I saw my oncologist yesterday and we reviewed the results of the PET scan. Essentially it reinforced his assessment that the cancer has recurred at the anastamosis and that there’s cancer in two par-aortal lymph nodes. There are no signs of metastasis to other organs. Jeanne, you’d asked me if I thought the test was worthwhile. I guess I have mixed emotions. It was an expensive (for me) test: $2500.00, and it didn’t offer any information that the radiologists had not interpreted from the CT scan. Note that I write "interpreted". It wasn’t cut and dried, based on the CT scan, that the cancer had come back. The oncologist had said that he’d based his original assessment on both the CT scan and blood work (rising tumour markers). He’d said that he felt 80% sure saying there was recurrence based on the CT scan alone. There’d been no clear proof (ie, biopsy) that the cancer had locally recurred, and the oncologist had said there was the possibility that the thickening tissue the CT scan revealed at the tumour bed might be scarring from the original surgery and the radiation I’d received. He felt 80% sure that it was cancer.  It was one of my fears that I would have the rest of my rectum removed, only to find that the thickening tissue had, in fact, been scar tissue. While this risk was probably small, it was an important issue for me. I don’t want major surgery and a colostomy unncessarily. The CT scan also provided some emotional relief in knowing that there is no measurable metastatis beyond what the oncologist had originally thought. So, for the most part, I feel that I got the confirmation I needed to know that we will make the best informed treatment decisions we can. Had my second round of chemo today. The irinotecan is kicking my ass a bit- it’s the fatigue, mostly. It wipes me out like 5FU and Leucovorin never did. I’m having very good results keeping the nausea and diarreah managed, though, and am happy about that. On a rambling, side note. I listened and watched as one of the nurses at the Vancouver clinic educated a first time chemo patient about her treatment, expected side effects, types of support provided by the clinic, etc.  Her intelligence, kindness, respect and compassion for her patient impressed me to no end. As do most of the oncologists I’ve been seeing. (my regular med. oncologist is on maternity leave, and I’ve seen 4 different oncologists since February, which isn’t ideal). But except for one or two issues which had me irritated (I do not want to be greeted by an oncologist with the phrase, "what’s up?"), my questions and desire to be as assertive and educated patient as I can be have been met with respect and a willingness to listen to me and hear about my concerns, hopes and fears. Steph and co.- I think you rock . Michele

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Steph and co.- I think you rock . Michele

The street runs both ways Michele. I think many patients rock!

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Last week I had a flex. sig. and the surgeon took three tissue samples to biopsy. I had the sig. because my most recent CT scan shows thickening at the anastamosis, as well as enlargement of lymph nodes. The surgeon didn’t find any signs of recurrence during the sig. and the biopsy came back negative. Both the surgeon and the onc., however, are concerned because they think the cancer is there, but that the wrong tissue was biopsied. Surgeon said it wasn’t possible, during the sig., to positively identify the area concerning them. The surgeon is suggesting a (I think I have this right) a guided imaging needle biopsy, the idea being to pinpoint and biopsy precisely the tissue that’s raising the red flags. I’m also getting another CT scan in two weeks, to see if there’s been any change since the scan in Feb. Am also having another CEA test. (also, we’re doing a bone scan, to see if the continuing back pain I’m experiencing is metastasis to the bone). So I asked the surgeon what he suggests we do if the results continue to be "ambiguous" and don’t tell us with certainty that there is cancer at the anastamosis or not. He suggests that we be aggressive and remove my rectum. He’s worried that the cancer (if it’s there, though we can’t "see" it right now) will grow through the bowel wall, possibly making the recurrence inoperable. That’s a big decision to make. I’d hate to wake up from major surgery, facing a colostomy, only to hear, "whoops. We didn’t find any cancer, after all." At the same time, I don’t want to air on the side of caution, with bad results. One of the things I need to talk to my onc. about is how closely I could be monitored if I decided to put off surgery until there was clear evidence the cancer was back. Anyway, no need to make a decision until we get another CT scan and this other biopsy. Hopefully those tests will give some clarity to the situation. Steph, would a PET scan be of any help in determining if the cancer is back? Is there anything else you’d suggest we do? TIA, Michele

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Last week I had a flex. sig. and the surgeon took three tissue samples to biopsy. I had the sig. because my most recent CT scan shows thickening at the anastamosis, as well as enlargement of lymph nodes. The surgeon didn’t find any signs of recurrence during the sig. and the biopsy came back negative. Both the surgeon and the onc., however, are concerned because they think the cancer is there, but that the wrong tissue was biopsied. Surgeon said it wasn’t possible, during the sig., to positively identify the area concerning them. The surgeon is suggesting a (I think I have this right) a guided imaging needle biopsy, the idea being to pinpoint and biopsy precisely the tissue that’s raising the red flags. I’m also getting another CT scan in two weeks, to see if there’s been any change since the scan in Feb. Am also having another CEA test. (also, we’re doing a bone scan, to see if the continuing back pain I’m experiencing is metastasis to the bone). So I asked the surgeon what he suggests we do if the results continue to be "ambiguous" and don’t tell us with certainty that there is cancer at the anastamosis or not. He suggests that we be aggressive and remove my rectum. He’s worried that the cancer (if it’s there, though we can’t "see" it right now) will grow through the bowel wall, possibly making the recurrence inoperable. That’s a big decision to make. I’d hate to wake up from major surgery, facing a colostomy, only to hear, "whoops. We didn’t find any cancer, after all." At the same time, I don’t want to air on the side of caution, with bad results. One of the things I need to talk to my onc. about is how closely I could be monitored if I decided to put off surgery until there was clear evidence the cancer was back. Anyway, no need to make a decision until we get another CT scan and this other biopsy. Hopefully those tests will give some clarity to the situation. Steph, would a PET scan be of any help in determining if the cancer is back? Is there anything else you’d suggest we do? TIA, Michele

A PET may well be useful, but it isn’t foolproof. The CT guided biopsy is the right next step. Problem with biopsies is that a positive biopsy generally proves that there is a recurrence, but a negative biopsy does not prove that there is not a recurrence. The surgeon may be able to tell more at surgery, and the pathologists may be able to help with a frozen section, before he proceeds with an abdominoperineal resection, but the surgeon has to do what he thinks best at the time of surgery, otherwise his hands are tied

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<snip A PET may well be useful, but it isn’t foolproof.

