Over the past couple of months, I kept telling Pat that something was off, I needed to see my doctor. I had a pain here, a stabbing feeling there...but nothing bad enough to even take an Ibuprofen for. My back has been hurting at my tailbone....but when I reach down and touch my toes, the pain is pretty much resolved. I just felt something was going haywire......and I was scared.
So....this morning as we were driving to get my scan, I received a Messenger notice on my phone that I had a new message. I smiled, as I knew it was a friend who messages daily with a scripture and prayer for the day.I felt like this one was sent to just me and ONLY me but I know he sends it to LOTS of friends.
Here is what was sent to me:
Mark 4:39-41
"And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?" And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" Our prayer: Lord, we are often embarrassed to be afraid. Thank you Lord, for helping us to manage our fears. Amen.
WOW! How powerful a message that came when I needed it the most. Yes, I have read this in the Bible and in scriptures more than once....but it didn't hit me in the face like it did at 6:35 this morning!
The scan seemed unusual to me as they would stop and go a lot but when they stopped the machine, it seemed like 20 minutes before they moved on. That also made me a little anxious but I stopped myself from wondering what the scan would show.
I met a new cholangiocarcinoma patient who had a resection 3 months ago. His name was Steven West and he was such a treat to meet.
Ron, the nurse I always mention, found us a room to sit in and wait our turn for the great doctor. Ron always like to joke with us and found it quite interesting that Pat was a former State Trooper in Illinois. I told Ron to hand over my scan report and bloodwork but he said he doesn't even get to see it. He stated he is a bad liar and if he read that I had a bad scan he would probably cry when he walked into the room....so we would have to wait. He told us Jackie, the PA would be in any time now. So....we waited.....and waited....Pat washed his hands....we waited.....then walks in Dr. Javle and my first thought was. "Oh no, they skipped Jackie. This MUST be bad news."
Dr. Javle stated that they compared my PET scan done today to one done in June of 2015. The aortocaval lymph node had just slightly increased. I had a node by the diaphragm that has been there but no increase really so Dr. J is not too concerned there either. Dr. Javle would like to wait three months and do another scan. He has a trial coming to MD Anderson in a couple months he is thinking of me in particular for and wants to wait it out if we can.
I told him...."But don't you worry it will metastasize to my pancreas, or kidneys, or somewhere? He stated, "Patty, it has not did that in almost five years, so the chances of it happening in the next three months is pretty slim!" Ok...you got me there! :-)
As a backup plan, we will have my local oncologist (in Illinois) ask for insurance to approve a chemo regimen JUST IN CASE we need to do it for a couple of months until the trial starts. Sometimes it takes a bit to get approval for chemo drugs so we would have the ducks in a row and ready to AIM---FIRE if we need to.
Dr. Javle considered this a good visit and mostly stable. Stable enough to let me off any treatments for three more months. BUT, then I asked why we couldn't just put some glass radioactive beads into the lymph node or radiate it. Dr. Javle thought that was something worth thinking about also. So, he emailed Dr. Das who has been my radiation oncologist for the entire time I have been at MDA, to see if he thought there was a possibility of radiating the aortocaval lymph node. Dr. Das believes there is a chance, so we are staying in Houston until he can see us by the end of the week.
This still doesn't mean I would not get on the trial in a couple of months because I STILL have cancer.....but it would get rid of the one node that is having a little growth.
So....I have options....and more than I thought. And this does not include phase one trials but I don't want to go there for as long as I can possibly keep from it.
So....to end this post without saying I am ashamed of not having MORE faith that everything will be ok is an understatement! I just know that I have seen so many friends pass on from this disease so I try to also be realistic about the disease to a certain point. Does that make sense?
So, I ask God to help me manage my fears that I have with cancer. I also thank and praise our faithful Father for always being there.....right beside me. Now THAT calms my soul!!
I'll keep you posted about the radiation.....it might be over the weekend before I post.
Have a great rest of the week!!
~~~Patty Corcoran~~~
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Monday, December 14, 2015
FEELING SAFE......
Feeling safe is at the top of most parents list for their children. Over the last two weeks, I had two different but very similar experiences with grandchildren. The first was with Amity....when it was nap time, we read a story (she always begs for two books and momma will never know if Ja~Ja read one....or two). But when we finished reading, Amity was put right in her bed and she snuggled down and I covered her up. I, then, had to lay beside her and wait for her to drift off. I wasn't laying there over 30 seconds and this little hand reached out of the crib and motioned for me to hold her hand. She was safe.....and a tear slid down my cheek to just think that this one small action made her feel "safe". I have laid beside Amity in the dark and held her hand...but just seeing that sweet, innocent little face smiling at me tore at my heartstrings. It was a beautiful moment and one I will forever cherish.
