Will find out Results today
Today, I will be going to the Stanford Cancer Center and as usual, do my blood count draw, see my Doctor and will find out the results of my CT scan results as well as undergo the possibility of another round of chemo. I'm so nervous to see what the results will be. I've been feeling a little better, still weak but my voice has started to slowly come back but it's still somewhat crackly and raspy. This whole routine is very exhausting and long as the whole day consists of lots of waiting around.
But, I am so glad my Dad will be driving me and being there with me. My Dad has been so great throughout this process. He's been taking me and driving me to almost all of my lab and Dr appointments. I'm so glad my Dad is here for me so thank you Dad for all your love and support. It's been tough for my parents to have to see me go through this. It breaks their heart to see me endure any pain and to be diagnosed with this terminal illness.
Don't have any Genetic Markers
Unfortunately for me, all the genetic markers that have been done on my biopsy shows I do not genetically carry any markers or mutations that qualifies me for most of the latest Non Small Cell Lung Cancer Targeted therapy or treatment. So the latest news and treatments like Crizotinib, http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110603151842.htm may not be effective as I test negative for the ALK gene.
However, Tarceva may work if the results today show that after receiving Chemo and it indicates that my cancer is stable or it has spread just a little, treatments like Tarceva, by chance may work. Here's what this article says, http://www.tarceva.com/patient/considering/about.jsp?cid=tar_we_F001035_P000517&c=MBTCLC1007&gclid=CNyO1O31yakCFQg_bAodixbYOQ
As it states, "Tarceva is prescribed for patients with advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose cancer has spread or grown after receiving at least 1 chemotherapy."
But reading further, this treatment has many major side effects such as liver and kidney damage, lung disease and other skin, rash symptoms and even death. It's scary.
Let's pray for good news today.
Social Security and Long Term Disability
Now that my short term disability is ending, I've been told that I have to apply for Social Security and Long Term disability. In a letter I received, it states that if I do get approved for long term disability, that my first check will be in the amount of "$470.18" and that this will remain my "gross monthly benefit until you return to work." What? $470 per month? Oh gosh, this is barely enough to pay for our monthly Minivan gas bill which is a gas guzzler, since it costs almost $90 just to fill up the tank per week, not considering insurance and maintenance.
As for Social Security, I have to start calling and applying soon. This whole process of applying is so tedious as there is so much paper work. I wish it was simpler and easier without so much red tape. Well, let's hope it will go smoothly and I get approved. As in life, nothing is easy. Applying for Federal Social Security and disability income takes effort and I will make every effort to do so as a means to provide for my kids and family.
Love for my Kids
Whether I receive go news or not today, I am still going to stay strong and will keep fighting this cancer. I just have to be positive and leave the miracle healing powers to GOD. No matter what Doctors say, nothing will change the love and joy for my kids as I spend all my time with them. As I battle this disease, my goal everyday has not changed as I make every effort to live my life to the fullest and make every attempt to live as normal, functional and with lots of love and hope. Let's continue to pray for GOD's healing powers and miracle.
Today, I will be going to the Stanford Cancer Center and as usual, do my blood count draw, see my Doctor and will find out the results of my CT scan results as well as undergo the possibility of another round of chemo. I'm so nervous to see what the results will be. I've been feeling a little better, still weak but my voice has started to slowly come back but it's still somewhat crackly and raspy. This whole routine is very exhausting and long as the whole day consists of lots of waiting around.
But, I am so glad my Dad will be driving me and being there with me. My Dad has been so great throughout this process. He's been taking me and driving me to almost all of my lab and Dr appointments. I'm so glad my Dad is here for me so thank you Dad for all your love and support. It's been tough for my parents to have to see me go through this. It breaks their heart to see me endure any pain and to be diagnosed with this terminal illness.
Don't have any Genetic Markers
Unfortunately for me, all the genetic markers that have been done on my biopsy shows I do not genetically carry any markers or mutations that qualifies me for most of the latest Non Small Cell Lung Cancer Targeted therapy or treatment. So the latest news and treatments like Crizotinib, http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110603151842.htm may not be effective as I test negative for the ALK gene.
However, Tarceva may work if the results today show that after receiving Chemo and it indicates that my cancer is stable or it has spread just a little, treatments like Tarceva, by chance may work. Here's what this article says, http://www.tarceva.com/patient/considering/about.jsp?cid=tar_we_F001035_P000517&c=MBTCLC1007&gclid=CNyO1O31yakCFQg_bAodixbYOQ
As it states, "Tarceva is prescribed for patients with advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose cancer has spread or grown after receiving at least 1 chemotherapy."
But reading further, this treatment has many major side effects such as liver and kidney damage, lung disease and other skin, rash symptoms and even death. It's scary.
Let's pray for good news today.
Social Security and Long Term Disability
Now that my short term disability is ending, I've been told that I have to apply for Social Security and Long Term disability. In a letter I received, it states that if I do get approved for long term disability, that my first check will be in the amount of "$470.18" and that this will remain my "gross monthly benefit until you return to work." What? $470 per month? Oh gosh, this is barely enough to pay for our monthly Minivan gas bill which is a gas guzzler, since it costs almost $90 just to fill up the tank per week, not considering insurance and maintenance.
As for Social Security, I have to start calling and applying soon. This whole process of applying is so tedious as there is so much paper work. I wish it was simpler and easier without so much red tape. Well, let's hope it will go smoothly and I get approved. As in life, nothing is easy. Applying for Federal Social Security and disability income takes effort and I will make every effort to do so as a means to provide for my kids and family.
Love for my Kids
Whether I receive go news or not today, I am still going to stay strong and will keep fighting this cancer. I just have to be positive and leave the miracle healing powers to GOD. No matter what Doctors say, nothing will change the love and joy for my kids as I spend all my time with them. As I battle this disease, my goal everyday has not changed as I make every effort to live my life to the fullest and make every attempt to live as normal, functional and with lots of love and hope. Let's continue to pray for GOD's healing powers and miracle.
Fawn Lee~
ReplyDeleteI stumbled across your blog by accident and have felt a pull to check on you daily ever since. I so hope you received good or stable results from the doctor. My prayers and thoughts are going out to you and your family.
Michelle in Iowa
Sending healing thoughts to you!
ReplyDelete