<nodding I understand that. If the guided biopsy results are ambiguous, though, I’m going to ask the onc. if we can do a PET scan. I’d just like some assurance (if at all possible) of presence of cancer before choosing surgery. The CT guided biopsy is the right next step. Problem with biopsies is that a positive biopsy generally proves that there is a recurrence, but a negative biopsy does not prove that there is not a recurrence.

Yes, it’s a weird situation for me right now. Essentially we’re trying to prove I have cancer, since we can’t prove I don’t. The surgeon may be able to tell more at surgery, and the pathologists may be able to help with a frozen section, before he proceeds with an abdominoperineal resection, but the surgeon has to do what he thinks best at the time of surgery, otherwise his hands are tied

I trust my surgeon, and appreciate the fact that he wants to be aggressive. I also appreciate that he’s not pushing an immediate choice down my throat. So, we’ll wait and see what the next set of tests show. Michele, admiring the snow on her flowers this morning

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Last week I had a flex. sig. and the surgeon took three tissue samples to biopsy. I had the sig. because my most recent CT scan shows thickening at the anastamosis, as well as enlargement of lymph nodes. The surgeon didn’t find any signs of recurrence during the sig. and the biopsy came back negative. Both the surgeon and the onc., however, are concerned because they think the cancer is there, but that the wrong tissue was biopsied. Surgeon said it wasn’t possible, during the sig., to positively identify the area concerning them. [snip] So I asked the surgeon what he suggests we do if the results continue to be "ambiguous" and don’t tell us with certainty that there is cancer at the anastamosis or not. He suggests that we be aggressive and remove my rectum. He’s worried that the cancer (if it’s there, though we can’t "see" it right now) will grow through the bowel wall, possibly making the recurrence inoperable. That’s a big decision to make. I’d hate to wake up from major surgery, facing a colostomy, only to hear, "whoops. We didn’t find any cancer, after all." At the same time, I don’t want to air on the side of caution, with bad results. One of the things I need to talk to my onc. about is how closely I could be monitored if I decided to put off surgery until there was clear evidence the cancer was back. Anyway, no need to make a decision until we get another CT scan and this other biopsy. Hopefully those tests will give some clarity to the situation.

Colostomy is a big thing to face up to; on the basis of my very limited experience (of other people), women seem to take it harder than do men. It may be related to the more delicate sensibilities of women – it certainly isn’t to do with lack of courage. (I’m not brave, but I know a number of men who are even bigger chickens than I am. I can only think of one or two women of my acquaintance who are less brave than me. I scream when the medics do a needle biopsy on me. Most women don’t make nearly as much fuss). Back in my flying days, a (male) colleague had to have a colostomy. He certainly made the best of it. If you were rude to him, he’d bide his time, then empty his colostomy bag into your pocket. And he’d brag about his lack of rectum: "Other people reckon they’ve done some flying, but how many of them can *really* claim to have flown their a**e off?" In contrast, a female friend could not come to terms with her colostomy and eventually, at great hazard, had her rectum re-built. In spite of the constant risk of complications, and a lot more discomfort, she was a lot happier with the rebuild. In your case, you’ll cope if it happens. A lot of us are still gritting our teeth on your behalf and hoping it *won’t* happen … — Replace "nospam" by/with "mould" in e-mail address. "Red sky at night means it went off alright." – Old nuclear weapons testers’ aphorism. John Osborne, fighting a rearguard action against the triumph of image over function from the beleaguered Castle Despair (home to Henry the hairy German shepherd)

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<snip Colostomy is a big thing to face up to; on the basis of my very limited experience (of other people), women seem to take it harder than do men.

It’s not the colostomy so much as the idea of major abdominal surgery once again, the recovery time, time off work, etc. Though the thought of a colostomy does not fill me with joy, I think I can get used to it. <snip In your case, you’ll cope if it happens. A lot of us are still gritting our teeth on your behalf and hoping it *won’t* happen …

Thanks, John. It helps to hear this . Michele

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<< I was just wondering… Has anybody done this to check for cancer that may have metasisized?   One of our good friends who has thyroid cancer had one ordered by his oncologist.  The results were good.  I had thought about getting one but was thinking about getting a combination PET/CT scan (I think it is called a GE scan).  I read something about it being done at Harvard.  I have some info about it on my other computer which I don’t have access to now; otherwise I’d share…

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<< The problem with scans like that is that they can find things that they really didn’t want to know about. I’ve been told that about MRI’s, too. That’s what my HMO internist told me, too.  However, I figure that was some sort of propaganda to displace the truth that it would be too costly to do too many wanted to get it done.  I have also read that they are  "state-of-the-art" for detection.

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I just saw a segment on 20/20 about the new total body scan procedure. I was just wondering… Has anybody done this to check for cancer that may have metasisized?

The total body scan is just a slightly faster CT scan.  Don’t worry.  If your doctor thinks you have metastasis, you will get a CT scan, believe me. — Aloha, Catharine Character is what you do when no one’s watching.

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Catherine…. What the "other Catharine" told you….is very true..well at least it was here dear. My bloodwork came back elevated in April of 2000. Four months after I had completed chemo treatments. [6 months of cmf] The Alk Phos levels were up…I had a bone scan which came back fine. And then he scheduled a abdominal ct scan for a couple weeks later. That came back clean also. I was very worried till we got the results. He was very kind, and assured me he didn’t believe there was anything as far as more cancer going on…but would rather be safe then sorry later on… When both tests were in ..he sat down with both my hubby and myself and explained that I’m just one of those rare birds that takes awhile longer. I’m on daily neds for a pre-existing condition, and was on other OTC meds at that time that was effecting it also. As far as this particular area of the bloodwork…there are alot of things that can effect it. I feel much better now having more information about this. Never be afraid to ask, ask, and ask again till you get the answers that you need, or want from your doctor[s] no matter what’s bothering you…. Take care there dear God bless you annie "Lord, Keep Your Arm Around My Shoulder…And Your Hand Over My Mouth"   "Courage is being afraid to do something, and then doing it anyway"

Excellent news….my boss was diagnosed with a recurrence and bone mets in the summer and seems determined to turn up her toes without a fight. I keep telling her it is not so …now I have more ammunition. Happy, happy, happy news! Hugs Rachel

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Woweee!!!!! Congratulations! I hope you are doing something very fun to celebrate. Chris Well, I had some of my week o’ tests today, and one of them was my bone scan.  The very helpful tech put last year’s bone scan up on the screen and put today’s next to it.  Then she said, "Well, neither one of us are doctors, but…" and walked off.  I gotta say, today’s bone scan looked fabulous.  The only dark spot on my skeleton was my Port-A-Cath.  When you look at a picture of a bone scan, your skeleton shows up as a light gray outline and possible sites of cancer or arthritis show up as dark splotches.  I couldn’t really see any dark splotches!  Of course, I am not a doctor. But I wonder… if all my bony metastasis sites have shut down, am I no longer stage IV?  Might I be *really* over this?  (Ha.) I also had an MR of my spine and hip done, and I have an abdominal CT and colonoscopy (yippee) coming up next week, so I should have a better idea of where I stand in a couple of weeks. But that bone scan did look lovely.