About a week later, I had to pick Madden up from the sitter, and after lunch, we again read a book, sang a song, and I laid him in his bed. He also likes you to lay beside him....so I complied. It wasn't 3 seconds and his head popped up to see if I was still there. That happened about four times before he finally gave it up and "felt safe" and off to sleep he went. I laid there a bit and realized he also needed to feel safe....and another tear rolled down my cheek~~~~
So....after removing myself quietly from his room, I thought about feeling SAFE. How little ones look to their parents, grandparents, siblings, teachers...to make them feel safe. But when I thought about who made me feel safe....WHAT ABOUT ME? It took about three seconds before something in my head told me....God is there to make you feel safe. What would I do if I couldn't pray and talk to Him day in and day out? People without faith.....who makes them feel safe? I am blessed to know God is there....all the time. We may not understand what is happening in our life or why....but "WHY NOT?" Knowing God is beside me makes me feel SAFE. CALM. NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS!
I received a call from MD Anderson that my biopsy is STILL not processed in Bethesda, Maryland so they were cancelling my appointment for Dec 22. I was a tad bit irritated and asked if I was just suppose to let the cancer do whatever it wanted with no treatment? So....I do not have an appointment until MD Anderson receives the biopsy report. So...for the second time, I cancelled flight plans. I am calm.....I am not going to worry....it would be a day wasted instead of a day enjoyed. SO.....I will enjoy Christmas, New Years, and then go on a vacation for a week to Cozumel after the first of the year. I feel "safe" with God beside me that when I get back, my appointment will be on my MD Anderson login and we will be ready for biopsy results and ready to start the fight. I also asked the lady who cancelled my appointment at MD Anderson how many people so far have been accepted into the MATCH Program....and she said zero. Will I be the first....if not, I will atleast have a full report of what is making my cancer happen...what trials are available...all my options that can be discussed at my appointment. This report is WAY more in depth from what I understand than the Foundation One testing that is usually done with a biopsy. There are still options for me....to keep fighting the fight....to keep feeling safe knowing God is right beside me along with my family, friends and WAY too many people in my community and across America.
So....a deep sigh...it has been a GREAT day!! I saw the heartbeat of my grandson on a 3D sonogram today. Thump...thump.... thump.....feeling so safe inside his mommy right now.
There are so many events in the world today that make a person not feel so safe.....but life goes on. What you do with it is totally up to you. But I hope you celebrate the birth of Jesus in just a few short weeks. Slow down....enjoy coffee with a friend...take cookies to an elderly person. It's not about gifts to me......it's about enjoying every memory....every day knowing I am blessed. I am thankful. I am loved. Feeling safe is just not about locking your doors.....no, it's waaaay more than that. It is WANTING to live the word of God every day....no one is perfect, but I keep trying! ;-) And I feel safe knowing that is exactly what He would want me to do~~
Getting ready to start my 6th year with Intra-hepatic cholangiocarcinoma..........and no matter what happens.....I will always be blessed with God's presence......! Always be faithful to the ordinary circumstances in your life. Cancer might not be ordinary.....but everyone has a journey to face. The Lord is as near as the next moment and whatever it brings.....
Peace be with you always~
Have a blessed Merry Christmas and a glorious New Year!!
Patty~~
About a week later, I had to pick Madden up from the sitter, and after lunch, we again read a book, sang a song, and I laid him in his bed. He also likes you to lay beside him....so I complied. It wasn't 3 seconds and his head popped up to see if I was still there. That happened about four times before he finally gave it up and "felt safe" and off to sleep he went. I laid there a bit and realized he also needed to feel safe....and another tear rolled down my cheek~~~~
So....after removing myself quietly from his room, I thought about feeling SAFE. How little ones look to their parents, grandparents, siblings, teachers...to make them feel safe. But when I thought about who made me feel safe....WHAT ABOUT ME? It took about three seconds before something in my head told me....God is there to make you feel safe. What would I do if I couldn't pray and talk to Him day in and day out? People without faith.....who makes them feel safe? I am blessed to know God is there....all the time. We may not understand what is happening in our life or why....but "WHY NOT?" Knowing God is beside me makes me feel SAFE. CALM. NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS!
