Update "next plan"

[Pandora8205]

Hello all, well update today from doctors opdivo stopped. Left lung grew significantly and now showing 3 lesions in the right lung , now showing mets in liver. Very sad day. Now the new plan is docetaxel and ramucirumab this will now be a 4 hour infusion. This will now be harder than carboplatin and alimta. Really scared...... they say I will lose my hair just when it finally came back. Plus a host of other side effects. I will need the neulasta shot after 2days of treatment to keep immune system up. Plus back on steroid day before,day of and day after. Really hated that I was so weak on those days.

Sometimes I wonder if I did nothing. Or when enough is enough.. I know I need to stay positive.. just wonder... bad crying day......

[scifiknitter Blogger]

Pandora,

I am very sorry to read this news.

When is enough enough? That is a completely personal decision to make. Is there a palliative care doctor near you who you could meet with to discuss this issue and your full range of options? In any event, a palliative care doctor may have some ideas to help you feel better as you face another challenging treatment plan.

Sending you a big hug.

Anita

[Jenniferroseolson in reply to scifiknitter]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I agree with Anita's excellent suggestion about a palliative care doctor to help you manage the symptoms and side-effects. You will be amazed at how much they can improve the quality of your life as you go through all of this.

[PegD]

Pandora,

I just had my 2nd round of docetaxol (Taxotere) and ramucirumab (Cyramza) on Tuesday. This is my 2nd line of treatment following Carbo/Alimta and Alimta maintenance. After the first round, I lost most of my hair and worst side effects so far have been mouth/tongue/throat sores. Not receiving Neulasta as my blood counts have remained good.

I agree with Anita about talking with Palliative care. They can help you sort out what you are dealing with emotionally and with helping you manage side effects if you decide on more treatment.

Wishing you strength and courage.

Peg

[Pandora8205 in reply to PegD]

Peg,

Thanks for the info this is 3rd line of defense we tried opdivo prior and after 3 treatments ct scan showed it spread to right lung and liver. It's been a year and half struggling to stay stable. I will never be cancer free just trying to have a Lot of good days.....

I am ok just cry then get pissed...i will keep fighting until doc says he has no more options

[FtB_Peggy]

Pandora, "just cry then get pissed"...well, I completely understand that - I cry when I read what so many of you go through...and then I get really angry too. I definitely agree that palliative care is essential, it can be the secret weapon in your arsenal. Hope things turn around very soon for you! Hugs.

[Hidden]

Pandora, please keep the faith, we are all pulling for you.

My dad is on his 2nd round of docetaxol, (taxotere), and I think I heard doctor say, she will put him on Optivo after this series of chemo. I'm getting mixed reviews about optivo, some claim it's a wonder drug, others say it does very little. Just dont kno. Guess it works differently on different people.

But you (and I) should never lose faith, there are so many options these days. keep smiling

[Pandora8205]

Completed first round yesterday, seems to be ok this morning. I usually show signs by the third day. I have my arsenal ready. Water Water and water. Zofran for nausea,potassium to keep levels up nuelasta patch to keep immune level up. And ativan at night for rest and anxiety.

So far vocal cords doing good spoke softly yesterday and it sound like me....

[FtB_Peggy]

Oh good news! Thank you. You sound properly armed for what may be coming, also really good. I sincerely hope that you don't suffer with all of that this time though, wouldn't that be nice...good luck!

[gibdonnalee Community Superhero]

Pandora , so very sorry to hear all that you are going through. I think we all will face making a decision at one time or another, be it about treatment or when we've had enough. Keep on fighting , life is worth fighting for. But I think you will know when it's time , no more fighting . I have stage 4 carcinoid lung cancer, and would like to think I will make the right decision when or if the time comes. Stay strong girl, we are all here to listen whenever you need us. God Bless.