Scan update: All systems go for now

[scifiknitter]

Health update: I can live with the news from Roswell this week.

The scans show that growth is starting, but only a small amount so far. I will stay on Tagrisso for another 3 months with the realization that the next scan will probably officially show progression.

My doctor and I updated our treatment plan. In 3 months time, we plan to do a surgical biopsy to remove a lymph node (she has already identified one of interest) to send for Foundation One comprehensive molecular testing. I may go to standard carboplatin/permetrexed chemo at that time, the Foundation One test may reveal another target we can go after, or there may be a new phase 1 trial that would be a good choice. A lot will depend on timing - getting into a good phase 1 trial is a matter of being in the right place (both geographically and disease status) at the right time. It sounds like there might be something completely new making its way into the pipeline for people with my particular subtype of mutation-driven cancer, but I don't know any details yet - my doctor is not yet ready to disclose details of this new trial.

So onward to live the heck out of the next 3 months. I feel like I can actually make plans for the fall!

- Anita

[pbjb]

Love your positive attitude. Keeping you and everyone in my prayers. My list is long but room for more

[scifiknitter Blogger in reply to pbjb]

Thank you. 🌹

[anrean]

Hi I go to Roswell too and was wondering if you know of a support group. Since Gilda's closed and Life Transitions changed, it seems that there aren't any good support groups in real life.

Lauri-Anne

[scifiknitter Blogger in reply to anrean]

I travel from northern NY so support groups at Roswell aren't an option for me. I saw a sign on a bulletin board about support groups for lung cancer patients, but don't remember details. Maybe the Thoracic Center would know if you called, or the Survivorship Center.

[anrean in reply to scifiknitter]

Thanks for the info.

I wish you the best on your journey. This is my 5th primary cancer, and I miss Gilda's Club. I will call Monday and see what I can dig up, but prefer to have a group that isn't focused on just lung ca. Luckily, I live in the suburbs so Roswell is close for me.

[Faith17]

I will be praying for you! You are such an inspiration for soooo many of us always so knowledgeable and nice. God speed Anita😛💕🎊🙏

[scifiknitter Blogger in reply to Faith17]

Thank you, Faith. It's going to be a great 3 months with some fun travel and some good work.

[Jenniferroseolson]

Anita, I am sorry to hear that these scan results are not what anyone hopes. Your attitude is admirable and so encouraging. Thank you for sharing. I'm praying for you.

Jennifer

[scifiknitter Blogger in reply to Jenniferroseolson]

Jennifer, I wasn't surprised which helps with the emotional impact. Targeted drugs are great while they work but at 14 months, I was at the point when most people become resistant. I'm grateful I get to squeeze 3 more months out of the drug I'm on.

[JeanE41]

Good to hear from you again. Though you results are not what we all hoped for, they are not all bad. It sounds as though you are making some fun plans. Love your spirit and strength. I hope you plan to do some knitting along the way.

Keeping you in my prayers.

Jean

[scifiknitter Blogger in reply to JeanE41]

Of course I will be knitting! I just started an exciting laceweight shawl - Jared Flood's Rock Island, being knit in Verdant Gryphon Mithril.

[JeanE41 in reply to scifiknitter]

Sounds gorgeous. I hope the sweater fit your daughter. Watching any interesting sci fi? I'm currently watching Poirot on Netflix. Not sci fi, but fun.

[scifiknitter Blogger in reply to JeanE41]

The new sci-fi show we've been watching on Netflix is called Dark Matter. Real sci-fi, not horror disguised as such!

[JeanE41 in reply to scifiknitter]

Will have to look into it.

[FtB_Peggy]

Anita,

Thank you for keeping us updated.

Sorry to hear the news, but so inspired by your beautiful attitude and can-do spirit! Have crazy fun these next 3 months!

Peggy