I received a call from MD Anderson that my biopsy is STILL not processed in Bethesda, Maryland so they were cancelling my appointment for Dec 22. I was a tad bit irritated and asked if I was just suppose to let the cancer do whatever it wanted with no treatment? So....I do not have an appointment until MD Anderson receives the biopsy report. So...for the second time, I cancelled flight plans. I am calm.....I am not going to worry....it would be a day wasted instead of a day enjoyed. SO.....I will enjoy Christmas, New Years, and then go on a vacation for a week to Cozumel after the first of the year. I feel "safe" with God beside me that when I get back, my appointment will be on my MD Anderson login and we will be ready for biopsy results and ready to start the fight. I also asked the lady who cancelled my appointment at MD Anderson how many people so far have been accepted into the MATCH Program....and she said zero. Will I be the first....if not, I will atleast have a full report of what is making my cancer happen...what trials are available...all my options that can be discussed at my appointment. This report is WAY more in depth from what I understand than the Foundation One testing that is usually done with a biopsy. There are still options for me....to keep fighting the fight....to keep feeling safe knowing God is right beside me along with my family, friends and WAY too many people in my community and across America.
So....a deep sigh...it has been a GREAT day!! I saw the heartbeat of my grandson on a 3D sonogram today. Thump...thump.... thump.....feeling so safe inside his mommy right now.
There are so many events in the world today that make a person not feel so safe.....but life goes on. What you do with it is totally up to you. But I hope you celebrate the birth of Jesus in just a few short weeks. Slow down....enjoy coffee with a friend...take cookies to an elderly person. It's not about gifts to me......it's about enjoying every memory....every day knowing I am blessed. I am thankful. I am loved. Feeling safe is just not about locking your doors.....no, it's waaaay more than that. It is WANTING to live the word of God every day....no one is perfect, but I keep trying! ;-) And I feel safe knowing that is exactly what He would want me to do~~
Getting ready to start my 6th year with Intra-hepatic cholangiocarcinoma..........and no matter what happens.....I will always be blessed with God's presence......! Always be faithful to the ordinary circumstances in your life. Cancer might not be ordinary.....but everyone has a journey to face. The Lord is as near as the next moment and whatever it brings.....
Peace be with you always~
Have a blessed Merry Christmas and a glorious New Year!!
Patty~~
Sunday, November 29, 2015
A look back......
This evening, I was just grazing through all of the 282 posts and 133,234 page views from people all over the world. I have people from India, Germany, France, South Korea, Philippines, and the Ukraine. It switches around and other countries are on the site as "My Audience" along with the United States (0f course). As I look at all the different pictures of me....some look worse than others and some look better. (Cancer has a way of doing that). One thing that really hits me in the face is how blessed I am to be alive....STILL!
Then, there are the people I have met in Texas, the friends I now have that have CC or have had CC but are cancer free right now. Or maybe had that transplant but have had a relapse. Then, there are the ones you get really close to...and that friend passes on. Those are the ones that mentally can just about bring you to your knees.....but you fight...because THAT is what every person who has this dreaded disease would want another patient to do...FIGHT.
FAITH.....it is intermingled in with fighting this disease. If you don't have FAITH...you might as well stick your head in the sand and lay down...and do NOTHING! Faith allows me to sleep at night. Faith is what leaves me wanting to get up every morning.
I was scheduled to get biopsy results for the MATCH Program on Dec. 2. But I got a call saying the results are not done (they were sent to Bethesda, Maryland to be processed) so now my results are scheduled to be done in the next 3 weeks so my NEW appointment is Dec 22. It's a FLY In and FLY OUT the same day kind of trip. It's a l-o-o-o-o-ng day that starts with our flight leaving at 6:35 a.m. out of St. Louis. We will be picked up and taken to MD Anderson for blood work and my results with Dr. Funda Meric. My husband researched Dr. Meric and she is top notch and on the A list for genetic researching and targeted therapies. The thing is....IF I do not have the right mutations/sequencing for the MATCH Program, I will not be eligible for MATCH. There are other trials at MD Anderson.......and I would give anything to get into an immunotherapy trial. I am hoping I get into the MATCH Program to buy me time so they can tweak the Immunotherapy treatments.
The MATCH Program has a lot of words that you have to look up the meaning of what they are all about. My husband has started diving in to see if he better understands it. My daughter, Jennifer, is also flying down to hear what Dr. Meric has to say. I am praying (and fairly confident) she will be on her A game to ask the right questions to help make the next step for me THE RIGHT STEP!
So, it seems if I go on the 22 of December for this consult, it will be close to the first of the year before I might be living off and on in Texas for a couple of months........AGAIN!
I have an old classmate that has a camper that she and her husband has graciously offered to us if we do indeed stay in Texas for an extended stay. I won't mention any names until it becomes a little more official that I will be staying at Lakeside RV Resort. Pat and I have stayed there before but it will be much cheaper if we just have lot rent and utility bills.
