OT: Updated health situation..It’s working

[Coronita]

Hi folks…

A few of you have pinged me recently about what’s going on with my health situation related to this…

http://piggington.com/comment/reply/15249#comment-form

and this

http://piggington.com/happy_early_new_year_everybody

Thanks for asking…. Here’s the latest.

Back in 12/29/2011, my 8th MRI after being on chemo showed really no improvement on the benign tumor growing in my abdominen. UCSD said it was still growing 1 cm/2months. Cedars said it was stable (no change)…Both recommended another 3 months of chemo, since things were still too early..

I did a recent scan last Thursday (3/8/2012)…Preliminary results show that the tumor shrank 1 cm, so preliminary results indicate that it’s starting to work, and I’m getting the upperhand now…I’m going to be on this chemo probably for the remainder of the year, but the side-effects are low (no major hair loss, just get tired easily)…

Thanks for all that have been asking and wishing me well.

My current plan is to continue to get treated locally at UCSD, as despite some issues I had initially, it’s still more convenient that commuting up to cedars every week…..

There’s only one major problem…. Apparently, there is a nationwide shortage of certain chemo regimes, specially one that I’m using… The other one I’m using there may also be a shortage soon…There are many causes for this. Manufacturing issues, FDA limits on who can make these things, imposed price controls and as a result limited companies, etc etc..

In recent times, there has been a production shortage on these drugs, so some hospitals have been in short supply or near out of supply… UCSD is one that indicates for me they have about 1.5-2 months supply of what I’m on, and they take it on a month by month supply basis…Cedars has a stockpile, so they are ok… So in April/May, I might have to transfer back to Cedars if UCSD runs out…

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20111003072742AAOnjWj

http://www.pharmacypracticenews.com/ViewArticle.aspx?d=Clinical&d_id=50&i=January+2011&i_id=694&a_id=16537

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/18/chemo-drug-shortages-poss_n_930887.html

[The-Shoveler]

Great to hear things are working out flu.
I wish you all the best.

[svelte]

I never say this online in case this forum is your neutral zone where you can get away from thinking about your health issue if even for a few minutes, but I wonder how you’re doing every time I’m on here.

I am always so relieved when you post something, especially if it is upbeat, because it makes me suspect your health is improving.

And obviously that’s where we all have all of our chips…

[ocrenter]

glad to hear the chemo is working and happy to see you did not have to go the surgical route.

thanks for keeping us updated.

[SmellsFeeshy]

Glad to hear you are doing well flu 🙂

[as]

Feel the same as Svelte did. Glad to know you are doing better, Flu. all the best to you!

[CafeMoto]

I am happy to read this update Flu. Keep up the damn fight

[Mayze]

Flu,

Keep fighting. So cool when the good guys win one.

[anxvariety]

Good to hear! Make sure to get out to the beach for some of that fresh ocean air!

[temeculaguy]

With your attitude, I expect nothing less. While the data is imprefect, there is a direct correlation between attitude about beating it and beating it.

Perhaps this little tiny bit of info will add .5% to swing the pendulum, that info is…I need you. I’m not talking about car knowledge, but it has been helpful and your links have given me the ability to avoid the stealership and DIY some things I did not think I was capable of.

What I am actually referring to is your spirit in the face of this challenge has contributed to the way I’ve lived my life these last few years. Sometimes at a crossroads, when I’m deliberating about something and thinking about taking some sort of risk, a few stories pop into my brain, yours included. I will bet a round of drinks that I’m not the only one, there are probably many people who have never met you, yet you inspire them when they have to make decisions.

The specifics won’t change the world (should I buy this car, should I date that woman, should I travel wth my kids before they are grown and gone, etc.) but without you and a few others in similar situations I might have said no, staying in my comfort zone and not really living life. So when you looking for the strength to deal with the discomfort of chemo, just know there are probably hundreds of people out there who need you and love you, even some of your dork economics friends, self included.

[exsdgal]

Great to hear from you flu. Happy to learn that your treatments are responding well. My thoughts and best wishes for you and family.

Thanks for sharing the progress. Cheers.

[CBad]

So happy to hear things are improving! Keep it up!!

[enron_by_the_sea]

Happy to hear that flu! Get well soon!!!

[TenaciousSD]

Wishing you the best Flu. 🙂

[UCGal]

Great news. Like svelte mentioned, I think about your situation when I see your posts, but didn’t want to bring it up for fear of the news not being the best.

Hopefully the chemo that is working will be available because you’ve got a long haul ahead of you setting up your daughter’s Karate and blackwater type training. (I am so glad I have boys. LOL.)

[Author]

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