheers!
Plus - we're all doing this praying...just to be sure....
DulcimerGal
_________________
Rectal Cancer diagnosed Valentines Day 2008
Finished 6 weeks of radiation and chemo 4/23/08
Surgery to remove tumor - June 18th 2008
Colostomy Reversal August 20th 2008
Five rounds of Xeloda (chemo) to ZAP anything left!

sheila · Senior User Joined: 24 Jul 2008 Posts: 265

sounds like you have a good fighting chance....GO FOR IT!
stay strong Smile

REB · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 9:34 am Post subject: Re: Just a shout out to REB

Thanks y,all Very Happy

_________________
10/01/07 - Removal of Stage III Colon Cancer Tumor & Temporary Colostomy
11-07-07 - FOLFOX regimen - 5-FU (5 Flurouracil), leucovorin & oxaliplatin. Also Avastin
04-09-08 Finished Chemo, 04-28-08 Colostomy Reversal
06-02-09 1 Tumor on outside of colon & 2 in the adipose tissue - same cancer- SUV 5
06-23-09 FOLFIRI and ERBITUX chemo.
08-18-09 Tumors have shrunk. SUV 1
10-26-09 Tumors gone.
11-25-09 Finish FOLFIRI - Jan 2011 Finish ERBITUX?
Age Diagnosed 40. Current Age:42

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