I had lab work done last Wednesday and everything is calm. Platelets are good....liver tests are all within normal limits except my alk phosphate which has been above average for some time now. White count is good......ALL is good. So, even though it has been 6 weeks since I have had any treatment for my cancer, according to my blood work, things are calm.
This is just a general update of where I am at in the world of cancer. I am 6 paintings painted into my third "Irene" children's book. The last page took me 10 hours to paint!! I plan to have it done before I leave for my appointment on Dec 22 (off to the printer anyway).
December 7th is our Suntone Beach Relay For Life Monical's Pizza night and 20% of all proceeds for the day go to our team. PLEASE tell them you want your order to count toward our fundraiser that day. It counts for carry~outs, deliveries, eat in......ALL DAY LONG! They will have forms at Monical's Pizza all day and you can also print it off of Facebook if you are a friend of anyone on our team (probably starting tomorrow). Mention it at your workplace so everyone can order the lunch special.... Just order on December 7th....PLEASE! and THANK YOU!!!!
I will post something when I am back from Houston....probably on the 23rd for an update since we fly in late. Pray....pray....and give thanks for....e.v.e.r.y s.i.n.g.l.e d.a.y!!!
Mrs. Patty Corcoran
4442 N Suntone Road
Olney, Illinois 62450
(P.S. For all of you that want to send me a Christmas card....and maybe get one back!!) :-)
Then, there are the people I have met in Texas, the friends I now have that have CC or have had CC but are cancer free right now. Or maybe had that transplant but have had a relapse. Then, there are the ones you get really close to...and that friend passes on. Those are the ones that mentally can just about bring you to your knees.....but you fight...because THAT is what every person who has this dreaded disease would want another patient to do...FIGHT.
FAITH.....it is intermingled in with fighting this disease. If you don't have FAITH...you might as well stick your head in the sand and lay down...and do NOTHING! Faith allows me to sleep at night. Faith is what leaves me wanting to get up every morning.
I was scheduled to get biopsy results for the MATCH Program on Dec. 2. But I got a call saying the results are not done (they were sent to Bethesda, Maryland to be processed) so now my results are scheduled to be done in the next 3 weeks so my NEW appointment is Dec 22. It's a FLY In and FLY OUT the same day kind of trip. It's a l-o-o-o-o-ng day that starts with our flight leaving at 6:35 a.m. out of St. Louis. We will be picked up and taken to MD Anderson for blood work and my results with Dr. Funda Meric. My husband researched Dr. Meric and she is top notch and on the A list for genetic researching and targeted therapies. The thing is....IF I do not have the right mutations/sequencing for the MATCH Program, I will not be eligible for MATCH. There are other trials at MD Anderson.......and I would give anything to get into an immunotherapy trial. I am hoping I get into the MATCH Program to buy me time so they can tweak the Immunotherapy treatments.
The MATCH Program has a lot of words that you have to look up the meaning of what they are all about. My husband has started diving in to see if he better understands it. My daughter, Jennifer, is also flying down to hear what Dr. Meric has to say. I am praying (and fairly confident) she will be on her A game to ask the right questions to help make the next step for me THE RIGHT STEP!
So, it seems if I go on the 22 of December for this consult, it will be close to the first of the year before I might be living off and on in Texas for a couple of months........AGAIN!
I have an old classmate that has a camper that she and her husband has graciously offered to us if we do indeed stay in Texas for an extended stay. I won't mention any names until it becomes a little more official that I will be staying at Lakeside RV Resort. Pat and I have stayed there before but it will be much cheaper if we just have lot rent and utility bills.
I had lab work done last Wednesday and everything is calm. Platelets are good....liver tests are all within normal limits except my alk phosphate which has been above average for some time now. White count is good......ALL is good. So, even though it has been 6 weeks since I have had any treatment for my cancer, according to my blood work, things are calm.
This is just a general update of where I am at in the world of cancer. I am 6 paintings painted into my third "Irene" children's book. The last page took me 10 hours to paint!! I plan to have it done before I leave for my appointment on Dec 22 (off to the printer anyway).
December 7th is our Suntone Beach Relay For Life Monical's Pizza night and 20% of all proceeds for the day go to our team. PLEASE tell them you want your order to count toward our fundraiser that day. It counts for carry~outs, deliveries, eat in......ALL DAY LONG! They will have forms at Monical's Pizza all day and you can also print it off of Facebook if you are a friend of anyone on our team (probably starting tomorrow). Mention it at your workplace so everyone can order the lunch special.... Just order on December 7th....PLEASE! and THANK YOU!!!!
I will post something when I am back from Houston....probably on the 23rd for an update since we fly in late. Pray....pray....and give thanks for....e.v.e.r.y s.i.n.g.l.e d.a.y!!!
