Can I stay here?? - 06-14-2007 03:59 PM
Hello all,
I finally have a plan---outlined below--although the primary is the lung, it's the 'jaw problems' they're targetting---but it still isn't really 'oral cancer' is it??
Facts:
1. It's highly aggressive non small cell lung cancer which is the primary and has spread to 'eating' my jaw bone.
2. It's inoperable and incurable.
BUT---It's treatable.
3. Treatment with chemo can prolong my life by several years---for 30% of people it does---so what's to say I won't be one of the 30%???? Positive Thinking!
I'm having what's called a 'GEMCARBO' chemo regimen.
4 cycles of 3weeks per cycle.
Week 1--Carboplatin plus gemcitabine one day
Week 2--The gemcit stuff only as a 'top up'
Week 3--Rest week--possible 'review'
Cycle repeated 3 more times.
With each cycle I shall also have an injection to strengthen the bone--my jawbone is being 'eaten away'--AARGGHH!
It'll be done at the day oncology unit at Castle Hill and I've got nurse's names/phone numbers/out of hours phone numbers etc., plus a 'diary' type thing which lists everything to be entered for every treatment.
I shall have bloods taken every week, may need transfusions if cell count goes too low and must avoid infection if possible.
The SERIOUSLY good news is that the drugs are ones with the least side effects--hair is likely to thin, but unlikely to fall out, may get nauseous, but unlikely to have frequent/prolonged vomitting---so my quality of life should still be not to bad whilst I give 'the treatment' a go!
There are no guarantees of course--I could wind up a bleeding/vomitting/hairless/near-death mess, but that isn't being mooted as being on the cards any time soon!
First treatment next Thursday, 21st
Thank you all for being there for me this far!
Brenda
I finally have a plan---outlined below--although the primary is the lung, it's the 'jaw problems' they're targetting---but it still isn't really 'oral cancer' is it??
Facts:
1. It's highly aggressive non small cell lung cancer which is the primary and has spread to 'eating' my jaw bone.
2. It's inoperable and incurable.
BUT---It's treatable.
3. Treatment with chemo can prolong my life by several years---for 30% of people it does---so what's to say I won't be one of the 30%???? Positive Thinking!
I'm having what's called a 'GEMCARBO' chemo regimen.
4 cycles of 3weeks per cycle.
Week 1--Carboplatin plus gemcitabine one day
Week 2--The gemcit stuff only as a 'top up'
Week 3--Rest week--possible 'review'
Cycle repeated 3 more times.
With each cycle I shall also have an injection to strengthen the bone--my jawbone is being 'eaten away'--AARGGHH!
It'll be done at the day oncology unit at Castle Hill and I've got nurse's names/phone numbers/out of hours phone numbers etc., plus a 'diary' type thing which lists everything to be entered for every treatment.
I shall have bloods taken every week, may need transfusions if cell count goes too low and must avoid infection if possible.
The SERIOUSLY good news is that the drugs are ones with the least side effects--hair is likely to thin, but unlikely to fall out, may get nauseous, but unlikely to have frequent/prolonged vomitting---so my quality of life should still be not to bad whilst I give 'the treatment' a go!
There are no guarantees of course--I could wind up a bleeding/vomitting/hairless/near-death mess, but that isn't being mooted as being on the cards any time soon!
First treatment next Thursday, 21st
Thank you all for being there for me this far!
Brenda