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Interesting info, Catherine. Not to distract you from all of that celebrating, but how much AC did you end up getting?

I don’t know the exact amount in mgs, but I had eight treatments of the "normal" treatments, and eleven of the 24-hour infusions.  If you need to know, I could probably find out. By "normal" treatments, I mean the one where the A is given in a big needle, and the C is about a four-hour drip. Sorry.  I can’t spell right now.  I have noticed that if I write things before dark, I can spell and write normally,  but when night falls I suddenly become stupid.  I wonder what is going on? — Aloha, Catharine Character is what you do when no one’s watching.

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Woweee!!!!! Congratulations! I hope you are doing something very fun to celebrate. Chris – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, I had some of my week o’ tests today, and one of them was my bone scan.  The very helpful tech put last year’s bone scan up on the screen and put today’s next to it.  Then she said, "Well, neither one of us are doctors, but…" and walked off.  I gotta say, today’s bone scan looked fabulous.  The only dark spot on my skeleton was my Port-A-Cath.  When you look at a picture of a bone scan, your skeleton shows up as a light gray outline and possible sites of cancer or arthritis show up as dark splotches.  I couldn’t really see any dark splotches!  Of course, I am not a doctor. But I wonder… if all my bony metastasis sites have shut down, am I no longer stage IV?  Might I be *really* over this?  (Ha.) I also had an MR of my spine and hip done, and I have an abdominal CT and colonoscopy (yippee) coming up next week, so I should have a better idea of where I stand in a couple of weeks. But that bone scan did look lovely.

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No rush, but I would be interested in amounts if you can find out easily sometime. I can imagine myself trying to talk my doctor into this at some point in the future since the normal AC actually worked for me. Now, back to celebrating! Chris – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Interesting info, Catherine. Not to distract you from all of that celebrating, but how much AC did you end up getting? I don’t know the exact amount in mgs, but I had eight treatments of the "normal" treatments, and eleven of the 24-hour infusions.  If you need to know, I could probably find out. By "normal" treatments, I mean the one where the A is given in a big needle, and the C is about a four-hour drip. Sorry.  I can’t spell right now.  I have noticed that if I write things before dark, I can spell and write normally,  but when night falls I suddenly become stupid.  I wonder what is going on?

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But I wonder… if all my bony metastasis sites have shut down, am I no longer stage IV?  Might I be *really* over this?  (Ha.)

Oh, Catharine, I’m praying that’s true.  Keep us posted! Take care. …lisa

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WOW!  Here’s hoping all tests look great.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, I had some of my week o’ tests today, and one of them was my bone scan.  The very helpful tech put last year’s bone scan up on the screen and put today’s next to it.  Then she said, "Well, neither one of us are doctors, but…" and walked off.  I gotta say, today’s bone scan looked fabulous.  The only dark spot on my skeleton was my Port-A-Cath.  When you look at a picture of a bone scan, your skeleton shows up as a light gray outline and possible sites of cancer or arthritis show up as dark splotches.  I couldn’t really see any dark splotches!  Of course, I am not a doctor. But I wonder… if all my bony metastasis sites have shut down, am I no longer stage IV?  Might I be *really* over this?  (Ha.) I also had an MR of my spine and hip done, and I have an abdominal CT and colonoscopy (yippee) coming up next week, so I should have a better idea of where I stand in a couple of weeks. But that bone scan did look lovely. — Aloha, Catharine Character is what you do when no one’s watching.

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Yay yay yay!  Brilliant. Tim

Well, I had some of my week o’ tests today, and one of them was my bone scan.

snip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I couldn’t really see any dark splotches! But I wonder… if all my bony metastasis sites have shut down, am I no longer stage IV?  Might I be *really* over this?  (Ha.)

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Catharine, again, wishing you the best.  Was this the first time that you had had AC or did  you have it at any time before?

No.  I had it administered normally, for several months.  July through December, 1999. The 24-hour dose has MUCH fewer side-effects, by the way.  If you need to do it, ask your doc if you can do it this way. — Aloha, Catharine Character is what you do when no one’s watching.

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Thanks, for the info–I didn’t realize that one could have AC again.  I had thought that there was a limited amt. that one could have because of the risk of cardiotoxicity.

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Thanks, for the info–I didn’t realize that one could have AC again.  I had thought that there was a limited amt. that one could have because of the risk of cardiotoxicity.

There is.  My doc did a MUGA test before each of the last four 24-hour treatments.  However, I apparently have a very strong heart, because I’ve gone over the limit that I should have had, and I still have no heart problems.  My oncologist is happy, because the AC keeps working for me, and he thinks he will be able to use it again if I need it.  He tells me I’m strong as a bull, and puts on a fake Russian accent to do that.  I say, yeah, I’ve heard other people refer to a bull when they talk to me, but they’re not always talking about how strong I am. — Aloha, Catharine Character is what you do when no one’s watching.

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Interesting info, Catherine. Not to distract you from all of that celebrating, but how much AC did you end up getting? Chris – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks, for the info–I didn’t realize that one could have AC again.  I had thought that there was a limited amt. that one could have because of the risk of cardiotoxicity. There is.  My doc did a MUGA test before each of the last four 24-hour treatments.  However, I apparently have a very strong heart, because I’ve gone over the limit that I should have had, and I still have no heart problems.  My oncologist is happy, because the AC keeps working for me, and he thinks he will be able to use it again if I need it.  He tells me I’m strong as a bull, and puts on a fake Russian accent to do that.  I say, yeah, I’ve heard other people refer to a bull when they talk to me, but they’re not always talking about how strong I am.

