As we wrote recently, Cathy’s latest scan and tumor growth had created some issues and her oncologist referred her to a urologist to check out. So, in addition to going for her chemo treatment this past week, Cathy and Kyle made two trips into the city for the urologist and also for more tests/scans. The concern was whether there was a blockage from the kidney.
Happily, we all breathed a sigh of relief when Cathy got the call from the urologist to say the tube was not blocked. We are ever hopeful that the chemo will stop the tumor from any further growth.
As you may know, Cathy is a big sports fan and a wonderful distraction for the past few weeks has been the play of the NY Rangers (hockey) and the NY Knicks (basketball). Although basketball is not her favorite sport, she and Blue House are in ‘Linsanity’ land. Now that they’re living in NY, Cathy has been able to watch all the Ranger games - made even more enjoyable since they’re winning a lot this year. Of course, Carrigan is becoming a sports fan and can easily recognize the different sports and equipment already.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Gung Hay Fat Choy
Team Cathy wishes a Happy Chinese New Year to our extended family and friends who celebrate this occasion. The Year of the Dragon arrived on Monday, January 23, 2012 and according to one web site, “the dragon is considered a benevolent creature that brings good luck.” Along with everyone’s prayers and good thoughts, it never hurts to have good luck.
Cathy’s uncle and aunt hosted their annual ‘dim sum’ luncheon for the family which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. It’s a new year’s tradition for married adults to give red envelopes with money to children as a good luck symbol. Carrigan learned to recite ‘Gung Hay Fat Choy’ which she did so well many times upon receiving the red envelopes.
Last Wednesday, Cathy received her second chemo treatment which included the new drug, Irinotecan (eye-ree-noh-tee-kan). As you know, the last scan indicated increased tumor growth. Although you never want to hear that the cancer has become more active, knowing this has allowed her doctor to treat her symptoms more effectively. Happily since the last scan Cathy’s symptoms have largely been alleviated. This has been a bit of a silver lining for us.
Nautrally, we will still be watching her symptoms closely until the next scan. Another possible silver lining is that if the Irinotecan holds the cancer at bay and even makes progress she will be able to remain on it indefinitely, unlike the Oxaliplatin that did such a good job stopping the cancer initially but had a dosage limit.
Cathy’s uncle and aunt hosted their annual ‘dim sum’ luncheon for the family which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. It’s a new year’s tradition for married adults to give red envelopes with money to children as a good luck symbol. Carrigan learned to recite ‘Gung Hay Fat Choy’ which she did so well many times upon receiving the red envelopes.
Last Wednesday, Cathy received her second chemo treatment which included the new drug, Irinotecan (eye-ree-noh-tee-kan). As you know, the last scan indicated increased tumor growth. Although you never want to hear that the cancer has become more active, knowing this has allowed her doctor to treat her symptoms more effectively. Happily since the last scan Cathy’s symptoms have largely been alleviated. This has been a bit of a silver lining for us.
Nautrally, we will still be watching her symptoms closely until the next scan. Another possible silver lining is that if the Irinotecan holds the cancer at bay and even makes progress she will be able to remain on it indefinitely, unlike the Oxaliplatin that did such a good job stopping the cancer initially but had a dosage limit.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Setback
Cathy’s latest scan indicated tumor growth and the thickening of her bladder wall. Her doctor believes she does not have bladder cancer but the tumors are causing problems. This is obviously scary and frustrating, but not entirely surprising.
Cathy was on a combination of three chemotherapy medicines, Leucovorin, Fluorouracil (5FU) and Oxaliplatin. This regimen is known as “Fol Fox”. Two scans indicated the regimen stabilized Cathy’s cancer and even provided mild improvement. However, she could only take the Oxaliplatin for a limited time or there could be irreversible side effects. She had 12 rounds of it and the plan was then to continue only with the Leucovorin and Fluorouracil hoping they would maintain the stabilization and perhaps even sustain the progress. Unfortunately, they did not do this. Cathy began to experience symptoms such as ankle swelling and abdominal discomfort. She was given a scan which showed the above results.
