This past Wednesday, June 20, I went back to Stanford for my routine labs, Dr appointment and infusion. This was the big Day where I awaiting to hear results from my latest CT chest, abdomen, pelvis that I just had gotten done and also to see findings of my ALK and ROS1 mutation results. The day started so busy, as normally, on Wednesday, I would have stayed home and not head into the office. But since we're so busy, I got up early to head into the office to have a breakfast lunch with the team and our business partner. After that, I head into the office to get on a conference call meeting and then, it was almost noon and I had to go pick up my good friend, Moanie to come along with me to my Stanford appointment. I'm so glad she's able to come along with me for this big day of news from my Dr.
Results
It was a pretty hectic, crowded day throughout the day as it was packed with patients. Luckily the staff who checked me knew me and I didn't have to wait in line.By now, it's about 12:30 already and feeling so hungry, we took a stroll over to the cafeteria to grab lunch, knowing that sitting in the lobby waiting, it would probably take awhile. It was perfect timing as when we're done with lunch, I was called in to see Dr. Neal.
After some vital signs were taken by the nurse, I saw Dr. Neal. He gave some good news that the results from the CT scan shows that things are all pretty stable and that he recommends me to stay on the current chemo treatment. As for the ALK mutation, he says the latest pathology report indicated that it's not an exact match and that it only shows some ALK like similarities. However, he's still going to prep the initial paperwork and authorization from my insurance to get it approved to allow me to take Crizotinib at some point later if needed. He says that if I were to take this pill, it may or may not be effective and that it doesn't pass the brain barrier. In other words, Crizotinib isn't very effective at preventing brain metastasis, that if it works against stabilizing my tumors on my lungs, it won't stop it from spreading to the brain.
As for the long awaited results from the ROS1 mutation, I'm negative, I don't have it. But, Dr. Neal says, it's actually better if I do have the ALK since Crizotinib is the same pill to treat it and it's FDA approved.
EKG
As for my rapid heart beat, it was a little at 102 and 3 weeks ago, it was at 75. This was probably because when I first came in, I had just taken a short walk. So to see what's going on, I was given the EKG test. The results from that came out normal at 92 beats. With drinking less coffee, I'm feeling a bit more "normal'. But, still I'm concerned at what's causing fluctuations with having heart palpitations. Results from my thyroid labs shows that it's in normal range as well. Since I'm feeling good, we'll just keep an eye on this and if needed, I may need to see a cardiologist.
Overall, I'm feeling pretty good and keeping busy with work, exercise and the kids at the usual routine activities. I'm just so thankful for stableness and for great support from family, friends, coworkers and neighbors.Lots of Love.
Results
It was a pretty hectic, crowded day throughout the day as it was packed with patients. Luckily the staff who checked me knew me and I didn't have to wait in line.By now, it's about 12:30 already and feeling so hungry, we took a stroll over to the cafeteria to grab lunch, knowing that sitting in the lobby waiting, it would probably take awhile. It was perfect timing as when we're done with lunch, I was called in to see Dr. Neal.
After some vital signs were taken by the nurse, I saw Dr. Neal. He gave some good news that the results from the CT scan shows that things are all pretty stable and that he recommends me to stay on the current chemo treatment. As for the ALK mutation, he says the latest pathology report indicated that it's not an exact match and that it only shows some ALK like similarities. However, he's still going to prep the initial paperwork and authorization from my insurance to get it approved to allow me to take Crizotinib at some point later if needed. He says that if I were to take this pill, it may or may not be effective and that it doesn't pass the brain barrier. In other words, Crizotinib isn't very effective at preventing brain metastasis, that if it works against stabilizing my tumors on my lungs, it won't stop it from spreading to the brain.
As for the long awaited results from the ROS1 mutation, I'm negative, I don't have it. But, Dr. Neal says, it's actually better if I do have the ALK since Crizotinib is the same pill to treat it and it's FDA approved.
EKG
As for my rapid heart beat, it was a little at 102 and 3 weeks ago, it was at 75. This was probably because when I first came in, I had just taken a short walk. So to see what's going on, I was given the EKG test. The results from that came out normal at 92 beats. With drinking less coffee, I'm feeling a bit more "normal'. But, still I'm concerned at what's causing fluctuations with having heart palpitations. Results from my thyroid labs shows that it's in normal range as well. Since I'm feeling good, we'll just keep an eye on this and if needed, I may need to see a cardiologist.
Overall, I'm feeling pretty good and keeping busy with work, exercise and the kids at the usual routine activities. I'm just so thankful for stableness and for great support from family, friends, coworkers and neighbors.Lots of Love.
Thanks for sharing the story – I really got a lot from it! You can also find a lot of lung cancer stories and photos of people who have fought the disease here on a site called hello have you heard, about lung cancer: http://www.hellohaveyouheard.com/lung-cancer-awareness-wall/ The stories of survival are so inspiring to read, and give me a lot of hope that one day, we’ll really be able to beat lung cancer.
ReplyDeleteHello, Fawn,
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your sharing. It is insightful to us, as our mother's dianosis is similar to yours... Would you mind me asking about your ALK results? You mentioned, 'As for the ALK mutation, he says the latest pathology report indicated that it's not an exact match and that it only shows some ALK like similarities.' What did they see from the report specifically?
Thank you so much!