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That is wonderful news! catherine

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, I had some of my week o’ tests today, and one of them was my bone scan.  The very helpful tech put last year’s bone scan up on the screen and put today’s next to it.  Then she said, "Well, neither one of us are doctors, but…" and walked off.  I gotta say, today’s bone scan looked fabulous.  The only dark spot on my skeleton was my Port-A-Cath.  When you look at a picture of a bone scan, your skeleton shows up as a light gray outline and possible sites of cancer or arthritis show up as dark splotches.  I couldn’t really see any dark splotches!  Of course, I am not a doctor. But I wonder… if all my bony metastasis sites have shut down, am I no longer stage IV?  Might I be *really* over this?  (Ha.) I also had an MR of my spine and hip done, and I have an abdominal CT and colonoscopy (yippee) coming up next week, so I should have a better idea of where I stand in a couple of weeks. But that bone scan did look lovely. — Aloha, Catharine Character is what you do when no one’s watching.

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Hi Catharine, What wonderful news!  Wishing you luck with the next tests.  I know you’ll let us know how they go.  You’ve put a little sunshine in my day.  Do something to celebrate!! Barb

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, I had some of my week o’ tests today, and one of them was my bone scan.  The very helpful tech put last year’s bone scan up on the screen and put today’s next to it.  Then she said, "Well, neither one of us are doctors, but…" and walked off.  I gotta say, today’s bone scan looked fabulous.  The only dark spot on my skeleton was my Port-A-Cath.  When you look at a picture of a bone scan, your skeleton shows up as a light gray outline and possible sites of cancer or arthritis show up as dark splotches.  I couldn’t really see any dark splotches!  Of course, I am not a doctor. But I wonder… if all my bony metastasis sites have shut down, am I no longer stage IV?  Might I be *really* over this?  (Ha.) I also had an MR of my spine and hip done, and I have an abdominal CT and colonoscopy (yippee) coming up next week, so I should have a better idea of where I stand in a couple of weeks. But that bone scan did look lovely. — Aloha, Catharine Character is what you do when no one’s watching.

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Hmmmmm…..you’ve got me wanting a port. This year I’m having all my doctors pool the bloodwork they want done (oncologist wants liver enzymes, etc, GP wants cholesterol, etc) into ONE blood draw, because I am fed up with that 20 minute vein search that leaves my arm aching for 5 days afterward and want to minimize how many times it has to be done. It’s strange, because I used to have excellent veins……in fact, about 8 years ago I hit a rough patch and sold plasma 3 times a week. Needles the size of pencils, I tell you. And it was no problem! But since the cancer, my veins are all shy, and they’ll blow at the sight of a tiny butterfly needle.–Alice

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<<  After an unimproved bone scan last January, I was put on 24-hour infusions of Cytoxan and Adriamycin, every three weeks.  We stopped them in September.   Catharine, again, wishing you the best.  Was this the first time that you had had AC or did  you have it at any time before?

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The news sounds wonderful!!!

Well, cautiously wonderful.  I’m not a radiologist, after all.  Maybe the fact that I could see my bones as light gray shadows is bad.  But it *looked* good. Have you been on chemo?  What do you think made the mets go away?

I did. Once we discovered I had bone mets, I had Taxotere every other week.  It made me miserable, and it didn’t do anything.  After an unimproved bone scan last January, I was put on 24-hour infusions of Cytoxan and Adriamycin, every three weeks.  We stopped them in September.  I also got (and still get) Aredia (Pamidronate) every month. I can’t remember what the second generation of Aredia is called, but I was switched to that this past December.  It’s great.  Instead of two hours, it takes fifteen minutes to drip.  It begins with a Z, I think. I don’t know if you were around when we were having the discussion of Did My Mom Heal Me or not, but there may have been some psychosomatic healing going on there, too. Or I could have just misread the scan and I’m going to collapse into a little pile of goo sometime next week. I’m scheduled for a bone scan on Feb. 21.  I’m taking a new medicine and I hope it works.

Me, too.  Though repeat this mantra:  I can live for years with bone mets. Bone mets are the best mets to have, if I have to have them. — Aloha, Catharine Character is what you do when no one’s watching.

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You’ve had a port-a-cath for a very long time now. How have you been doing with it?

I love it.  I never want to have it removed.  In fact, yesterday I sloped past the ATU before I went to have the isotope injection and had it accessed.  Instead of the usual twenty-five minutes of torture as they tried to find a good vein, BLOOP!  The isotope went into the port, I went over to the MRI office and BLOOP!  The contrast dye went into the port. Easy-louisy. I still say everyone in the world should have one installed at birth.  How about THAT for a grant proposal, Mr. Gates? — Aloha, Catharine Character is what you do when no one’s watching.

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Catharine, three cheers for the absense of dark splotches! And for a helpful radiologist. You’ve had a port-a-cath for a very long time now. How have you been doing with it?–Alice

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Catherine: I am so glad to hear this good news — after all that you have gone through you deserve to get good news! I wish the best in this new year to you and all in this group! Regards, R. Chandrasekaran

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<< But that bone scan did look lovely.   Wishing you the very best!

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The news sounds wonderful!!!   Have you been on chemo?  What do you think made the mets go away?  I have severe bone mets. I’m scheduled for a bone scan on Feb. 21.  I’m taking a new medicine and I hope it works. Enjoy the good news and best wishes Linda

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So very happy for you Catherine!!!! Love and Hugs Cathi

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if all my bony metastasis sites have shut down, am I no longer stage IV?

I had chemo first to shrink my tumor which it did.  I asked my oncologist if I was still stage IIIB since my tumor size was no longer in that category.  He said that once you are given a stage diagnosis you cannot go "backwards" (DARN).  In any event, congratulations, I think that you are probably in the less than 1% category that has experienced this kind of results – celebrate!

