Friday is my regular appointment with my local Oncologist and for shots.
Last month I mentioned that I was having some new pain in my ribs/back – right side (cancer side that was previously radiated). At the time I wasn’t all that concerned but brought it up because that’s what we are told to do when we have “new” pain. My Doc asked if it was bad enough to order a scan and I declined. Not all my blood work was back and I was hopeful this would subside on its own.
The next day the labs showed my CA 27.29 was elevated but not alarmingly so, and I shrugged it off.
In the weeks that followed the pain increased making sleeping difficult. I contacted Palliative Care and asked for a new script for morphine. The same script I was previously on and do take from time to time. In following up with PC, it was decided that an extended release should be added to give me more of a consistent level of pain control. (I feel like I’m going back in time).
Today, my labs came back. My CA 27.29 is up again. For me, it’s the highest it’s been since it came down 3 yrs ago.
To put it all in perspective, while pain and rising markers can and sometimes do mean there is a progression of Cancer, it can also mean my body is reacting to inflammation of some kind. Markers do go up for reasons other than Cancer.
I’m trying to remain optimistic and not assume that this all equals something bad. (ok, who are we kidding, I’ve already started looking at what my options are if I have to stop Ibrance).
So, I will discuss with my Oncologist Friday, see what she thinks and go from there.
Happy Hump Day!
Praying for You, for the Best outcome, My friend on this thing We call technology. I wish the “Best” for You always. I was diagnosed with Stage 111b Inflammatory bc on 02-06-14, did 4 months of chemo, every 3 weeks, had right mastectomy on 08-12-14, then, the surgeon bumped it up to Stage 111C because He had to take out 19 lymph nodes, with 12 having cancer, did radiation for 33 days…my treatment stopped on My deceased Son’s birthday 11-20-80, Stephen was 28 when He passed from cancer, and My nephew was 37 when He passed from lung cancer( never smoked) He passed on 12-08-09, My Son Stephen passed on 02-24-09. I “Hate” only one thing in this Universe and that is cancer. I have been getting very fatigued lately, I have been on Exemestene, to block estrogen that feeds the cancer, first I was on Femara…God help us All.
Thank you so much. I appreciate you sharing your story with me. I’m so sorry about the loss of your son and nephew. I can’t even imagine. Exemestane can be rough. I was on it myself for 18 months. I wish you well and that your treatment plan keeps working for you. Xoxo
Will be hoping for a good oncologist visit on Friday. Concerned with the pain level,that never is a good thing in regards of where and what you are doing in your daily life. Smart move in being proactive with asking for the morphine. Praying for you…..
Susan, Thank you for the update. Sending you good thoughts/prayers that there is no progression. MOM
Sending POSITIVE thoughts for very best outcome…