Met with the oncologist today. He is very personable and very knowledgeable. He went through all my charts and test results with me. I have what’s called non-small cell lung cancer. It has spread all throughout my lungs and a few ribs as shown in the CT scan. Therefore it’s considered stage 4. The good news is my tumor tested positive for a very specific mutation called EGFR genes. There is a very effective drug specifically target this gene to block cancer cell growth. If my body responds very well, it could even shrink my tumor!
The drug is not something I could get from a local pharmacy, it has to be first approved by my insurance company and then mailed to me. With any luck, I could probably start the treatment in about 2 weeks.
They will retest me after 3 months being on this drug to know if my body responds to it or not. It is something I will be dealing with for the rest of my life.
There are side affects to this powerful drug, but relatively minor compare to chemo and radiation therapy. Common side affects are tiredness, decreased appetite, diarrhea, rash and dry skin, change in nail color, soreness of mouth and throat… we will see how I respond once I get started.
For those of you that have serious insomnia, here is a site that gives all the information. 🙂
I had assumed chemo. My son, David, had offered to shave his head to support me. He would be so disappointed. LOL!
While we wait for my drugs to arrive, they are ordering a pet scan to make sure there are no cancer cells in other parts of the body we don’t yet know about. Also a brain MRI to make sure it has not metastasized to my brain.
For the ribs that are showing signs of lesions, they are giving me an IV injection monthly that normally gives to people with osteoporosis to strengthen their bones. I think I also know a very good exercise that could strengthen my bones!!! 🙂
My MRI shows no cancer cells in my spine. (Thank God!) My back pain is due to a herniated disc which I am referred to a back doctor. I think I see more donyu’s in my future! lol! Thank you, Tony! Your work on me is paying big dividends. 🙂
As far as diet goes, the doctor wants me to eat a balanced diet focused on high calories intake. Helloooo, food!! Finally something I am truly excited about! Ha!
All and all, I feel very lucky even with stage 4 cancer diganosis that I could have some chance of quality of life while we wait to see how I respond to this treatment. I feel good about this path and feel the medical staff is taking very good care of me in a very timely fashion.
Thank you all for your well wishes and prayers! I feel so lucky the prayers are answered and a relatively gentle and effective treatment plan is in place. I just have to eat well, rest well to help the drug to be effective.
Next medical appointments:
Thursday, 6:45am, pet scan.
Friday, 2:30pm, brain MRI.
Monday, 8:45am, pulmonary specialist.
Monday, 1:30pm, back doctor.
Whew, I think I should rent a room and live in the hospital to save all the driving back and forth! 🙂
Oh, Helena! This sounds so very promising!! I am so glad that there is something that can treat your specific cancer (and that your spine is not affected by it). Thank you so much for the terrific writing — I feel like I was at the appointment with you.
Thanks for all your help and support, Sheri!
Hi Helena. I just wrote you an email. You are so funny in this post in spite of everything. Eat LOTs. I hope they get the drug to you very quickly. Love to you.
Helena,
I arrived at Tai Chi on Monday and encountered a room of classmates unlike any other time I could remember. Not so much chatter and not so many smiling faces that I had gotten used to over the passed two years. I could tell something was wrong and by the conversation I could tell it involved you. My first thought was that you were moving on. Not so hard to imagine knowing how you have moved around so much in your life. A new opportunity maybe. I immediately wondered how would I feel about coming to class knowing that you would not be there to guide us. I was really bummed…and then I got the news! I was stunned and immediately felt guilty for thinking about myself and how my Tai Chi classes wouldn’t be as fulfilling. Now I’m reading your blog and along with the not so good news and the doctors appointments, your sense of humor and wonderful personality through all this stands out more than anything and I realize, that is what made the classes so special. I’m praying for you with everyone else. I recruited some of the best Prayers I know…all the elderly people from my old neighborhood. I’ll keep in touch through this blog and through the Tai Chi family.
Your student and friend always,
Mark
Thank you, Mark, for your kind words. I will be back, it will take me some time, but I am working on it.
I have no doubts. 😀
I just found out about your illness last night, Helena, and, like Mark and everyone else, was really shocked. But with such a great positive attitude like yours as well as the fantastic care you’re getting, the cancer doesn’t stand a chance! You go, girl!
Larry
Thanks, Larry! I appreciate it!
Greetings Helena, from a couple of your CDN friends…
My dad was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2011–what a ‘reward’ after raising us 4 kids plus running a small town grocery for nearly four decades…but now you know of a cancer survivor!
I fully expect that you will continue to apply your life/taiji resilience and keep up the super attitude during your pending treatment, and wishing you a full and speedy recovery! We have enjoyed your special presence and wisdom in Denver, San Francisco and most recently just at the international centre near Orangeville.
FLK Victoria hosting a regional program this very weekend and I will personally be chanting on your behalf…10,000 sutra’s for at least that many wishes for that full recovery; bless you for inspiring blog, too, Helena…/Faye + RANDY