Hi all – Haven't been on in a while but just wanted to share this news about my sister Leisa. She's had a heck of a year but, at this point in time, is again kicking ass against the monster.
A recent thoracic CT shows major shrinkage to all tumours. The doc doesn't make any reference to specific tumours mostly because there were only two areas where mel had not invaded (heart and colon) – it literally spread everywhere else.
She's also just had her first MRI of the spine (since beginning treatment) and that one was also rated "good." We are a bit ticked off that they are now referring to two fractured vertebrae (T12 and T5) – we always suspected that there was more than one fracture but docs never admitted it, however, the report states that these were both as "previously noted."
There's a brain scan scheduled for Dec. 1 – her main onc wanted to move it up but the radiation oncologist disagreed. We would've liked it moved up too because my sister is hoping to get her driver's licence back. She had WBR in May for brain mets "too numerous" to count. A followup scan this summer showed major shrinkage with nothing new. If the next shows the same, she'll be able to drive again – we only need two good back-to-back scans. She's never had a seizure and was never put on anti-seizure meds.
Interesting to note – the vetebrae that fractured have pretty much disintegrated and she has lost nearly two inches in height.
Regardless, she is feeling great, has begun an exercise program to build her muscles back (pretty badly atrophied at this point) and is even hoping she may be able to work a couple of days a week again this winter.
So, we're a long way from NED however, she's still here – responding extremely well – and so far, defying the odds!! It's all "one day at a time," right?!
My heartfelt best wishes go out to all!!!!
Barb
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