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That is the best news I’ve heard all year!!! Alex Keep up the good work

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, I had some of my week o’ tests today, and one of them was my bone scan.  The very helpful tech put last year’s bone scan up on the screen and put today’s next to it.  Then she said, "Well, neither one of us are doctors, but…" and walked off.  I gotta say, today’s bone scan looked fabulous.  The only dark spot on my skeleton was my Port-A-Cath.  When you look at a picture of a bone scan, your skeleton shows up as a light gray outline and possible sites of cancer or arthritis show up as dark splotches.  I couldn’t really see any dark splotches!  Of course, I am not a doctor. But I wonder… if all my bony metastasis sites have shut down, am I no longer stage IV?  Might I be *really* over this?  (Ha.) I also had an MR of my spine and hip done, and I have an abdominal CT and colonoscopy (yippee) coming up next week, so I should have a better idea of where I stand in a couple of weeks. But that bone scan did look lovely. — Aloha, Catharine Character is what you do when no one’s watching.

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Well, I had some of my week o’ tests today, and one of them was my bone scan.  The very helpful tech put last year’s bone scan up on the screen and put today’s next to it.  Then she said, "Well, neither one of us are doctors, but…" and walked off.  I gotta say, today’s bone scan looked fabulous.  The only dark spot on my skeleton was my Port-A-Cath.  When you look at a picture of a bone scan, your skeleton shows up as a light gray outline and possible sites of cancer or arthritis show up as dark splotches.  I couldn’t really see any dark splotches!  Of course, I am not a doctor. But I wonder… if all my bony metastasis sites have shut down, am I no longer stage IV?  Might I be *really* over this?  (Ha.) I also had an MR of my spine and hip done, and I have an abdominal CT and colonoscopy (yippee) coming up next week, so I should have a better idea of where I stand in a couple of weeks. But that bone scan did look lovely. — Aloha, Catharine Character is what you do when no one’s watching.

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Dear God, thank you all for your love and support!! My regular tech was not on but Richard was my angel for the day. The shin shows some stress fractures, but his prime concern and the radiologist he called him was the "hot spots" showing in different spots.The doc was a very kind and honest man. He is going to consult with my pcp and order more tests. His feeling is that there is bone cancer, a metastasis from somewhere else,of course. He is suggesting a biopsy be done on the lymph nodes in my neck which we all attributed to my series of infections. He mentioned a few other possibilities that are less upsetting: bone rubbing on bone for several months can do it’s own type of damage,etc. To be honest, after I heard the possibility of bone cancer,my mind went into the "get home now" mode. I told him thank you and please call me and I simply left. I have lied to my husband and told him it was inconclusive—not a total lie, but enough that he understand more testing is needed. I am going to rest for a few days and be more upbeat when I return…really! Gotta give the Irish-German in me time to rise to the occasion. Suddenly, a chair doesn’t sound so bad…..losing the leg would be a hell of a way to lose weight….do they make pantyhose for one-legged women? Blessings….and with all my heart, I do pray for blessings for all of us. Blessings of peace and hope and belly laughs and puddles and dandelions and grand hot fudge sundaes and feeling connected to people who care. Donnah

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear God, thank you all for your love and support!! My regular tech was not on but Richard was my angel for the day. The shin shows some stress fractures, but his prime concern and the radiologist he called him was the "hot spots" showing in different spots.The doc was a very kind and honest man. He is going to consult with my pcp and order more tests. His feeling is that there is bone cancer, a metastasis from somewhere else,of course. He is suggesting a biopsy be done on the lymph nodes in my neck which we all attributed to my series of infections. He mentioned a few other possibilities that are less upsetting: bone rubbing on bone for several months can do it’s own type of damage,etc. To be honest, after I heard the possibility of bone cancer,my mind went into the "get home now" mode. I told him thank you and please call me and I simply left. I have lied to my husband and told him it was inconclusive—not a total lie, but enough that he understand more testing is needed. I am going to rest for a few days and be more upbeat when I return…really! Gotta give the Irish-German in me time to rise to the occasion. Suddenly, a chair doesn’t sound so bad…..losing the leg would be a hell of a way to lose weight….do they make pantyhose for one-legged women? Blessings….and with all my heart, I do pray for blessings for all of us. Blessings of peace and hope and belly laughs and puddles and dandelions and grand hot fudge sundaes and feeling connected to people who care. Donnah

Hang in there, Donnah; you *will* get through this!

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Oh my dear.  I saw your other message just before we left this morning and you’ve been on my mind all day.  I was hoping the results would be conclusive in a positive way.  Sigh.  Praying for bone rubbing on bone, etc.  Hang in there girl.  You’re tough. You wouldn’t have made it this far otherwise. And we’re here whenever you gt tired and discouraged.  Rest, and reappear when you’re ready. Nann – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear God, thank you all for your love and support!! My regular tech was not on but Richard was my angel for the day. The shin shows some stress fractures, but his prime concern and the radiologist he called him was the "hot spots" showing in different spots.The doc was a very kind and honest man. He is going to consult with my pcp and order more tests. His feeling is that there is bone cancer, a metastasis from somewhere else,of course. He is suggesting a biopsy be done on the lymph nodes in my neck which we all attributed to my series of infections. He mentioned a few other possibilities that are less upsetting: bone rubbing on bone for several months can do it’s own type of damage,etc. To be honest, after I heard the possibility of bone cancer,my mind went into the "get home now" mode. I told him thank you and please call me and I simply left. I have lied to my husband and told him it was inconclusive—not a total lie, but enough that he understand more testing is needed. I am going to rest for a few days and be more upbeat when I return…really! Gotta give the Irish-German in me time to rise to the occasion. Suddenly, a chair doesn’t sound so bad…..losing the leg would be a hell of a way to lose weight….do they make pantyhose for one-legged women? Blessings….and with all my heart, I do pray for blessings for all of us. Blessings of peace and hope and belly laughs and puddles and dandelions and grand hot fudge sundaes and feeling connected to people who care. Donnah

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strange how we’re all hoping for bone-on-bone, here, isn’t it? that’s my hope too, donnah. and just a nudge: are you cheating your hubby out of a chance to be a support to you? diane visit my website at http://www.dianechamberlain.com

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{{{{Donnah}}}}  you have already shared with us, I know you will share with your husband when it feels right.  For now, it is true, you don’t yet know for sure, so I understand keeping it like that for now. Shall be waiting for better news with your next report.  Hang in there… Best regards,

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Donnah-I am so sorry the news wasnt better.  Prayers continueing.  Please keep us informed. Char "Remember, I’m pulling for ya’.  We’re all in this together."  Red Green