Mrs. Patty Corcoran
4442 N Suntone Road
Olney, Illinois 62450
(P.S. For all of you that want to send me a Christmas card....and maybe get one back!!) :-)
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Just one more blessing on my cancer journey.
I arrived in Houston Monday evening and made a delivery to Linda Burgener about 7 p.m. We decided a Minchies (ice cream place) was on the "to-do" list for the evening. We ended up staying the night with Linda but left for early appointments at 7:45 at MD Anderson. I had the usual bloodwork, resting EKG (which I told them I didn't have a heart....but they found one). Saw clinical trial nurses, doctors, PA'S, and learned a wealth of information about the NCI MATCH Program. I was able to meet up with two patients who are good friends in the CC world. We like our pow wows any chance we can get. Ron (Dr. Javle's nurse) saw me while Pat went wandering and came to sit beside me in a chair and a half type chair/couch. He squeezed in right beside me and we laughed and talked about why I was there....people always stare a bit but I could care less. Ron makes my heart smile....he is more than a nurse at MDA....he is a friend!
Biopsy day was today and I was a little concerned since it was a little risky. I had to lay flat on my stomach and arms above my head and NO MOVING once they started CT scans. I have black marker drawings all over my back and an X. The heart monitor kept going off and they were very concerned why my heart rate was so low. I told them I was fairly active and it has been low for years due to being pretty athletic for a cancer patient (and a fat one at that). They said they would only be able to give me half the amount of light sedative to make me relax but at the same time keep me completely awake. Ummm, OK. We proceeded and once I was given the sedative, the dr began inserting a needle to numb the 7 inches she was going to be sticking the needle. Only once did I say "Um...that hurts a little". She said I should be numbing up rather quickly and to just hang in there. Still wide awake, the heart monitor was becoming a nuisance beeping all the time but a nurse kept constant watch over my heart rate. The lowest it got was 39....but mostly stayed in the low 40's. It wasn't long and I heard the clicking so I knew she was gathering the biopsies needed for the MATCH Program. From the time I was waiting to be taken back for the biopsy to the time I was back in my room, was 45 minutes! IN & OUT! As they were rolling me into the surgery room, I told the little 5 foot Asian lady dr she wasn't strong enough to get through the layers of fat on my lower back to get to the lymph node. She informed me it didn't take strength, it took "finesse"....and she sure proved that today in the skill and ability she showed to get in and out as soon as possible. We stopped at Olive Garden on the way home and had an early supper. Then back to the hotel to rest and watch a little tv. Things went great...and now it is about a 3 week waiting period to get the results back. Then, we attack that lymph node and hope nothing else pops up in the meantime since I have been off the BGJ 398 trial for a little over 3 weeks. We will start for home sometime tomorrow.
Another journey is on the horizon for me. Another cancer plan and hopefully one that will show promising results to stop the node from growing or spreading. Another journey that I will take with God beside me. Another journey I am thankful for with Him by my side!
Goodnight for now, time to sleep and let the healing begin where that needle went in 7 inches!!
Thanks for all the calls, texts, and messages!!
Hugs~~
Patty
Biopsy day was today and I was a little concerned since it was a little risky. I had to lay flat on my stomach and arms above my head and NO MOVING once they started CT scans. I have black marker drawings all over my back and an X. The heart monitor kept going off and they were very concerned why my heart rate was so low. I told them I was fairly active and it has been low for years due to being pretty athletic for a cancer patient (and a fat one at that). They said they would only be able to give me half the amount of light sedative to make me relax but at the same time keep me completely awake. Ummm, OK. We proceeded and once I was given the sedative, the dr began inserting a needle to numb the 7 inches she was going to be sticking the needle. Only once did I say "Um...that hurts a little". She said I should be numbing up rather quickly and to just hang in there. Still wide awake, the heart monitor was becoming a nuisance beeping all the time but a nurse kept constant watch over my heart rate. The lowest it got was 39....but mostly stayed in the low 40's. It wasn't long and I heard the clicking so I knew she was gathering the biopsies needed for the MATCH Program. From the time I was waiting to be taken back for the biopsy to the time I was back in my room, was 45 minutes! IN & OUT! As they were rolling me into the surgery room, I told the little 5 foot Asian lady dr she wasn't strong enough to get through the layers of fat on my lower back to get to the lymph node. She informed me it didn't take strength, it took "finesse"....and she sure proved that today in the skill and ability she showed to get in and out as soon as possible. We stopped at Olive Garden on the way home and had an early supper. Then back to the hotel to rest and watch a little tv. Things went great...and now it is about a 3 week waiting period to get the results back. Then, we attack that lymph node and hope nothing else pops up in the meantime since I have been off the BGJ 398 trial for a little over 3 weeks. We will start for home sometime tomorrow.
