Still Ned!

Well I had my meeting with my oncologist today to discuss my treatment regimen from here on out.  She agreed I could switch to annual CT scans.  I have been having CT scans every 6 months for the last 3.5 years and she was a little concerned about my lifetime exposure to all the contrast media used in the scans.  My kidney function is currently normal but there is an accumulation effect with the contrast that could result in an adverse event.  We agreed to do a Chest Xray in 6 months and the CT next July.

We also discussed whether or not I should come off the IV Zometa completely. I have had a total of 9 doses over the last 3 years.  She said that switching to one of the other Bisphosphonates has not been proven to be as effective as the Zometa . There is not enough longterm clinical data to indicate how long Zometa continues to provide protection against possible mets after the infusions have stopped even though the general consensus is that the Zometa remains in the body for a very long time.  There is also the concern about increased risk of developing ONJ the longer you take the drug even though that still remains a relatively rare complication. We decided that I would have another IV Zometa infusion in 1 year and possibly by then there will be more clinical information available for deciding how long to keep taking the drug. I will try to get needed dental work (replacement of several old silver amalgam fillings and some new crowns) early next year before the next Zometa dose is due

I have not had a Bone Density since before starting the Zometa 3 years ago, but my onc says there is no point in doing one since I should have "Super" bones due to the Zometa.  While I had lost about 7% bone density after my first BC treatments in 2000, I still had normal range density because I had very strong bones to begin with.

I will continue on my daily Aromasin.  She wants me to start taking Vitamin B Complex to help with the peripheral neuropathy in my feet. Also recommends the Omega Fatty Acids and Vitamin D3. She also wants me to get a C-Reactive Protein (CRP) blood test when I see my primary MD later this month.

Because I have a very strong family history of all types of cancers on my Father's side, she wants me to look into getting tested for P53 and Ck2 gene mutations.  I was already tested for BRCA 1&2 and found to be negative, but with my family history I am told we definitely have a hereditary factor for cancer.

Looks like I need to schedule another colonoscopy even though I had one when I turned 50.  My onc says someone with cancer should be on a 5 year screening schedule and since I just turned 56 I am a year over due!

She also wants me to have a transvaginal ultrasound to examine my ovaries. She said that while manual exams are ok, the ultrasound is definitely more accurate at picking up any early ovarian masses or changes. So I will be scheduling that with my gyn doc.

It looks like my treatment routine will be seeing a doc every 3 months (between my surgeon and onc), bloodwork every 3 months, CXR in 6 months, IV Zometa in 1 year and daily Aromasin plus the recommended supplements.

The best part of the whole visit with my onc was she said that in spite of the need for us to continue to monitor my status closely, she feels I may very possibly be "cured".  While I have learned to take such statements with a "grain of salt"  because I have come to feel we can never truly be guaranteed a cure, I also feel very encouraged and hopeful that my onc would even express such potential positive outcomes in my case. 

What it really all boils down to is that for right now I am feeling GOOD, my tests are GREAT and I plan on LIVING LIFE to the best of my ability.  When and if things change I will deal with it then.  I am just so grateful that I have the chance to focus on more important things in my life than cancer. 

I pray for each and every one of you dear ladies who are also navigating thru this maze that cancer puts us through.  Recognize and be proud of how strong and resourceful we all have become as we learn to take control of our lives and be our own best advocates.