So now another drug, Irinotecan (Camptosar or CPT-11), has been added to her regimen and with the other two drugs makes up a treatment plan called “Fol Firi”. This new drug, like the Oxali, is a heavy hitter causing fatigue, nausea and hair thinning, but hopefully it will stop the cancer and reverse its course. Giving her Oxali again is not out of the question since it was effective the first time but for now it is better to try other medications given the irreversible side effects Oxali can cause.
This setback is a reminder to us that battling cancer is a journey with many ups and downs. Cathy had several chemo sessions with less fatigue and side effects. Now she is on a new drug and is back to being knocked out for a few days during treatment. In addition, we will have to wait and see if any other side effects occur. On the bright side, knowing what is causing her symptoms gives us courage to fight them as opposed to not knowing and guessing. The doctors can also treat and relieve her symptoms more effectively. There are many options in cancer treatment and Team Cathy will exhaust them all. That is for sure!
Cathy was on a combination of three chemotherapy medicines, Leucovorin, Fluorouracil (5FU) and Oxaliplatin. This regimen is known as “Fol Fox”. Two scans indicated the regimen stabilized Cathy’s cancer and even provided mild improvement. However, she could only take the Oxaliplatin for a limited time or there could be irreversible side effects. She had 12 rounds of it and the plan was then to continue only with the Leucovorin and Fluorouracil hoping they would maintain the stabilization and perhaps even sustain the progress. Unfortunately, they did not do this. Cathy began to experience symptoms such as ankle swelling and abdominal discomfort. She was given a scan which showed the above results.
So now another drug, Irinotecan (Camptosar or CPT-11), has been added to her regimen and with the other two drugs makes up a treatment plan called “Fol Firi”. This new drug, like the Oxali, is a heavy hitter causing fatigue, nausea and hair thinning, but hopefully it will stop the cancer and reverse its course. Giving her Oxali again is not out of the question since it was effective the first time but for now it is better to try other medications given the irreversible side effects Oxali can cause.
This setback is a reminder to us that battling cancer is a journey with many ups and downs. Cathy had several chemo sessions with less fatigue and side effects. Now she is on a new drug and is back to being knocked out for a few days during treatment. In addition, we will have to wait and see if any other side effects occur. On the bright side, knowing what is causing her symptoms gives us courage to fight them as opposed to not knowing and guessing. The doctors can also treat and relieve her symptoms more effectively. There are many options in cancer treatment and Team Cathy will exhaust them all. That is for sure!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Happy New Year
Team Cathy would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. We thank you for continuing to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
As the holidays approached Cathy was able to enjoy one of her favorite activities – baking. She and Carrigan made cookies for Carrigan’s teachers. She also baked many other items that were enjoyed by family and friends.
As we reflect back on 2011 it is hard to believe how much has changed. It has been a year since Cathy first discovered the lump in her neck that was to change her life so drastically. It is a tough anniversary but she and Kyle are thankful for many things - a successful surgery and stabilization of the cancer with mild improvement; Cathy’s parents have opened their house for them to live in; receiving treatment at one of the best cancer centers in the country after moving from Florida. In addition, they have been overwhelmed with all the good wishes, advice, support, prayers, and such from so many people from so many places.
As Team Cathy looks forward to 2012 we continue to be optimistic. Cathy will continue her treatment plan and would love to be cleared to work part-time by next fall. Kyle is anxiously awaiting the hiring season for teachers later this spring, hoping to get a full time job. But mostly, Cathy and Kyle are looking forward to continuing to spend time with friends and family and trying to keep up with Carrigan!
As the holidays approached Cathy was able to enjoy one of her favorite activities – baking. She and Carrigan made cookies for Carrigan’s teachers. She also baked many other items that were enjoyed by family and friends.
As we reflect back on 2011 it is hard to believe how much has changed. It has been a year since Cathy first discovered the lump in her neck that was to change her life so drastically. It is a tough anniversary but she and Kyle are thankful for many things - a successful surgery and stabilization of the cancer with mild improvement; Cathy’s parents have opened their house for them to live in; receiving treatment at one of the best cancer centers in the country after moving from Florida. In addition, they have been overwhelmed with all the good wishes, advice, support, prayers, and such from so many people from so many places.