Another journey is on the horizon for me. Another cancer plan and hopefully one that will show promising results to stop the node from growing or spreading. Another journey that I will take with God beside me. Another journey I am thankful for with Him by my side!
Goodnight for now, time to sleep and let the healing begin where that needle went in 7 inches!!
Thanks for all the calls, texts, and messages!!
Hugs~~
Patty
Friday, October 30, 2015
Phillipians 4:13........
I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
As I sat here this evening with a fire going in the fireplace, it was quiet as Pat was at the Halloween Parade serving hot dogs to Democrats and a few Republicans. This verse entered into my head as I thought of the next week or two that has evolved into what was suppose to be a quiet next two weeks to a busy, crazy, a biopsy, and trying to see if I am a candidate for the NCI MATCH Program. It was scheduled for two weeks from now but all has been moved to this coming Tuesday and Wednesday (Nov. 3 & 4). We will drive on the 2nd and catch some more beautiful fall foliage but it seems like we just got back from Texas yesterday (its been almost two weeks) and here we are leaving early Monday to get in the appr 12 1/2 to 14 hour drive.. That's the easy part ....for me. Not so easy for Pat who drives it all but is also the typical man who refuses to let me drive.
I have been asking for a week if they will get the biopsy through my stomach like the other two OR through the back to get a piece of the lymph node. Well, today a man politefully told me they would be going through my back because the node is behind the intestines so I have to trust that all will go as planned and I will be in a hotel waiting out my 24 hour period before moving farther away from the hotel/hospital. They like for you to stay close by in case you are the slim percentage that has a problem afterwards and need to get to the hospital FAST! It will be a biopsy guided by a CT scan so that will help make sure they get to just the right location. I will be awake for the procedure but they did tell me I could be totally sedated but MOST people are not....so I will bite my upper lip and suck it up!
The biopsy will be used for two things. One for the NCI MATCH Program and a piece for testing to see if I have the right sequencing for Immunotherapy. Kind of getting an added bonus by getting one biopsy for two different treatment plans. I am not sure of how many "CHOMPS" they will have to take from the node but each one makes you wanna sit up and scream! L-O-U-D! It sounds like a LARGE staple gun going off. Okay.....maybe it's not quite as bad as I make it sound....but it's no picnic! There is a good chance I might not be eligible for either of the above mentioned program/therapy, but I refuse to leave any rock unturned with this cancer.
There are some trials available if the above mentioned protocols fall through. It's a wait and see thing at the moment. I did look at my schedule and I have appointments on Nov 3 & 4, then they want me back November 10th for a consult with a dr. Really? I have requested it be moved to next week....if they won't give...then I guess we will bug our friends a while and see our favorite dog named Blondie Kate.
To say I am a little apprehensive is an understatement. The best thing is....I am not afraid. I know God is with me and no matter what..... there is life after death. I also truly believe my time here on earth is not done. I am in the hands of some of the best doctors and surgeons in the U.S. ....so I will take a deep breath, and leave it all in the hands of a man higher than any of us. For He once spoke to me and said, "Do not be afraid for I am right beside you" and I know He is beside me.....every.single.minute!
Prayers are appreciated and I will keep you all updated. Prayers for a safe biopsy and good results making me eligible for one of the protocols or that God leads me to the right treatment no matter where that might be.
God is Good ALL the time~~~~~ ALL the time Good is GOOD!
Hugs,
Patty Corcoran
There are some trials available if the above mentioned protocols fall through. It's a wait and see thing at the moment. I did look at my schedule and I have appointments on Nov 3 & 4, then they want me back November 10th for a consult with a dr. Really? I have requested it be moved to next week....if they won't give...then I guess we will bug our friends a while and see our favorite dog named Blondie Kate.
To say I am a little apprehensive is an understatement. The best thing is....I am not afraid. I know God is with me and no matter what..... there is life after death. I also truly believe my time here on earth is not done. I am in the hands of some of the best doctors and surgeons in the U.S. ....so I will take a deep breath, and leave it all in the hands of a man higher than any of us. For He once spoke to me and said, "Do not be afraid for I am right beside you" and I know He is beside me.....every.single.minute!
Prayers are appreciated and I will keep you all updated. Prayers for a safe biopsy and good results making me eligible for one of the protocols or that God leads me to the right treatment no matter where that might be.
God is Good ALL the time~~~~~ ALL the time Good is GOOD!
Hugs,
Patty Corcoran
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Time to Shake Things Up!!
