So, after 26 cycles (months) on Stivarga, my good luck has ended. My last CT scan showed progression
I've had a crappy few months that can now be explained by cancer progression. What the docs suspected to be a pulmonary embolism turned out to be an enlarged lymph node blocking my middle right lung lobe, which is completely collapsed. The lymph nodes in my neck that lit up on my PET scan are no longer thought to be inflammation but are deemed to be mets. Stivarga managed to kill off my lower left lobe thingy that we'd been tracking for 2 years, but a new one popped up in my upper right lobe, with a couple more spots too small to measure.
My onc and his resident were sympathetic, but reminded me that my response to Stivarga had been exceptional. I was considered a rock star on the trial, knowing that the average progression-free response was around 3-4 months, whereas I had a good 2 years.
So, another go-round the roller coaster is about to begin. I have an appointment with the radiation oncologist on Wednesday to see what my options are for my lymph nodes causing collateral breathing issues. On e same day, I start FOLFIRI for the first time.
I'm doing OK but I have tons of questions about the best approach to take, and very little interest in doing reasearch. I know I need to be my own advocate, but radiation to the lungs scares the crap out of me and I feel like hiding my head in the sand. Silly me, I'm currently obsessing about wether or not I'll lose my hair.
Also, the timing sucks. I was leaving for an amazing 2-week trip to Hawaii with my favorite peeps in 10 days. I had to cancel the trip, turning what was to be an amazing time into a bummer for everyone involved.
So, there you have it. I'm left wondering if this the beginning of a downward spiral, or just another bump in the road.
Thanks for 'listening'.
Janie