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Hi Donnah, IMHO, You should share the possibility of cancer with your husband. Cancer is a scary thing but not as bad as it was a few years ago. The treatment isn’t any fun though & shouldn’t be gone through alone. I hope it turns out to be something else but you will still need someone to cry with & share the fear with & that’s what husbands are fore. Sending good thoughts, {{{{{Donnah}}}}} GramPaHugs, Alex, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear God, thank you all for your love and support!! My regular tech was not on but Richard was my angel for the day. The shin shows some stress fractures, but his prime concern and the radiologist he called him was the "hot spots" showing in different spots.The doc was a very kind and honest man. He is going to consult with my pcp and order more tests. His feeling is that there is bone cancer, a metastasis from somewhere else,of course. He is suggesting a biopsy be done on the lymph nodes in my neck which we all attributed to my series of infections. He mentioned a few other possibilities that are less upsetting: bone rubbing on bone for several months can do it’s own type of damage,etc. To be honest, after I heard the possibility of bone cancer,my mind went into the "get home now" mode. I told him thank you and please call me and I simply left. I have lied to my husband and told him it was inconclusive—not a total lie, but enough that he understand more testing is needed. I am going to rest for a few days and be more upbeat when I return…really! Gotta give the Irish-German in me time to rise to the occasion. Suddenly, a chair doesn’t sound so bad…..losing the leg would be a hell of a way to lose weight….do they make pantyhose for one-legged women? Blessings….and with all my heart, I do pray for blessings for all of us. Blessings of peace and hope and belly laughs and puddles and dandelions and grand hot fudge sundaes and feeling connected to people who care. Donnah

–  Any information is included for informational  or entertainment purposes only,  No endorsement is implied or intended. * Love radiating from 45.10n x 93.30w   M/SP Mn * Care giver to THE SACRED TEMPLE CATS of the Kingdom of W.H.I.N.E. * <a href="http://home.mn.rr.com/apbiii/whine.html"AOL Click</a * Medical Links,  Photo’s http://barna.dns2go.com/ * <a href="http://home.mn.rr.com/apbiii/medical.htm"AOL Click</a * Don’t worry about life, *  you’re not going to survive it anyway

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From one Irish/German heritage to another — I know it will rise to the surface. That quiet English in me can’t stay on top with that other stuff. LOL   Here is hoping that bone on bone will be the final diagnosis. But you will be strong for whatever they say. Prayers are being said. Duckie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear God, thank you all for your love and support!! My regular tech was not on but Richard was my angel for the day. The shin shows some stress fractures, but his prime concern and the radiologist he called him was the "hot spots" showing in different spots.The doc was a very kind and honest man. He is going to consult with my pcp and order more tests. His feeling is that there is bone cancer, a metastasis from somewhere else,of course. He is suggesting a biopsy be done on the lymph nodes in my neck which we all attributed to my series of infections. He mentioned a few other possibilities that are less upsetting: bone rubbing on bone for several months can do it’s own type of damage,etc. To be honest, after I heard the possibility of bone cancer,my mind went into the "get home now" mode. I told him thank you and please call me and I simply left. I have lied to my husband and told him it was inconclusive—not a total lie, but enough that he understand more testing is needed. I am going to rest for a few days and be more upbeat when I return…really! Gotta give the Irish-German in me time to rise to the occasion. Suddenly, a chair doesn’t sound so bad…..losing the leg would be a hell of a way to lose weight….do they make pantyhose for one-legged women? Blessings….and with all my heart, I do pray for blessings for all of us. Blessings of peace and hope and belly laughs and puddles and dandelions and grand hot fudge sundaes and feeling connected to people who care. Donnah

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See, your sense of humour DID come back!  Keep a good thought.  Let us know as soon as you find out what’s happening.  We love you. Cindy R.

Dear God, thank you all for your love and support!! <<snip Suddenly, a chair doesn’t sound so bad…..losing the leg would be a hell of a way to lose weight….do they make pantyhose for one-legged women?

  Donnah

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Hello, May I ask for some advice on which news groups to post a detailed question… A friend of mine has been informed that he has secondary metastasis of a stomach cancer. The secondary cancer has occured after 54 months of remission and it is suspected in lung and exterior of skull. I would like to make an inquiry about possible treatments. However, there are so many newsgroups, I do not know where to post a more detailed question… Could people suggest where I can make the post? Basically, I did a usenet search on cancer, found a few posts and observed the newsgroups… for all I know there may be more specific groups. Thanks, Tom

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Hi Tom, For some real information, try www.medinfo.org/ , click ‘Join a List’ and scroll the page until you find STOMACH-ONC, a stomach cancer discussion group sponsored by ACOR.   I enroled myself. It takes a bit of time (hours) (password verification etc.) Best wishes, Ebo. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, May I ask for some advice on which news groups to post a detailed question… A friend of mine has been informed that he has secondary metastasis of a stomach cancer. The secondary cancer has occured after 54 months of remission and it is suspected in lung and exterior of skull. I would like to make an inquiry about possible treatments. However, there are so many newsgroups, I do not know where to post a more detailed question… Could people suggest where I can make the post? Basically, I did a usenet search on cancer, found a few posts and observed the newsgroups… for all I know there may be more specific groups. Thanks, Tom

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Tom There is a great list serve group for all types of cancer each can be subscribed to individually.  I’m on the sarcoma list serve. To access  it try www.ACOR.ORG. That will give you the homepage from which you fill in info to subscribe. Hope it helps. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, May I ask for some advice on which news groups to post a detailed question… A friend of mine has been informed that he has secondary metastasis of a stomach cancer. The secondary cancer has occured after 54 months of remission and it is suspected in lung and exterior of skull. I would like to make an inquiry about possible treatments. However, there are so many newsgroups, I do not know where to post a more detailed question… Could people suggest where I can make the post? Basically, I did a usenet search on cancer, found a few posts and observed the newsgroups… for all I know there may be more specific groups. Thanks, Tom

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m scheduled for a Radical Perineal Prostatectomy on the 17th of Sept. The doc says cancer is localized and will not be removing lymph glands. Before I ask him why he is not going to even check them (laproscopicly) I would like your opinion about whether this is a good idea. Also, what about a bone scan? He’s not doing that either. I have great confidence in this doc and he comes highly recco. but I’d like this info before I ask him, so I’ll know how to react. my stats: PSA 2/95  3.1/98           NEG. DRE           free PSA 13%           Gleason 6 (highest of 5 positive, one neg biopsies) Thanks very much,Leon To summarize your staging/grading: T1c stage, grade Gleason 6, PSA 3 With this knowledge, the likelihood of bone metastasis is so low that a bone scan is not necessary.  In fact some studies have suggested that a bone scan is not needed if the PSA is below 10 (or some studies say 20…) The risk of lymph node involvement is also low (I don’t have the Partin tables in front of me, but I would guess a 1% chance or so is likely)  Therefore the extra cost/morbidity of the lymph node dissection in a case where that area would not be disturbed has been determined by your doctor to be unnecessary. I hope this helps.

