CT scan good, CA125 bad

Terri Rowley returned from hot tubbing with her sisters in western Maryland to send me the results of my latest (3/23/12) CT scan.

New very small left pleural effusion (small amount of fluid between the outer wall of the left lung and the sac membrane that surrounds the lungs). "An oblong density adjacent to the right pericardium (near the heart) measures 1.8 cm as before; however, density is decreased significantly since prior exam, suggesting that it may be a necrotic (dead) node at this time. The small nodule previously noted at the right base has also decreased significantly in density." Nothing in abdomen or pelvis. This sounds good, right?

But CA125 (measure of cancer activity) was 155.2 in January and up to 205.7 on 3/23/12. Not good.

I'm a dichotomy. Dr. Im is having me continue on etoposide (oral chemo) but am supposed to see Dr. Rosenshein about future treatment. It's a good news, bad news type of thing.

Asked to speak at Nat'l Cancer Survivor's Day

Reverend Dedera Baker, the minister at Weinberg's OPC and a long-time friend, called to ask if I'd speak at Mercy's National Cancer Survivor's Day event, Sunday, June 3, at 2:30 p.m. in the hospital's new Bunting Center. I just laughed and asked what made her think I'd still be around in June? When I asked why they wanted me to speak she said it was because of my sense of humor. That and, I bet, because I'm one of the few patients whose paperwork has filled seven folders in Dr. Neil Rosenshein's office. Fortunately I'll be one of three speakers and only have to talk about 5 minutes. You know me, that should be a piece of cake.

Jenna is a love

The joys of my weekend are my grandchildren. Jenna is very loving. Of course, she really wanted bites of my bagel with cream cheese and rubarb/strawberry jam. Horses are her passion du jour as Legos are Tyler's. Megan took them to the Columbia library to get library cards. Tyler signed the back of his card and the librarian was impressed that Jenna could spell her first name at 2. And yes, while Jenna's hair is getting in her eyes, I don't have to worry about that. The new chemo I'm on is taking my hair again.

CA125 went up 20.4 points

After second month on etoposide, I went to Outpatient Clinic yesterday and had bloodwork. Of course, my port decided to once again not to cooperate. After putting TPA in both and getting no blood, we went to Plan B which is now a go-to vein inside my left elbow. Didn't need magnesium or blood booster shots, despite both white and red cells being considered low. But CA125 went up 20.4 points to 175.6. Am scheduled for another month of oral etoposide pills, then more blood work labs and a CT Scan on March 23. We'll see what that shows. If the cancerous nodes have begun to grow Dr. Im may have to alter my chemo. I'll think about that tomorrow, Scarlet.

February is flying by

Moderate weather has been great. Love not having to shovel snow. Am into second month of etoposide oral chemo. Been experiencing a lot of stomach gas but not sure if that's from chemo or old age. Valentine's Day had my teeth cleaned (it felt so good when it was over) and then next day a vaginal check-up with gynecological oncologist. Both heads and tails are fine. Campbells are headed to Deep Creek in western Maryland for the President's Day holiday with two other families so Ruby is coming to stay at Chez Jones. Birds are emptying my feeders as fast as I fill them. Always something. But better than nothing.

Made it to another birthday

OK. Succeeded in reaching another birthday. Am eating my way thru the day. Lunch with office mate, kids/grandkids are taking me out for Mexican tonight. Have also received lotsa chocolate which I hope to make last for a while. Winning card shows women's water polo team at USNA. Caption is quote from Gypsy Rose Lee, "I've got everything I always had, only it's six inches lower." LOL.

Genentech has denied to help with avastin

With avastin pulled from my insurance coverage, Dr. Im had me begin the oral chemo etopsoside on Jan. 1, 2012. After a month's treatment my CA125 went down 26.8 pts from the spike to 182 (up 33.3 pts) at the end of December. I take 30 etoposide capsules over 20 days and keep the capsules in my fridge. Then have to go to OPC for blood work to see how my counts are. Received word today Genentech, the parent company that makes avastin, has denied that I meet the financial or medical criteria to have the avastin replaced, thus covered by their program. Seems denials are SOP for more companies than BC/BS. Advice is to try to enlist the aide of a lawyer but have yet to find someone with expertise or interest.