I've had a cancer recurrence which will require treatment. Initial indications were good after surgery with my tumor marking falling. However in January, it started to climb upward indicating that there were some new concerns. A CT scan this week confirmed that there is small growth on my liver and some increased activitiy in nodules around my lungs. This is inoperable, but could be penetrated by chemotherapy.
I have decided to participate in a study with contains conventional chemotherapy agents and a new agent in a class of drugs called PARP inhibitors. It is offered as a phase 2 trial at Dana Farber. It is 18 weeks of treatment---6 cycles, in 3 week intervals. In week one, there are 2 infusions (of 3 agents) which is repeated in week 2. Then the third week is time off, until it starts again. I have been told that the main side effects are low blood counts and fatigue.
The PARP inhibitors are very hopeful for the kind of cancer that I have. So I am hopeful!
8 comments:
Dear Maura,
Crap, crap, crap. I'm so sorry you have to go through chemo again. Even a Wonder Woman like you must be getting weary from doing the great job you are. Keep your good, strong will and positive attitude. And my fingers are permanently crossed that these PARP inhibitors work the magic you deserve.
much love,
Gay
Dear Maura, I will be thinking of you as you rise to the challenge of chemo yet again. I hope there are ways to help you, especially with all the fatigue. Sounds like you are out in front with the PARP inhibitors - yeah! You are such a model of strength, energy and optimism - thank you for that!! Love, Susan
Dear Maura,
Hey.....am I on the right blog page now? (You can find other very recent comments on other pages; should you want to look back). I'll wait 'til tomorrow to confirm that I'm in the right place now. I feel like Alice in Wonderland while cruising the great big, Unknown!
Love, and more love, Kate
"No longer forward nor behind
I look in Hope or Fear;
But, grateful, take the good I find,
The best of Now and Here."
---John Greenleaf Whittier
Hi Maura,
It was nice talking with you while you were en route to get the fish. Someone, I hope, will tell me if I'm writing on the out-dated "Maura Matters" site? Is there an other one I should switch to? Anyway.......
Much Love, Kate
Dear Maura,
Every thing O.K. this week re continuing your TX plan?
Much Love, Kate
Am I on the right blog page? I'm afraid I'm not because I see Jan. 2010; but nothing since then. If I should go to another site, please will you (or Nathanial the Wizard) let me know. I miss you! When I call, I don't leave messages in case you're napping. Bob and I will be visiting Lydia on or near her 90th. Then.... it's off to FLA. xxxxxxx, Kate
Dear Maura
I am sorry I have been out of touch since last I visited with you /must have been sometime in winter of 2009 or before (I am losing my memory)..where has the time gone.. When i emailed you about a concett ticket and got your reply, I was in shock.. and now another couple of weeks have gone by. I had just gotten back from a week in San Francisco with my son. Had that extra ticket to David Bromberg... No way you could have rallied for that since you were going in for chemo that very same day!!!
I am sorry you are having to do treatents again. I am praying for you and aologize for not keeping up. I hope to see you soon.. My best to you and Bill and Emily and Nathaniel and was wondering how your doggy was doing ;-)
I will call I promise.
your fair weather friend.
dinah
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