As I posted on Facebook yesterday, there was no drumroll.....but it wasn't as bad as it sounded and maybe it sounded a little worse than it was (and I had NO intentions of making it sound that bad).
My bloodwork looks pretty fantastic and my CA 19-9 is at 5.7. My scan on the other hand showed a little growth with the aortocaval lymph node that got me started on the BGJ 398 trial at MD Anderson. It is pretty famous for just starting to fade as far as efficacy after about 8 months....AND, I was no exception.
Dr. Javle came in and stated he went back to the CT when I started the trial and compared it to the one take this week. There was more growth than he thought and just thinks we need to try something different. The node is currently about 2 cm.
I have to be off the trial pill I was on for one month before we decide the best plan of action that fits my treatment/mutations....there's just some thought and research that goes into the process.
We drove to Hope, Arkansas last night and am getting ready to get back on the road. I will post more from home as I am on open Wi-Fi and I don't like doing this.
Things are ok.......even the radiologist I spoke with said my cancer is so slow growing....we have a little more cushion time so don't panic on me, my friends!! This fat lady is not done singing!!!
I have not seen my last sunrise or sunset.......It's like a game of chess....time to move the pieces around and reposition them so I have the upper hand and not this cancer!
There is NO NEW Cancer......I want you to get that straight. It is just growing enough to concern the drs. So,,,,we will STILL March.....and march some more.
Italian Beef Night Fundraiser is this Friday night from 4-8 (October 23, 2015). Carryouts are available and just call the Olney VFW to place your order OR just show up and we will fix you up real quick so you can eat at home or at the football game.. That's where it will be held along with desserts. It is one of our main Relay for Life fundraisers so please try and make it. Since it starts at 4....you have time before the game to come grab a bite! Hope to see you there!!
Thanks for all the prayers and I truly believe everything happens for a reason.....hopefully I will feel as good with the next treatment plan as I have had with this trial. One day last week, I felt so good I walked 6 miles.....so believe me...it's not over yet!!
Hugs and God Bless~~
Patty
My bloodwork looks pretty fantastic and my CA 19-9 is at 5.7. My scan on the other hand showed a little growth with the aortocaval lymph node that got me started on the BGJ 398 trial at MD Anderson. It is pretty famous for just starting to fade as far as efficacy after about 8 months....AND, I was no exception.
Dr. Javle came in and stated he went back to the CT when I started the trial and compared it to the one take this week. There was more growth than he thought and just thinks we need to try something different. The node is currently about 2 cm.
I have to be off the trial pill I was on for one month before we decide the best plan of action that fits my treatment/mutations....there's just some thought and research that goes into the process.
We drove to Hope, Arkansas last night and am getting ready to get back on the road. I will post more from home as I am on open Wi-Fi and I don't like doing this.
Things are ok.......even the radiologist I spoke with said my cancer is so slow growing....we have a little more cushion time so don't panic on me, my friends!! This fat lady is not done singing!!!
I have not seen my last sunrise or sunset.......It's like a game of chess....time to move the pieces around and reposition them so I have the upper hand and not this cancer!
There is NO NEW Cancer......I want you to get that straight. It is just growing enough to concern the drs. So,,,,we will STILL March.....and march some more.
Italian Beef Night Fundraiser is this Friday night from 4-8 (October 23, 2015). Carryouts are available and just call the Olney VFW to place your order OR just show up and we will fix you up real quick so you can eat at home or at the football game.. That's where it will be held along with desserts. It is one of our main Relay for Life fundraisers so please try and make it. Since it starts at 4....you have time before the game to come grab a bite! Hope to see you there!!
Thanks for all the prayers and I truly believe everything happens for a reason.....hopefully I will feel as good with the next treatment plan as I have had with this trial. One day last week, I felt so good I walked 6 miles.....so believe me...it's not over yet!!
Hugs and God Bless~~
Patty
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
CYCLE 8 BEGINS TOMORROW!!
Everything went smooth today at MD Anderson. After going there for 4 1/2 years, I still occasionally get lost but never for too long as there is always a volunteer to steer you in the right direction. Deb Schonert generously gave up her day to be my escort/driver/and last but not least, FRIEND!
My left eye is still a bit dry from the clinical trial drugs but so far, the eyes are holding up. My toenails are just downright ugly. I have lost appr/ 4-5 toenails...some not all of the way off yet. Other than occasional constipation/diarrhea, we are marching on.
