Guest guest Posted October 23, 2005 Report Share Posted October 23, 2005 OUR STORY AS OF OCTOBER 2005 Narice Caregiver to: Phil May Current age 46 Diagnosed June 19, 2003 at age 43 Stage 4 with multiple liver mets (Initially thought to be pancreatic) July 2003-Severe swelling, Some Jaundice PCP tells us NOT to Seek treatment. We begin treatment with Dr. Jan Rothman at Regional Cancer Center Erie, PA 5FU, Leucovorin, Oxaliplatin August 2003- Phil's weight drops from 165 to 135 September 2003-Phil goes off diuretic (oops) In late September he has CT showing significant Reduction of tumor. ;-) December 2003- Tumor stable side effects so far are minimal some flu like symptoms with the Oxaliplatin, dry chapped hands and occasional nausea March 2004-Weight gain of 20 lb. (fluctuates between 155-160) Tumor still stable, (13 cm in colon multiple liver mets. Largest being 9 cm April 2004 1 month chemo break YIPEEE!!!!! April 21, 2004-Phil starts on new chemo 5 FU, Leucovorin, Oxaliplatin AND Avastin via 46 HR pump. Weight 160. April 23.2004 Mouth sores develop Using *magic mouthwash*. CEA 2.5 down from 3.5 before Avastin Low red & white counts Dr. states *You could be the poster person for chemo response, when I first saw you in the hospital last June 2003 I practically had to 'scrape you off the wall.' " :-> 5/17/04 Red & white counts normalized. Platelet count down to 88,000 (normal 150,000. Chemo postponed for 1st time since diagnosis 5/24/04 weight 160 All blood counts at or near normal. Platelets at 122,000 June 2004 One year and still here Chemo June 17 severe mouth sores develop platelets drop to 49,000 150,000 normal White counts drops to .09! Normal is 4.5 Starts week of Neuprogen to boost white count on July 1 7/7/04 Blood Counts normal chemo resumes July 2004 CHEMO BREAKS yippee!!!!! 8/3/04 Chemo resumes FOXIL + Avastin Bleeding gums (probably due to dental work), dark urine Resolved by week's end. Blood counts still normal 8/17 Removed Oxaliplatin Hives during 5FU Leucovorin treatment Avastin and 46 hr. 5FU continues. 8/19 Endoscopy reveals Acid Reflux as cause of black stools and bloody vomit. THANK YOU GOD!! 8/20 Acidphex heals acid Reflux so no more bleeding but Phil will stay on it to heal lesions in his esophagus and prevent further damage. Sept. 2004 No noticeable problems CT scan scheduled for October October 2004 CT scan reveals no change. No reduction and no new growth YIPPEE November 2004 Low blood counts lead to a blood transfusion and need for IV and oral iron. December 2004 Counts up slightly and chemo resumes. Oncologist is considering SURGERY!!!! : January 21, 2005 colonoscopy Dr. could not find the tumor!!!!! : Feb.2005 CT and PET scan confirms above resume chemo Consult with Liver specialist Dr. Geller from University of Pittsburgh Medical Canter scheduled for Monday Feb.28. April 1 2005 surgical implants of chemo pump to liver and removal of gallbladder which would be affected by same. Pump delivers a 5FU like chemo to liver to work on multiple liver mets on a2 week on 2 week off schedule. Pump is refilled by injection, April 19, 2005 Recovery going well Stitches to be removed April 21. Phil working full schedule May 27, 2005 Feeling great weight up to 183 still on FUDR pump and Avastin 30 min IV every other week. June July 2005 Pump begins leaking causing stomach ulcer, back pain and need for transfusion. Surgery performed to plug leaking artery which was diameter of a strand of hair! Back Ache and ulcer resolved July 28 Colon tumor still gone Liver tumors are present but stable Choice to discontinue if desired but Phil decides to stay with Avastin and FUDR. Chemo resumes August 31 2005 Liver function deteriorates and some small growth is noted. FUDR Avastin discontinued September 2005 Blood transfusion to boost platelets and red counts ERCPT Endoscopy opens bile duct improving liver function New chemo CPT-11 Leucovorin and Erbitux with 46 hour fanny pack of 5FU October 2005 Severe mid to upper back pain lands Phil in the hospital Resolved with pain patch Erbitux w/ CPT-11 continues Phil has chills, rash and nausea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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