On Jan 2, 2009 I posted that I might have been in trouble, but the ride was far from over. I have just completed to the day 5 years of Avastin and other coctails which I have had over a period of this time frame. For those of you that responded I thank you from the bottom of my heart, but those that know me know that I have the most positive attitude any one can have. Some one has to be the one that takes us to a cure, and I will continue to do whatever it takes to reach that goal for all of us. Unless there is someone out there that has been on treatment for more than 6 years then please let us know. All I know is that I am and will continue to be the longest living survivor in the WORLD that was on the original Avastin trial and continue to take this drug to this date. I feel very guilty sometimes when I mention this tilte but facts are facts and I'm going to do something about it. Hope, Hope, Hope. As I said I would keep you posted and yesterday I saw my oncolgist and WE decided to take this to the next level. So on Monday I will start a new protocol and I'm sure a lot of you are getting this treatment. Im going to stay with Avastin (I wouldn't take anything without Avastin, not after this 6 year love affair) and Alimta. There are other options available but we all feel very comfortable with this combo, and with my history with Avastin hopefully this will be the next level. It wont matter because Im going to beat this monster again even if they gave me manure with Avastin. 3 times and the beast is out. Keep you posted.
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Longest Living Survivor on Avastin goes to the next level.
- By SKIP1
- Posted January 6, 2009 at 3:11 pm · 31 replies
- In Survivor stories
- Shared with the public
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Taxotere Cancer Taxol Acne Surgery Weakness Tarceva Avastin Lung cancer
31 replies
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- By cynthialcsw
- Posted January 6, 2009 at 3:59 pm
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Wow! I love your style.
I am Stage IV lung cancer NSLC and I am nearly 4 years from the original lobectomy and now I have over 15 tumors/tho very tiny in both lungs. They put me on Avastin in June mixed with the standard chemo and then put me on Avastin alone for the last six infusion. The tumors have stayed stable since Avastin so I am thrilled that I am not dead. If the tumors start to grow then the doc will add Traceva. Keep up to gritted teeth and big grin...I find it refreshing...cynthia
- By chessie-too
- Posted January 6, 2009 at 3:59 pm
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Way to go! I knew you weren't about to quit or give in, not after all you've put in it this far. You're gonna be just fine and beat it again.
Good luck and God Bless
- By MarionW
- Posted January 6, 2009 at 5:15 pm
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You are just incredible! Major prayers and hugs go out. Thank-you!!
- By Marylou1
- Posted January 6, 2009 at 7:48 pm
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You go get 'em Skip!! And beat the P*ss outta that beast :)
**Hugs**
Marylou
- By J-me
- Posted January 6, 2009 at 8:23 pm
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Skip!!!! Yes its me..you're interview partner!!!
YOU ARE AWESOME!! and you certainly have bragging rights!!!!!
God Bless!
J-me
- By iahawk97
- Posted January 6, 2009 at 9:00 pm
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Good luck, god bless and you will always be in my thoughts! Keep it up!
Jessica
- By lisalulu
- Posted January 7, 2009 at 12:19 am
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What wonderful new! please keep up the good work of life.. and be NED- I am praying for you and everyone with this..
stay blessed..
lisa
- By SKIP1
- Posted January 7, 2009 at 8:57 am
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Hey J-me
It's really wonderful that it is you!! Bobbi and I were just talking about you and how last summer we were asked by Avastin (Genetech) to come out to Las Vegas so we could speak before 600-750 of Avastin employees. Thats when I learned that I was the longest living survivor in the world. There were two other survivors but we never heard from either one of them and it's sad because we have no idea how they are doing. I was the only lung cancer patient at this convention, and it was really neat. Less than a month ago I was asked again by Avastin to do two local TV interviews which are being aired this coming week. Anyway I hope we can keep in touch. How are you doing?
Barry (skip)
- By summeron2001
- Posted January 7, 2009 at 11:43 am
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Your attitude and positive thinking is going to take you a long way friend. Good luck with your next chemo.
- By 28forest
- Posted January 7, 2009 at 3:09 pm
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Hi there - I am all for you surviving!
