Great news!!!

I had an MRI with gadallineum contrast last Wed., to see how the liver tumor had changed since the chemoembolization I received 2 months ago.  I went to the hospital today to have another angiogram.  My doctor informed me that the tumor is 90% dead!  Even the part that had metastasized to the inferior vena cava appears to be dead!  The angiogram today was to determine if the blood shunting from the liver to the lungs had decreased significantly to allow me to qualify for the TheraSphere treatment study.  Even if it doesn't, I now have surgery as another option!  All the pain and side effects I suffered for 10 days following the chemoembolization were definitely worth this positive result!   :-)   I should get the results of the angiogram tomorrow.
 
Thanks to everyone for their prayers and healing thoughts!
 
Big hugs,
Connie

Connie, Praise the Lord!!!! I am so glad to hear this!! Prayer's do work!! You just made my day and night!!!

Hugs,

Teresa

 
Hello Connie,
 
Thank and Praise the Lord! We serve a mighty God! I am so glad to hear the good news. yeah
Hugs with Love!
 
donajean
oh my ,such wonderful news!!!!!! i am soooooooo glad all your pain and suffering is paying off,,,,,i know this has got to give you hope and encouragement to keep fighting,,,,,,my prayers still with you :)
trish
Thanks, everyone.  I do believe this shows the positive result of prayer.  I've had so many praying for me.  I think it also gives hope to others who may have been told there is little hope for survival, if any.
 
I'm now praying for good news re: the angiogram, and that we can proceed with the TheraSphere to kill the remainder of the tumor.
 
Thanks to everyone for the months of prayers and support.  I am truly blessed.
 
Hugs,
Connie
Hi Connie,
That is such good news. and I'm praying too that TheraSphere will kill the remaining tumor.
Looking forward to more good news from you (after the angiogram)
Marg


 

Hi Connie, what wonderful news. Glad to know that things are headed in a positive direction for you!
I'll continue to have you in my prayers. Take care and good luck!


*Hugs, Thoughts, and Prayers*
   *Shel in New Mexico, USA*
 

More good news: I qualify now for TheraSphere! I will receive it next Wed. I will not be hospitalized, and have been told it's nothing compared to what I've already been through. It will take about an hour, and then an hour or two later I can go home! There will be follow-up scans, but that's it.

The next hurdle is revision surgery on my hip (3rd operation.) That will be far more difficult than the cancer-related tests and treatments, but it's necessary.

Hugs to all,
Connie

Hi Connie,

Wonderful news about qualifying for the TheraSphere. I know how important that is for you and all you endured to get to this stage.

I'm glad your cats stayed by your side as you recovered from the chemostabalization. Do I have the vocabulary correct? I miss my little kitty more than words can express. There is an emptyness in my home and heart since having to put her to sleep two weeks ago. Our two Jack Russels are sweet but they don't purr. And my lovebird Cupid tries to fill in for my loss.

Hugs,

Barb


                     LIVE IN THE MOMENT!
 
                          Hugs and Prayers
                                     Barb
 
 
 
 

Hi Connie,

You just keep on giving us the good news!!! You are "Truly Blessed"! The Power of Prayer is something else!! I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers! I know the road ahead is still tough, but you can do it!

Love and Hugs,

Teresa

Thanks Barb and Teresa. Barb, my heart hurts for your loss. I know it is something I will probably face one day, and it will be the hardest thing I've ever had to do. How old was your kitty? Was she very ill? I think we can only try to put our feelings aside and do what is best for our furry babies.

BTW, it is chemoembolization. ;)

Hugs,
Connie

Connie,

Great to log on and see some fantastic news.  Great for you sending some good California vibes your way.

Patty

p.s. - Barb sorry about your kitty sad

I must have continued this on another thread, but for continuities' sake I will update here.
 
I had the TheraSphere last Wed. and it went well.  They kept me for about 3 hours afterwards.  Sides have been minimal:  Mostly night sweats, increased fatigue, and lack of appetite.  I'm eating, but nothing heavy.
 
I was told I would come in for an MRI and to see the radiologist and go over everything in about a month.  However, it takes 3 months to see the full effect of the treatment.
 
Apparently, I misunderstood.  I didn't think I would need surgery if all the tumor dies from the treatments.  However, the radiologist is recommending having the entire right lobe of my liver removed.  The cancer is not throughout my liver or in the left lobe...just in a hiuge tumor which is now at least 90% dead, plus a piece of it that metastasized to the inferior vena cava and is now dead.  I've been upset since I heard about the surgery.  That is a high-risk surgery, especially as far as hemorrhage.  I don't know how long recovery will be, but I always take longer than the norm to recover from surgery...even an extraction.  I have read that the hepatectomy is being done laparoscopically, and that would make a huge difference.  I will have a lot of questions when I return.  I'm sure a consult will be set up with the surgeon, also.  I saw him last Oct., but at that time I was considered inoperable. 
 
I really don't have much of a life, being primarily homebound and unable to walk without crutches--plus always in chronic pain from the left hip and chronically fatigued from the hep C.  I would need to get treatment for that, too.   I really need to get that surgery--hip revision--but I take up to a year to recover from such a surgery (I've had 2 hip replacements and one revision already, so I know.)
 
I don't know how much more my body can take (or my pocketbook, either, as I will need even more assistance at home.)
 
I'm just venting, and I know I should be grateful that I am alive to write this...and I am.  I just feel very overwhelmed right now.
 
Hugs,
Connie

Connie,

My thoughts and prayers are with you always.

flopsie


 
DON'T WALK IN FRONT OF ME..I MAY NOT FOLLOW

DON'T WALK BEHIND ME......I MAY NOT LEAD

JUST WALK BESIDE ME AND BE MY FRIEND



ALBERT CAMUS


Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Rejoice and be glad in it...

Hi Connie,
That is wonderful news!!!!!
My prayers are still with you.
Eileen
Connie, I know things seem to be overwhelming now, just take things one day at a time and remember our dear lord will see you through all of this.  You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.


*Hugs, Thoughts, and Prayers*
   *Shel in New Mexico, USA*
 

Thanks, everyone! You guys are the best! :)

Connie
connie,
  I can so much feel your fatigue and tiredness from pain through your words,n i wish i could do something for you. Youve had some great results lately,and i hope things will only get better for you. :hugs:
trish


trish
 
 
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body,but rather to skid in sideways,chocolate in one hand,wine in the other,body used up ,totally worn out and screaming"WOOOOHOO WHAT A RIDE!!!" 

I'm glad to hear things are going so well with tx! Truly prayers have been answered and you are under God's personal protection!