A bit of a Bummer!

Say my oncologist today. My CA-125 climbed to 124 (normal is considered under 30). Good news was that the CT scan showed only a small (1cm) growth on my aortic lymph node - doc says is better to have lots of small cells floating around than big groups.

I'll be starting chemo treatment next week - doing a trial - GOG 213. Will be the same drugs used the last trial I was on, so,... I'll be getting a new hair do! (Just got a new color last night! - tell me what you think next time you see me.)

My first 6 - 8 treatments (once every 3 weeks on Thursdays), I'll be looking for rides to Abq. Typically will need to be there around 8 or 9 am, and stay about 6 hours. So, if you have some shopping to do and don't mind dropping and picking me at Presbyterian, please let me know.

thanks.
Cheri

Update: Numbers climbing a bit

Well, saw Dr. today and my CA-125 climbed to 51; however, my CT scan was clear. This cancer typically starts growing before scan detects it.

I not opting for chemo yet, though. Will wait a month and see what CA-125 is. If it goes higher, will probably try for another Avastin trial.

I'm still feeling pretty good, just a little bummed about the increase.

Getting more energy

Energy level is increasing. Doing yoga daily, acupuncture every other week, and massage in between. Have special pills from acupuncturist to boost "Qi". Drinking pureed veggies with garlic and turmeric, and trying to get enough rest. Next blood work in a couple weeks.

Good news from Doc

Doctor called me today to say that my CA-125 appears to have stabilized (was 24). Other tests look good, and I'm feeling a bit more energetic.
I think maybe the acupuncture, yoga, veggie smoothies, and taking more time to take care of myself are doing the trick.
Did a much longer than expect walk today. Checked out the new country trail loop, expecting to walk for maybe 1/2 hour. Didn't realize it was so long! Was a great day though. LA Fall is the best!

I'm finally getting around to posting - I've thought to several times, but never got around to it.
I spent the first week of July in Costa Rica. What a great place! I love the culture, the people, the terrain. Jodi got to spend the whole month there learning Spanish and playing.

I had my last chemo (Avastin) in mid-July. Since then, had a clear CT scan. The last few Avastin infusions seemed to effect me more. Hives, hands itching and feeling "tight", bleeding in mouth & nose, aching legs. I'm still lacking energy and breaking out with hives every few days, and get up looking like a really old person, but the bleeding has stopped.
My CA-125 has gone up to 26. Getting another test next week

Trying some new diets to boost energy. Staying away from red meat as much as possible, and trying to eat lots of veggies. (Veggie smoothies are not too bad.)

Update

Sorry I've been neglecting to update. Not anything new - all looks good.
I'm still getting the Avastin trial every 3 weeks. My CA-125 was most recently at 9 (which is good).
I get a CT scan in a couple weeks, Dr. says should just confirm that all is well.

thanks.
Cheri

More Good News

Just got word from my Oncology Office that my trial has been "unblinded" and that I indeed am in Arm 3.

Arm 3: Avastin in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy followed by the maintenance use of Avastin alone, for a total of up to 15 months of therapy.

The study showed that women who continued maintenance use of Avastin alone, after receiving Avastin in combination with chemotherapy (Arm 3), lived longer without the disease worsening compared to those who received chemotherapy alone.