Can things improve with no change in treatment?

Ohmydarlin

First let me back up to PET/CT from December, 2014. I had a spot on my sacrum that we had been watching for a year. At the time (2013) it was first visible on PET/CT, my MO dropped Tamoxifen and added Arimidex. She also added Perjeta to Herceptin. In December the uptake was stable so she recommended spot radiation. One dose of radiation was done in December. Last week I had another PET/CT. The initial spot is still visible but the uptake is around 3. There is new uptake on L5...barely lit up. MO said it is unremarkable. The other new spot is in my left breast...uptake 2.5. This is the opposite breast from initial diagnosis. MO ordered mammogram and ultrasound of left breast. The radiologist feels it is fat necrosis. I was given the option of imaging again in 6 months or biopsy. I chose to wait the 6 months. Of course if I notice any change I will contact them immediately. Here is my question....MO isn't changing my treatment. Is there the possibility of improvement to the areas of concern without changing anything?

lotusblossom

Hi OMD,

I was on Navelbine for 2.5 years. During the first few months on it, I was stable. After about 6 months, I had slight progression but my onc kept me on it because it was my 5th line of treatment and options were running out. I think I had 2 scans that showed slight progression. At about the 2 year mark, I began to have significant improvement. At the 2.5 year mark, I was NED and have been that way for the past 15 months.

So, yes, things can improve with no change in treatment!

At first, I thought my onc was crazy to keep me on it when I was showing slight progression, but his patience ended up being the right decision.

Lotusblossom

diana50

thanks for your post lotus

Been on taxol (3 weeks on 1 week off) since July 2014. Tx has worked. Cleared out Mets and got me stable. TMs are still in 400. I have two more taxols and then CT scan. If things are stable onc is talking about maintence. Possible new tx. I actually think about staying on taxol but 2 weeks on and two weeks off if it can keep me stable. I know what to expect with taxol side effects. Don't want to have new side effects that I am not used to. All I want is to be stable and have a life. All we all want. If tx can maintain I want to stay on it before switching. Sigh. It's hard to know what to do. Conversation with onc is so important. Best

Ohmydarlin

Thanks for the encouraging comments!! I understand that it is best to be cautious when changing treatments as there aren't endless options. Here's to improvements in 6 months!!

Healedforever

Hello Lotusblossom,

I am really amazed by your story. Can you please share who is your oncologist. Thanks