Good CT scan results

The 10/12/09 CT scan showed "stable exam with no evidence for metastatic disease." It noted a 2.3x1.7cm low density lesion adjacent to intrathoracic inferior vena cava is stable. Talking to Dr. Im yesterday at the OPC (outpatient clinic) he said that after the 4th Avastin treatment I had yesterday, I should plan on two more (the power of 3s) before he determines whether or not I can have a "vacation" from treatment. It might be a Christmas present.

Hair is veerrryy slowly growing back but is baby-fine. Jenna and I are matching baldies. I can see teeny-tiny eyelashes on me. Hers are longer and colored. The Avastin is letting my fingernails alone so they are looking better. Went to foot doctor to have my toenails "debrided."

On the home side, my kids and their spouses/significant other had an intervention. Cleared my house of excess papers, furniture, clothes, etc. after many trips to the dump with trash and recycling and to the Salvation Army for things to donate. SIL Hugh has painted the rooms in my house in colors determined by Megan and Deborah (with my ok). The white doors, trim and ceilings just pop! Am getting dark handscraped hardwood floors installed next week in place of wall-to-wall carpeting. Perhaps we'll put up the Christmas tree this year.

Avastin appears to be working

Drove to Weinberg for my 3rd Avastin treatment Oct. 1. RN Pat drew my file. She asked me to give her a urine sample for a kidney check. Sample and blood labs showed my kidneys are working well and blood counts are ok. Potassium was ok but low on magnesium so Dr. Im ordered 4 grams of magnesium (2gms/hour by IV). Good thing I had Pat put lines in both port lumens. Avastin #3 can go in at a faster rate so it only takes 30 minutes. Pat questioned why I needed pre-meds (steroids) with Avastin so only had to take a Benedryl and 2 Tylenols orally. When Pat pulled out one of my lumens, a little yellowish gunk appeared. She swabbed it and sent it to the lab. Terri called in an antibiotic for me just in case the gunk was an infection and the needle had pushed it thru the port.

CA125 came back 58.9 which is down 30.4 pts from the 89.3 on 8/20/09. Between 0-35 is considered normal. The two Avastin treatments gave me a 34% decrease. Yeah! To check cancer activity, Terri set me up for a CT scan Oct. 12 p.m., on the Columbus Day holiday, right after I get my blood drawn at Weinberg.