I have just had my latest scan results, much earlier than expected. My November scan showed progression of the main tumour. It had gone from 11cms to collapsed and immeasurable in 8 months, this had remained so for another year. Then November showed it was 2cms x 3mm. We didn't know how long it had taken to get to this size so I stayed on Iressa and was scanned again 3 months later.
In the meantime I went to Christies for a second opinion, well really to see if I could get Afatinib. I will have to do IV chemo first though. So we decided that depending on how much more progression I had would tell us when I needed to start IV chemo and then we would decide whether I went on maintenance (Alimta) for a while or started Tarceva or clinical trial (Afatinib or chemo).
The funny thing was the cough I developed seemed to be getting better ?? So I was pretty much convinced there was only minimal progression. Well, there was no further progression at all to the tumour, just slight growth of one node. :)) This means I can carry on with Iressa for another 3 months until I am scanned again (or If I become symptomatic I will be scanned sooner).
This is great news for me and others like me who are taking Iressa, it seems that it may have had a 'blip' but is obviously still working well. My oncologist said I am one pf the longest to take it with success, I am one of the first to take it though so I think that bodes well for many more of us.
I am so very pleased for you. It's such wonderful news and gives hope to all those taking Irressa. I set the DVD to record all the news channels in our area but unfortunately it was not shown on our news channels. It would be great to see it though, any chance the clip could be downloaded to Facebook or this site ? Xxx
Yes this is Fantastic news for you Lyn and others like me who are on Iressa, well done! I hope your next scan gives you good news as well. As I live in Spain I didn't see your T.V. Debut. Am sure it went well for you though! As Deb says stay strong and well.
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