Monday, March 22, 2010

Monday, March 22, 2010 -- The News

Hiya Blogmates,

Well, I got my results from my tests/scans and... here we go again. It's a Good News/Bad News scenerio :/

Good News:

- I have no new lung nodules
- The ones I do have, for the most part, have no change. 2 of them are still growing, but ever so slowing... and 1 of them has the oncs totally puzzled, it is shrinking in size. That is what is suppose to have when you are administering chemo... but I have not been on chemo since Oct 2007. I put it down to this supplement I am taking (IP6/Innositol) which I had read about that strengthens the lung cells and have been known to stop new growths from growing and even reversed active cells to nothing.
- My CEA reading is right back down to normal.

Bad News:

- The cyst in the kidney has changed size and shape. This is conducive to a malignant lesion. But it is highly highly unusual for colon cancer to spread to the kidneys. So the oncologist thinks there's a very strong chance that it is Kidney Cancer and is a new primary cancer which has nothing to do with the colon cancer.
- The problem with the kidneys, you can not biopsy them. If you cut into the kidney to do a biopsy, you destroy/damage the kidney.
- The only way to know for sure is to remove the kidney and then do a biopsy.
- If the biopsy shows it is malignant, then removing the kidney is the perfect treatment and that will stop it.
- But if it is malignant, that opens up a whole new slew of questions. It means that the nodules in the lungs might actually be kidney cancer and not colon cancer. Treating them, should they start to grow, would be two different kinds of treatment, depending on whether they are colon cancer metastasis or kidney cancer metastasis.

I am literally nodding off at the computer here. Yes, I confess, I did take an ativan before going to the oncology appt because the anxiety was starting to get to me. Well now, I'm no longer anxious... but my eyes are falling asleep so time for bed for Bridget and I :)

I will be writing my own oncologist in the morning and see what her take is on this. That will be three oncologist opinions and one surgeon's opinion (once I've seen him/her) and I plan on seeing my GP and go over it with him.

But for now, I need some sleep. That is one of the joys of being retired... I don't have to get up at the crack of dawn like while working :)

Huggggggs,

Cheryl

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well, major hugs to you too.

Happy Dance for the lung (going away tumors). Bummer Dance for the kidney cyst (may it rot and whither away on it's own leaving you cyst free and healthy). Sending you all sorts of health thoughts and Love, love, love!
More love, Susan S. (Issaquah)

Anonymous said...

I couldn't sleep Cheryl, So I came to read about your post here. If it's not one thing, it's always another it seems, doesn't it?? I am so sad to hear that this could be kidney cancer, and hope it isn't! Positive lights and sparks are beaming your way from me, and huge hugssss to you, you will get through this, you're one of the strongest women I know who have gotten me through some really tough times, I'll be thinking of you, and be with you spiritually, of course, but good healthy luck to you, you are always an inspiration to me, if you ever need to talk, I'm here for you!

Hugsss and Loveee!
~Donna

Anonymous said...

Good news on no new lung nodules. Now lets get that dang kidney out now, not tomorrow.....now. When you talk to your oncologist, hopefully she will feel the same way.

Positive thoughts and prayers still heading your way.

Hugs!!

Anonymous said...

Sending you tons of hugs and loves and prayers and positive vibs and angels. Should be getting crowed up there by you now :D

Love ya

Deb

Unknown said...

Big hugs, Cheryl! You'll beat this one, too. Keep on fighting and I'll keep on sending healing thoughts your way. Love you! Give Bridget a cookie or cauliflower for being such a good girl. :)

KimH said...

Hugs Cheryl.. Sending Love & Light your way!
KimK

Anonymous said...

Yes Ma'am, ma'am...no more anonymous'ssss I still want the dang kidney out NOW.

Hugs,
Maryann