... and
any thing you could share about the rationale for adding Alimta? I am SO interested in how these decisions get made.
cheers and
YEAH!! HUURAH!!! keep on!!!!
lots of love,
Ruth
- By SKIP1
- Posted January 7, 2009 at 6:06 pm
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Hi Ruth,
It was a decision that was made by me and the advice that I took from my oncologist after going over all the options available to me. I wanted to stay on Avastin with another chemo that I had not been involved with over the last 5+ years. Heard a lot of positive things about Alimta so we decided that we will give this a shot. Again I really don't like saying this, but being the longest living survivor on Avastin It's going to be my choice on how I try to go to the next level. Perhaps it will be another 5+ years and after the 1st 5 why not? Then perhaps a cure-Maybe this is the road to a cure. One thing is for certain if im the longest living survivor in the world than who better to take us to the next level.
- By Stellyq
- Posted January 7, 2009 at 7:22 pm
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Hey Skip, two year Avastin survivor here, and as always grateful to you for all that you have done for the cause. I honestly believe without Avastin I would not be here. Going for my three month scan tomorrow.
You go kick Butt!!! We all are praying here!!!
Love
Stella
- By SKIP1
- Posted January 7, 2009 at 7:40 pm
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Hi Stella,
Nice to hear from you again. Thanks for your kind words and support. As I said Avastin and I are having this love affair and it's just time for a new chaperon. I will kick butt but only if we can all learn from it. You keep up the good reports, and G-D bless you on your scan. Just do me a favor walk in wherever your having your scan on your right foot first. It's been my good luck charm for 5+ years and I want to pass it on to you
Love Skip
- By peyz33
- Posted January 7, 2009 at 7:44 pm
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You have my "awe" and support - you give me hope - and trust me - I just had a pity-party so I want and need some - I read your post and now feel like a total loser - but that's how one grows up - I need to grow up some .........
karen
- By peyz33
- Posted January 7, 2009 at 7:45 pm
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Lisa - I got your message - today sucked - how did the scan go???? I'm praying for you !
I love you!
k
- By Richard60
- Posted January 7, 2009 at 8:14 pm
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I was also told that I had 3 months and that it was unlikely that chemo would work. That Oncologist was asked to retire after my wife complained. Apparently he had been slacking on the job for a while and had numerous patient complaints. That was in Hawaii. When we got back to California I was assigned the best doctor in the world as far as I am concerned. I have had various treatments but no surgery. I am on my 15th cycle of Alimta now and have also had Avastin. My CEA is hovering around 2.0-2.3, and the tumors are still shrinking.
I hope you have more good results. We both probably have the same positive outlook, which I beleive is at least 50% of the battle.
Life is good,
Richard
richnjoy@gmail.com
- By jr1
- Posted January 8, 2009 at 9:22 pm
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Hi Barry,
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I try to be positive, but I'm afraid I am not that good at it. My doctor doesn't offer me any good bedside manners, however, as a physician I have faith in his treatment of my Stage IV NSCLC. Because I was told that I basically had no life span, it is hard not to think about it. I am a 15 month survior and I didn't think I would make it this far. You give me so much hope. I can't thank you enough for lifting me up. I feel Avastin has been a big part in my stability right now.
Janet
- By jr1
- Posted January 8, 2009 at 9:22 pm
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Hi Barry,
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I try to be positive, but I'm afraid I am not that good at it. My doctor doesn't offer me any good bedside manners, however, as a physician I have faith in his treatment of my Stage IV NSCLC. Because I was told that I basically had no life span, it is hard not to think about it. I am a 15 month survior and I didn't think I would make it this far. You give me so much hope. I can't thank you enough for lifting me up. I feel Avastin has been a big part in my stability right now.
Janet
- By lung
- Posted March 14, 2009 at 12:07 pm
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hi im lung is there any body out there that has leiomysarcoma on the lungs the persons that had it for the lungest ,thank you
- By bloom
- Posted March 15, 2009 at 7:55 pm
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How is it going with the Alimta & Avastin? I start this regimen on Thursday and I am a bit nervous about the side effects having already been through 6 rounds of carbo, taxol & avastin. So, I am looking for some good news about the aforementioned regimen. Here's hoping its going well for ya!
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