Today my calendar reminds me that it was three years ago that they inserted the indwelling catheter to drain the fluid from my left chest. Looking back on that very dark time I cannot recall anyone telling me nor my asking if that catheter was ever coming out. It seemed like such a palliative relief situation so they would not have to keep needling the fluid so I could breathe. The tube was removed on October 15, 2018 and the running total was 13 liters of fluid removed.
So here we are three years later with the major tumors on hold. The chemo seems to have stopped the small cell cancer growth. I remain on Lupron and Xtandi. My PSA is showing a slow creep up and hovers around 4 so some of the adenocarcnoma likely is slowly becoming active.
My left lung tumor burden remains large but not changing. I can’t do much exertional exercise but I have been able to continue to enjoy my life, my family, my friends and being able to breathe. Grateful every day for modern medicine and good health insurance along with terrific support. Covid seems like just another bump in the road to get by but just as frightening. Vaccine protected but still very careful.
Written by
DenDoc
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Very happy to hear your update! You are the only NEPCa patient I know of to have an extended period of stable disease after chemo, and an inspiring sign that we never know what the outcome of treatment will be. Best of luck keeping the beasts at bay!
Open wide......... ahhhhh I see some brightness shining through your teeth. Keep brushing, flossing and you'll be around till you hit at least 90... (Lung treatment with Keytruda?)....
Thanks. I was treated with Carboplatin and Etoposide x6 rounds every three weeks. Still wonder if Provenge primed me to respond so well. No way to know. Also hoping that those T Cells will be very activated to respond to the Covid vaccine. More questions than answers but of course, I will take it and I never question my oncologist. He is making good choices and is full of compassion.
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