When we hear the word “test,” we often get anxious. Most people do not like to take tests. However, one must pass tests to move forward in a class, get licensed as a professional, or have the privilege of driving a car. Tests are a fact of life, and if we can learn to accept that, our anxiety levels will decrease when we are faced with a test.
God tests us to determine if we love him (Deuteronomy 13:3), and tells us to test Him only one time in the Bible – as it pertains to tithing (Malachi 3:10-12). So testing is not a new concept.
I’ve been asked several times about test results. I realize I have not blogged in a couple of weeks, so here is the rundown of what I have been up to.
- Tuesday, May 30th- I had a PET scan of my entire body.
- Wednesday, May 31st – Met with my cardiologist to get clearance for chemotherapy.
- Friday, June 2nd – Met with my oncologist to discuss the results of the PET.
- Monday, June 5th – Met with my ophthalmologist to confirm cataract surgery in July.
- Tuesday, June 6th – MRI of the Brain
- Friday, June 9th – Infusion of new cocktail of Herceptin and Perjeta, and X-geva shot
Whew! It’s been a busy two weeks. I’m ready for a break!
Our last visit with the oncologist (June 2nd) was so much more encouraging. While Tim heard the words “nothing has changed” in terms of prognosis, I heard that I am improving! My tumor marker is in the normal range, and has dropped dramatically after treatment, from a high of around 180 to about 21 (normal is <25). The PET was very encouraging as nothing lit up on the scan. We can clearly see the nodules in my lungs, and there is evidence of where my left rib was obliterated by the mass, but nothing lit up. He said HER2+ cancer always lights up. I didn’t even see any lights in the bones, although we are not claiming NED (No Evidence of Disease) yet.
The doctor was hesitant to call me NED, and while he said he is not ready to call the treatment “maintenance” at this point, that’s basically what we are doing. Given the decrease in tumor marker, the noticeable difference in the mass in my rib (completely gone), and the PET scan, he decided not to start the Kadcyla, (also known as TDM-1) which he had discussed in our previous meeting. I am no longer on the stronger chemotherapy drugs, but I do have to go in every three weeks for an infusion of Herceptin and Perjeta. And I have started on Arimidex (oral chemotherapy) as well as a beta blocker (Metaprolol) to protect my heart. I also get an X-geva shot every three months to protect my bones. I was amazed at how quickly I was in and out after the infusion, which lasted about 2.5 hours versus the normal 4-5 hour ordeal. (I have added links if you are a nerd and want to look up all these medicines LOL.)
Now for the MRI of my brain. First of all, allow me a moment to tell you about this test. It’s about an hour long. They give you a warm blanket and lay you on your back on the table. After inserting an IV for the contrast, they cover your head with a contraption to help you lay still. The techs are wonderful, asking “how are you doing?” each step of the way. As a photographer, I understand the importance of being still for photos, so this was not a nuisance to me.
They inserted earbuds and played music to help overpower the noise of the machine, and this was very helpful. Then, when everything was set, I closed my eyes, because next I was being sent into a chamber head first. I imagined I was on the back of the Road Glide Ultra, riding freely with my hubby down a backroad on a beautiful, sunny, cool day. I imagined this because we will be going on our long summer ride starting next week!
They say no news is good news, so the good news is I haven’t heard anything until today. It does take a few days to get these results, but honestly, I was not worried. When the nurse calls back with the results, this is always good news. If the doctor calls, it may be good news or he may call me in if it’s not. Well, the nurse was given the green light to tell me the results. There is “no evidence of intra-axial metastasis.” Basically this means there is no cancer in my brain. 🙂 They also indicate the calvarial (skullcap) bone metastasis noticed is “less well detected.” It’s still in the C1 vertebra area, however this is excellent news! I continue to have a little pain in that area, so I figured it was still there, but we are moving in the right direction. Praise God!
He is waiting until a few weeks longer before doing another body scan to see what is happening with the nodules on my lungs. He put me on a very strong antibiotic for the nodules, under the assumption it is an infection. Interestingly, the antibiotic brochure says it was used for the plague. My cough has slowed down dramatically, so I think we are on the right path. I have finished the medicine and still coughing but it is so much better. He said he may need to put me on another antibiotic regimen, or I may be seeing an infectious disease specialist if it doesn’t get better (and the nodules are not growing). If the nodules are growing, well, that leads us down another path which I already mentioned in a previous update when we first thought this was a progression of the cancer. I’m not letting my mind go there, as I truly believe this is going to go away with some treatment.
I feel blessed. I have many, many people praying for me. People from all over the world are giving me words of affirmation, and many are telling me they believe I will be completely healed. Stage IV survivors who have many years behind them provide me with hope; I believe I can have many years as well. I choose to remain cheerful, and I choose to feel good.
“If you are cheerful, you feel good; if you are sad, you hurt all over.” (Proverbs 17:22, CEV)