As Team Cathy looks forward to 2012 we continue to be optimistic. Cathy will continue her treatment plan and would love to be cleared to work part-time by next fall. Kyle is anxiously awaiting the hiring season for teachers later this spring, hoping to get a full time job. But mostly, Cathy and Kyle are looking forward to continuing to spend time with friends and family and trying to keep up with Carrigan!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Thanksgiving in NY
As expected and written about in a prior blog entry, the doctors decided that they will discontinue using Oxaliplatin due to possible permanent side effects. Cathy’s latest chemo treatment (#12) was the last one including Oxaliplatin. The plan is to use the other two drugs for a few cycles before doing another scan.
Cathy continues to handle her treatments and after effects very well. The Nevin Family was able to visit Kyle’s family in Virginia and enjoy time with them. Carrigan had a lot of fun playing with her cousins and seeing Nana in person instead of on Skype. New York is a lot closer to Virginia than Florida, so it will be easier to visit Kyle’s family. However, the move to New York includes dealing with northeast weather like the unusual October snowfall. ‘Blue house’ lost power for several days but fortunately they were able to hunker down with Cathy’s brother, Glenn, who had power. They all made the best of it, particularly Carra and cousin Bryce who loved having each other for a playmate (at least most of the time). Frank & Marcia’s perfectly timed vacation for a little R & R meant they missed all the excitement while relaxing in the sun.
Cathy and Kyle will be spending their first Thanksgiving in New York since moving down to Florida. They’re looking forward to taking Carra to the Thanksgiving Day parade to see all the big balloons.
Team Cathy is thankful for many things and especially for the support and prayers of everyone following Cathy’s progress. Warmest wishes to all for a Happy Thanksgiving.
Cathy continues to handle her treatments and after effects very well. The Nevin Family was able to visit Kyle’s family in Virginia and enjoy time with them. Carrigan had a lot of fun playing with her cousins and seeing Nana in person instead of on Skype. New York is a lot closer to Virginia than Florida, so it will be easier to visit Kyle’s family. However, the move to New York includes dealing with northeast weather like the unusual October snowfall. ‘Blue house’ lost power for several days but fortunately they were able to hunker down with Cathy’s brother, Glenn, who had power. They all made the best of it, particularly Carra and cousin Bryce who loved having each other for a playmate (at least most of the time). Frank & Marcia’s perfectly timed vacation for a little R & R meant they missed all the excitement while relaxing in the sun.
Cathy and Kyle will be spending their first Thanksgiving in New York since moving down to Florida. They’re looking forward to taking Carra to the Thanksgiving Day parade to see all the big balloons.
Team Cathy is thankful for many things and especially for the support and prayers of everyone following Cathy’s progress. Warmest wishes to all for a Happy Thanksgiving.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Scan Results: mild improvement & stability
Since we know everyone is waiting to hear about Cathy's scan, the quick report is that there was mild improvement and stability in the two areas of tumors. Cathy expects to get more details when she goes in for her next session and doctor's visit. Should know then if we'll continue the same course of treatment.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Full Fox
Cathy received cycle #11 of her chemo treatment yesterday.
For all you medical folk, people who have experience with chemo, or the just plain curious... Cathy is receiving three drugs that make up what is called the "Full Fox" chemotherapy treatment. This is the standard treatment for a GI tract cancer, which is where they believe the cancer began. Technically, Cathy has "adeno carcinoma of unknown primary source" but they suspect a tiny polyp in her colon as the culprit, so informally they'll say it's probably colon cancer but that is just their best guess as her cancer did not present itself as colon cancer generally would. The three drugs she is on are Leucovorin, Fluorourcil (also known as 5FU which has to be everyone's favorite name for a chemo drug) and the heavy weight Oxaliplatin.
We don't think Cathy is experiencing any major side effects from the Leucovorin. The 5FU has turned Cathy's hands a nice shade of brown, just in time for Autumn. They look as though she just raided the chocolate drawer and the evidence is all over her hands. Her skin color will return to normal when she is off of the 5FU. The Oxaliplatin is, as I said earlier, a heavy weight, the drug that is expected to stop the cancer growth immediately, a first responder to get things under control if you will. In Cathy, it has caused a strange sensation in her hands and fingers. It is a sort of a numbness, not painful, just weird.