Helps a lot…Thank you

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m scheduled for a Radical Perineal Prostatectomy on the 17th of Sept. The doc says cancer is localized and will not be removing lymph glands. Before I ask him why he is not going to even check them (laproscopicly) I would like your opinion about whether this is a good idea. Also, what about a bone scan? He’s not doing that either. I have great confidence in this doc and he comes highly recco. but I’d like this info before I ask him, so I’ll know how to react. my stats: PSA 2/95  3.1/98           NEG. DRE           free PSA 13%           Gleason 6 (highest of 5 positive, one neg biopsies) Thanks very much,Leon

To summarize your staging/grading: T1c stage, grade Gleason 6, PSA 3 With this knowledge, the likelihood of bone metastasis is so low that a bone scan is not necessary.  In fact some studies have suggested that a bone scan is not needed if the PSA is below 10 (or some studies say 20…) The risk of lymph node involvement is also low (I don’t have the Partin tables in front of me, but I would guess a 1% chance or so is likely)  Therefore the extra cost/morbidity of the lymph node dissection in a case where that area would not be disturbed has been determined by your doctor to be unnecessary. I hope this helps. David L. Casey, MD Denton Urology Denton, Texas USA 209.170.56.239/den27072/ (soon to be http://www.dentonurology.com) This communication is intended to provide general information, and in no way is a substitute for face-to-face medical care. No implication of a doctor-patient relationship should be assumed by the reader. Sorry, but no questions or requests answered by private email.

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I’m scheduled for a Radical Perineal Prostatectomy on the 17th of Sept. The doc says cancer is localized and will not be removing lymph glands. Before I ask him why he is not going to even check them (laproscopicly) I would like your opinion about whether this is a good idea. Also, what about a bone scan? He’s not doing that either. I have great confidence in this doc and he comes highly recco. but I’d like this info before I ask him, so I’ll know how to react. my stats: PSA 2/95  3.1/98           NEG. DRE           free PSA 13%           Gleason 6 (highest of 5 positive, one neg biopsies) Thanks very much,Leon

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{{{Hugs Kelly}}} Thanks for keeping us posted.  I’m thinking of you and your family and sending you prayers and strength. In friendship, Annie ICQ# 6715352 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello to all    I came back from Tampa yesterday and took my daughter back this morning to see my dad and then I brought her home again so that she could go to school tomorrow. I’m just dead dog tired. I’ll be going back again in the morning. I can’t drive again today but I can’t stay away too long either.    Dad is worse. His throat and mouth are swelling now. Their main concern is keeping an airway for him. He does not want life support. When I left this afternoon they had a morphine drip going, a duragesic patch on, they had given him IV Ativan and 2 percocet for his headache. Morphine doesn’t really control headaches. The pain in his head is over the tumor and there is so much pressure there. The tumors on his face have enlarged since I left yesterday. It’s just sad and a sick feeling overwhelms me at this point. I’m exhausted from driving and staying 14-16 hours a day with him. I take the night shift so my stepmom can sleep. However, he doesn’t. Then I can’t sleep during the day. That’s why I quit working night shift last December. We are just rolling with the punches now. What else can we possibly do? He has begun to cough more frequently. I assume from the metastasis to the lungs, I don’t know. I’ve just never heard of a cancer spreading so fast. It’s just eating him up now.    Well, enough for now. This board has been very busy. I’ve only been able to read a few posts. As of now, I have 246 unread. That should keep me busy tonight don’t you think?    Thanks for "listening" again. The mail I have received has been a lifeline. You are all wonderful. I will try to catch up with everyone soon. Take care of yourselves. Kelly

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Hello to all    I came back from Tampa yesterday and took my daughter back this morning to see my dad and then I brought her home again so that she could go to school tomorrow. I’m just dead dog tired. I’ll be going back again in the morning. I can’t drive again today but I can’t stay away too long either.    Dad is worse. His throat and mouth are swelling now. Their main concern is keeping an airway for him. He does not want life support. When I left this afternoon they had a morphine drip going, a duragesic patch on, they had given him IV Ativan and 2 percocet for his headache. Morphine doesn’t really control headaches. The pain in his head is over the tumor and there is so much pressure there. The tumors on his face have enlarged since I left yesterday. It’s just sad and a sick feeling overwhelms me at this point. I’m exhausted from driving and staying 14-16 hours a day with him. I take the night shift so my stepmom can sleep. However, he doesn’t. Then I can’t sleep during the day. That’s why I quit working night shift last December. We are just rolling with the punches now. What else can we possibly do? He has begun to cough more frequently. I assume from the metastasis to the lungs, I don’t know. I’ve just never heard of a cancer spreading so fast. It’s just eating him up now.    Well, enough for now. This board has been very busy. I’ve only been able to read a few posts. As of now, I have 246 unread. That should keep me busy tonight don’t you think?    Thanks for "listening" again. The mail I have received has been a lifeline. You are all wonderful. I will try to catch up with everyone soon. Take care of yourselves. Kelly

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Kelly,    I wish there was something I could say, but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. ((((((hugs)))))) Denise A.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello to all    I came back from Tampa yesterday and took my daughter back this morning to see my dad and then I brought her home again so that she could go to school tomorrow. I’m just dead dog tired. I’ll be going back again in the morning. I can’t drive again today but I can’t stay away too long either.    Dad is worse. His throat and mouth are swelling now. Their main concern is keeping an airway for him. He does not want life support. When I left this afternoon they had a morphine drip going, a duragesic patch on, they had given him IV Ativan and 2 percocet for his headache. Morphine doesn’t really control headaches. The pain in his head is over the tumor and there is so much pressure there. The tumors on his face have enlarged since I left yesterday. It’s just sad and a sick feeling overwhelms me at this point. I’m exhausted from driving and staying 14-16 hours a day with him. I take the night shift so my stepmom can sleep. However, he doesn’t. Then I can’t sleep during the day. That’s why I quit working night shift last December. We are just rolling with the punches now. What else can we possibly do? He has begun to cough more frequently. I assume from the metastasis to the lungs, I don’t know. I’ve just never heard of a cancer spreading so fast. It’s just eating him up now.    Well, enough for now. This board has been very busy. I’ve only been able to read a few posts. As of now, I have 246 unread. That should keep me busy tonight don’t you think?    Thanks for "listening" again. The mail I have received has been a lifeline. You are all wonderful. I will try to catch up with everyone soon. Take care of yourselves. Kelly Kelly,

