We're still a little bit in shock. We were handed a sentence this morning (like Candon and Ed) that we weren't quite expecting (months?????) I think we have both been in denial - I know I have been.
So, now we are on the phone to the Oncologist in California, rushing to get the chemo changed from Adriamycin & Gemzar which Ben was supposed to start this Wednesday, to Dose Dense MVAC. We are hoping to get the treatment at UCSF, which is a comprehensive cancer center, vs our current medical facility, as I do not believe they do MVAC often, especially dose dense. I've just poured through Candon and Ed's post, and found H O P E. Someone posted that they know someone that had BC with mets, and did this treatment, and 1 1/2 years later is feeling well and working. I'm hoping to see more stories like this. We are NOT giving up.
With sadness, tears and fear,
Cathy
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We're done at MD Anderson, headed for Dose Dense MVAC
- By cat22
- Posted October 12, 2009 at 12:55 pm · 38 replies
- In Living with invasive bladder cancer
- Shared with the public
Explore topics in this discussion:
Anxiety Cancer Surgery Carboplatin Adriamycin Methotrexate Bladder cancer
38 replies
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- Newest first
- By nancynursez637
- Posted October 12, 2009 at 1:22 pm
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Wow Cathy what a stunning development. So sorry to hear of the challenges you both face as of this moment. Hope can often be found in new therapies and trials, but while we are looking do not forget to live in the moment, loving and taking the immediate joy. We can get too far in the future with our anxieties. Nonetheless, I recognize you have your hands full and you have our prayers adn will find a good deal of support here.
Best,
Nancy
- By Keith1
- Posted October 12, 2009 at 1:26 pm
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Cathy,
I will keep Ben and you in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you both all the best.
Keith
- By Cheyenne
- Posted October 12, 2009 at 1:46 pm
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Darn, that's pretty upsetting, I didn't expect that. But, as nancy said, don't let anxiety take you too far into the furture. Hope and love are more productive. There have been good results from dose dense MVAC so keep the faith.
- By Memi
- Posted October 12, 2009 at 2:03 pm
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That comes out of left field to me also, Cathy. Am praying for Ben and you and am thanking God that you have found hope.
Memi
- By jmch
- Posted October 12, 2009 at 2:05 pm
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Hang in there, we are all pulling for you...J
- By lsh
- Posted October 12, 2009 at 2:12 pm
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Cathy,
I am so sorry to hear your news. Message Daveyo...he has said several times that Dana Farber uses dose dense MVAC in a curative way. We will be lifting you and Ben in prayer. Please let me know if there is anything else that I can do.
Lynda
- By balihigh
- Posted October 12, 2009 at 2:50 pm
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Cathy,
My prayers are with you. Keep the faith. There are miracles and success stories.
Hugs,
Nancy
- By Karego
- Posted October 12, 2009 at 3:19 pm
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Cathy, I join everyone else in saying we are heartsick with you. I'm sure, though, that the options presented to you have been well thought out for Ben's diagnosis.
We will be supporting you in every effort you make to find the treatment that will work for you.
And, we all need to learn from your experience that we all must make doubly sure we find the most experienced and knowledgeable bladder cancer medial centers and doctors to help us in our own cancer journey.
Karego
- By mendo_man
- Posted October 12, 2009 at 3:23 pm
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Cathy,
lt is with a heavy heart l read your post. Cheyenne is right. Hope and Love. Am HOPING for the best and send much LOVE to you and Ben.
Blaine
- By roadrunner
- Posted October 12, 2009 at 3:24 pm
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Cathy,
Boy,I am so sorry ,the new is not what I was expecting,,,I will put my prayers towards the hope treatment will work for him,,,and some good news may be next....ginger
- By cat22
- Posted October 12, 2009 at 3:29 pm
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Karego, You are so right. If we had gone to MDA in the beginning, I'm sure they would have recommended the Dose Dense right off the bat. Ben's Oncologist was being conservative because of his right kidney. As it turns out, the carboplatin, which we were told is almost as good as cisplatin, MDA had a different opinion as to the effectivity. No more hindsight. Moving ahead.
Anyone just joining this site, PLEASE seek expert advise early on. You won't regret it. I'm glad we came to Texas, as we're convinced, after talking to Dr. Siefker, that MVAC is our best H O P E.
Cathy
- By Ciboney1
- Posted October 12, 2009 at 3:32 pm
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My prayers are to guide you thru the challenges ahead. Sending strong positive thoughts your way too...
Arlene
- By joybob
- Posted October 12, 2009 at 5:00 pm
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cathy, I am in shock, you jsut got there to md anderson. They could have told you that on the phone and let you go someplace else and not waste time. Hope is the key here. As long as Ben is here there is hope, don't give up your bcan family is here for y ou, prayers to you both, blessings, Joycee
- By cat22
- Posted October 12, 2009 at 5:23 pm
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Joycee. Thanks for your prayers and concern. I think the reason we came to MDA is that we felt Dr Siefker would recommend a different route than Ben's Oncologist, and she did. Maybe she needed to see him, talk to us.... What she did say was "if it were my husband, I'd go with MVAC".
Yes, it will be MUCH harder on Ben, but it is the option with the most HOPE, and he is still willing to fight. He didn't have to think about it very long at all. We both made an immediate decision within minutes of her recommendation. We're sorry we didn't a better option, but grateful that she encouraged us to go this way, as it probably is Ben's best chance. We've had a busy day today, first the appointment, then moving from one hotel, to another near Bush airport, then flying most of the day tomorrow. I'm sure I'm going to a hit the wall hard sometime after we get home. I HATE this damn beast.
Cathy
- By joybob
- Posted October 12, 2009 at 5:30 pm
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Cathy this breaks my heart, I wish I could hug you and make all your cares disappear. You have everything to gain from this move and this treatment. Gods Speed..............Joycee
- By Tagmike
- Posted October 12, 2009 at 5:52 pm
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Cathy, Ben and You have made the right decision. By all means do whatever it takes to fight this. We are are on your side. Love and prayers to you both.
Mike
- By cat22
- Posted October 12, 2009 at 5:53 pm
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Blaine, thanks for your love and support. Give your "Mendo-lady" a big hug for me!
Cathy
- By cat22
- Posted October 12, 2009 at 5:55 pm
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Arlene, Joycee, Mike. Thanks for the support. We're going to give it our all.....
Cathy
- By Bob_M
- Posted October 12, 2009 at 6:11 pm
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Cathy & Ben,
Keep fighting and keep faith.
Bob
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