Generally people, if they can handle Oxaliplatin at all, can only handle 6-8 cycles of it. Cathy just received her 11th cycle of it and as a reward she gets a little extra supervision by the nurses. During cycle #10, two weeks ago, the nurse hooked up the oxaliplatin and asked Cathy to not recline too far in her comfy chair because they wanted to be able to observe her from the nurses' station. This was the first time she had been given this directive. The nurse also said to not keep any secrets, if Cathy felt at all "weird" or had any unusual symptoms to let her know.
Kyle writes: if I were Cathy, I would've freaked out and assumed every unusual feeling or twinge of a muscle was some sort of bad reaction to the medicine which would then require a team of nurses and doctors and some sort of beeping machine to get my body under control. How did Cathy react? She slept. Very peacefully. The nurse would come over, ask in a whisper if Cathy was doing alright, I would nod yes, the nurse would smile and walk away. Yesterday went smoothly as well as Cathy received her 11th cycle and could recline as far as she wanted.
Cathy's doctor says she has seen some patients receive as much as 12 - 15 cycles of Oxaliplatin but that is pretty rare. After cycle #12 they will most likely take Cathy off of the Oxaliplatin because it may begin to do more harm than good. Some of that decision will be based on Cathy's next scan which is scheduled for next Monday, the 24th. That will mean Cathy will have received 6 cycles of the "Full Fox" chemo treatment since her last scan, which at the time indicated stabilization and even some progress and was completed after her fourth cycle. We are very much looking forward to this new scan.
For all you medical folk, people who have experience with chemo, or the just plain curious... Cathy is receiving three drugs that make up what is called the "Full Fox" chemotherapy treatment. This is the standard treatment for a GI tract cancer, which is where they believe the cancer began. Technically, Cathy has "adeno carcinoma of unknown primary source" but they suspect a tiny polyp in her colon as the culprit, so informally they'll say it's probably colon cancer but that is just their best guess as her cancer did not present itself as colon cancer generally would. The three drugs she is on are Leucovorin, Fluorourcil (also known as 5FU which has to be everyone's favorite name for a chemo drug) and the heavy weight Oxaliplatin.
We don't think Cathy is experiencing any major side effects from the Leucovorin. The 5FU has turned Cathy's hands a nice shade of brown, just in time for Autumn. They look as though she just raided the chocolate drawer and the evidence is all over her hands. Her skin color will return to normal when she is off of the 5FU. The Oxaliplatin is, as I said earlier, a heavy weight, the drug that is expected to stop the cancer growth immediately, a first responder to get things under control if you will. In Cathy, it has caused a strange sensation in her hands and fingers. It is a sort of a numbness, not painful, just weird.
Generally people, if they can handle Oxaliplatin at all, can only handle 6-8 cycles of it. Cathy just received her 11th cycle of it and as a reward she gets a little extra supervision by the nurses. During cycle #10, two weeks ago, the nurse hooked up the oxaliplatin and asked Cathy to not recline too far in her comfy chair because they wanted to be able to observe her from the nurses' station. This was the first time she had been given this directive. The nurse also said to not keep any secrets, if Cathy felt at all "weird" or had any unusual symptoms to let her know.
Kyle writes: if I were Cathy, I would've freaked out and assumed every unusual feeling or twinge of a muscle was some sort of bad reaction to the medicine which would then require a team of nurses and doctors and some sort of beeping machine to get my body under control. How did Cathy react? She slept. Very peacefully. The nurse would come over, ask in a whisper if Cathy was doing alright, I would nod yes, the nurse would smile and walk away. Yesterday went smoothly as well as Cathy received her 11th cycle and could recline as far as she wanted.
Cathy's doctor says she has seen some patients receive as much as 12 - 15 cycles of Oxaliplatin but that is pretty rare. After cycle #12 they will most likely take Cathy off of the Oxaliplatin because it may begin to do more harm than good. Some of that decision will be based on Cathy's next scan which is scheduled for next Monday, the 24th. That will mean Cathy will have received 6 cycles of the "Full Fox" chemo treatment since her last scan, which at the time indicated stabilization and even some progress and was completed after her fourth cycle. We are very much looking forward to this new scan.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)