I’m a new "sister" to this board, but I’ll remember your Dad in my prayers tonight.  When my aunt passed on from cancer, she went very quickly–doctors said it spread very rapidly.  They gave her morphine to help her out. Through this difficult time though, remember to take care of yourself since stress can do a number on endo. Take care,   Erica Crum

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*HUGS* I’m keeping you and your family in my prayers. *HUGS* Let me know if I can do anything, Tricia

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You and your family are in my prayers.   Darcy

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Kelly – I am so so sorry for what you are going through.  My thoughts are with you –  please try to get a little sleep – I know it’s hard… — Louisa Icq – 3918392

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Over the course of two years my mother had two surgeries — the first removed her left lung due to cancer (not the standard smokers’ kind, a rare metastasis of salivary gland cancer instead), and the second removed a largish mass under her left jawbone (the primary cancer site, it is hoped).  She then underwent six weeks of radiation which included both sites.   It has been a couple of months since radiation was completed.  She went from being weak and nauseous to feeling the best she has in some time. Then, over the course of a couple of days, the skin of her torso and upper arms and legs became very painful — tingling and prickly, like pins being stuck in her, she said.  The sensation of clothing and movement were difficult.  This feeling lasted about two weeks, then totally disappeared. She has seen her doctor, but has not gotten this explained to her satisfaction.  Has anyone else experienced this or have any insight? Thanks, Lori

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Hi, I have experiences, but no insight. I’m a 32 year old male who had 22 radiation treatments to my neck and chest area.  My last treatment was 10/10/1997. Although it took some time for my throat to heal (ouch), overall I, too, felt pretty good (comparatively speaking).  My energy levels also rose.  However, for the passed two weeks, I’ve been feeling more and more fatigued.  My neck and chest muscles have been feeling very sore and have even cramped from time to time.  My mouth and throat are always dry and I’ve learned to have a glass of water available during every meal. I also wake up several times each night in order to drink some water. Strange stuff, this radiation. My doctor and I haven’t spoken about this yet, and my next appointment isn’t until January.  Maybe then I’ll have some insight, but I wouldn’t bank on it. Good luck to you guys. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It has been a couple of months since radiation was completed.  She went from being weak and nauseous to feeling the best she has in some time. Then, over the course of a couple of days, the skin of her torso and upper arms and legs became very painful — tingling and prickly, like pins being stuck in her, she said.  The sensation of clothing and movement were difficult.  This feeling lasted about two weeks, then totally disappeared.

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My Mother aged 53 went to the doctors with a sore calf muscle in March 96 and has since suffered over a period of a year from multiple (about 9) deep vein thrombosis to her lungs, groin and legs. Within this time and after various exploratory examinations she was diagnosed with cancer of unknown primary location (thought to be ovarian related) with metastasis to the lymph in the chest but with all major organs clear. She continues to take warfrin but has major difficulties keeping a good level and has to be tested at least once sometimes twice a week.  She was given carbo platin based chemo which initially seemed to work but then  the trauma of another DVT set things back and the doctors told her to give it a rest. In the meantime she began to have problems with her hands which became fixed and claw like, this stumped even the doctors and she is has been taking prediserone which at first was like a miracle (energy levels up, walking became easy) but it is know beginning to have adverse side effects. She found out today that some how she has fractured her pelvis and osteoporosis has set in apparently caused by the steroids, they are going to give her some kind of test to her bones in the next few weeks to confirm. I cannot understand the consultants reaction regarding mums illness. They are stumped by the UPL, they are stumped by the multiple DVT’s, (our London oncologist claimed the two were not related, which was contradicted by our new Oncologist in Nottingham) then she has this case of hardening of the tissues around the hands and fingers which the professor said he had only read about two other cases. I cannot believe that she suddenly developed there completely unusual illness. She was diagnosed mid 96 and beats them every time, we have no idea how long she will live because she bonuses back every time things get bad. The oncologist has talked of trying her on the carbo platin again but has called her in early after her recent CT scan. We hope its to try the chemo again, it never caused any obvious adverse effects and trying something is better than doing nothing at all.  Any info. relating to any of the above would be really appreciated. Its not fun being the only one!. Hope and information are the only things that keep us on top. regards & thanks Sara

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Sara, I would check to see if they are/were giving her other chemo combinations with the carboplatin.  Normally, they will tackle it with a combination with the carboplatin, such as VP-16, Ifex, or Vincristine.  If she has been given VP-16 or Vincristine (especially the latter), this can cause nerve damage that can numb or severly weaken the fingers and hands.  I’ve gone through both myself — Cistplatin, Ifex, and VP-16 last year for a pancreatic tumor (the VP-16 numbed my fingers and toes), and Carboplatin, VP-16, and Vincristine this year (the Vincristine has totally numbed my fingers and severly weakend my grip.) This can be temporary or permanent — you really won’t know until up to a year after the chemo was given. Rich

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Richard, thanks for your response. I’ll check what the combinations were on our next visit in a few weeks. A question regarding your hands, did the tissue on your hands and around your fingures become "solid and fixed " or  numb but normal to touch. Good luck Sara – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sara, I would check to see if they are/were giving her other chemo combinations with the carboplatin.  Normally, they will tackle it with a combination with the carboplatin, such as VP-16, Ifex, or Vincristine.  If she has been given VP-16 or Vincristine (especially the latter), this can cause nerve damage that can numb or severly weaken the fingers and hands.  I’ve gone through both myself — Cistplatin, Ifex, and VP-16 last year for a pancreatic tumor (the VP-16 numbed my fingers and toes), and Carboplatin, VP-16, and Vincristine this year (the Vincristine has totally numbed my fingers and severly weakend my grip.) This can be temporary or permanent — you really won’t know until up to a year after the chemo was given. Rich

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