My visit with Dr. Javle always calms my soul. There are several people being dropped from the trial due to tumors growing over 20% or new tumors that have grown since their last scan. I didn't have a scan today but my bloodwork is pretty darn good! Platelets are at 150,000. White blood count is at 4.8 My CA 19-9 went from 4 to 4.8 (Dr. Javle said there is always some fluctuation in that cancer marker test and it is probably nothing but as always, we will watch it). My triglycerides had been high in the last few months but since being put on a low dose cholesterol pill, things are in check and all within normal limits. My creatinine is back to normal range at .97. Phosphorus Serum is 3.8.
I told Dr. Javle of my concern over people being dropped from the trial and I wondered if I'd be next. The aortal lymph node they have been watching went from 1.4 cm to 1.7 cm. So it was very little growth....maybe even within the margin of error. So....even if it grows a tad bit next month, it doesn't necessarily mean I am off the trial. It would have to increase substantially to knock me off the trial. OK.....it's a wait and see kind of deal and I am ok with that.
I asked Dr. Javle if I was out of options if it did grow over 20%. He stated that "No, I still had chemo options and clinical trial options." I have read some mean stories on Folfori/Folfox regimen's and I would pick a trial before doing chemo again. I asked him if he was familiar with the MATCH Program. (Of course he does, he is one of the best cholangio dr's in the U.S.!!!). He stated he thought that would be a great idea down the line but we would need a new biopsy to send to NIH in Maryland. They take the biopsy and put so many cancer cells in petri dishes and then add different clinical trials that match my mutations and chemo drugs to find the ones that attack MY cancer the best. Pretty smart idea. So....instead of putting me on a drug or trial we are not even sure will work, we will KNOW from MATCH what will work best for me. I am excited to know there are tools still left in the toolbox to help keep me alive. Better yet, the longer I stay on this trial or the next, the more time they have to fine tune more clinical trials. Dr. Javle really is pleased I prefer clinical trials over conventional chemo. He feels that is the best place to go at this point and time for me.
Deb and I walked over 10,000 steps today at the Japanese Gardens, Miller Amphitheatre, and a golf course which I am not sure how we even got onto it. It's been an active day!
So....tomorrow, I march on. I will start Cycle 8 and just have faith that God will continue to lead me on this land of cancer.
God Bless and Goodnight!!
Patty Corcoran
My left eye is still a bit dry from the clinical trial drugs but so far, the eyes are holding up. My toenails are just downright ugly. I have lost appr/ 4-5 toenails...some not all of the way off yet. Other than occasional constipation/diarrhea, we are marching on.
My visit with Dr. Javle always calms my soul. There are several people being dropped from the trial due to tumors growing over 20% or new tumors that have grown since their last scan. I didn't have a scan today but my bloodwork is pretty darn good! Platelets are at 150,000. White blood count is at 4.8 My CA 19-9 went from 4 to 4.8 (Dr. Javle said there is always some fluctuation in that cancer marker test and it is probably nothing but as always, we will watch it). My triglycerides had been high in the last few months but since being put on a low dose cholesterol pill, things are in check and all within normal limits. My creatinine is back to normal range at .97. Phosphorus Serum is 3.8.
I told Dr. Javle of my concern over people being dropped from the trial and I wondered if I'd be next. The aortal lymph node they have been watching went from 1.4 cm to 1.7 cm. So it was very little growth....maybe even within the margin of error. So....even if it grows a tad bit next month, it doesn't necessarily mean I am off the trial. It would have to increase substantially to knock me off the trial. OK.....it's a wait and see kind of deal and I am ok with that.
I asked Dr. Javle if I was out of options if it did grow over 20%. He stated that "No, I still had chemo options and clinical trial options." I have read some mean stories on Folfori/Folfox regimen's and I would pick a trial before doing chemo again. I asked him if he was familiar with the MATCH Program. (Of course he does, he is one of the best cholangio dr's in the U.S.!!!). He stated he thought that would be a great idea down the line but we would need a new biopsy to send to NIH in Maryland. They take the biopsy and put so many cancer cells in petri dishes and then add different clinical trials that match my mutations and chemo drugs to find the ones that attack MY cancer the best. Pretty smart idea. So....instead of putting me on a drug or trial we are not even sure will work, we will KNOW from MATCH what will work best for me. I am excited to know there are tools still left in the toolbox to help keep me alive. Better yet, the longer I stay on this trial or the next, the more time they have to fine tune more clinical trials. Dr. Javle really is pleased I prefer clinical trials over conventional chemo. He feels that is the best place to go at this point and time for me.
Deb and I walked over 10,000 steps today at the Japanese Gardens, Miller Amphitheatre, and a golf course which I am not sure how we even got onto it. It's been an active day!
So....tomorrow, I march on. I will start Cycle 8 and just have faith that God will continue to lead me on this land of cancer.
God Bless and Goodnight!!
Patty Corcoran
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