11/29 MRI follow up

Mostly good news today from the radiation oncologist. The 13 brain lesions treated in the Gamma Knife radiosurgery on 8/31 are all stable. That was the primary goal of the procedure. And, I have no significant bad side effects. But...there is a lesion that has grown a little. It was not initially treated because the doctors thought is was already stable. Will now have Gamma Knife procedure for that lesion asap. At least the procedure will be shorter since they will only treat the one lesion rather than 13. Waiting for the procedure to be scheduled.  Since I've been through it once, this time will take time; but, I won't have any anxiety about what is to happen.

11/28 chest/abdomen CT

Good news from my CT and visit w/ Dr E today. Lung cancer is reduced & stable enough that he reduced my visits w/ him from every 3 weeks to 4 weeks. Reduced CTs from every 6 wks to 2X per year w/ interim chest xrays. Also had a brain MRI and will see Dr H tomorrow.

Primary Care Dr f/u 11/18/11

Dr F was pleased with my bloodpressure and pulse today-hurray! She was also happy with the bloodwork from last week. Cholesterol now good at 148 vs previous 88. Apparently, blood counts are better-she asked if I've been eating more meat! Liver & kidney function #,s are good. Life is good.

11/11/11

11/11/11 is one year since I started on study drug treatment for lung cancer - crizotinib. Still doing well. Lung cancer mass still at 70%+ reduction. Each CT Dr E tells me that it has reduced "a little more". The drug is now FDA approved and called Xalkori. I will continue to take it as long as it works and I don't experience significant side effects.

11/9 checkup

Saw Dr E (oncologist) yesterday. Bloodwork looks good. Cholesterol at 148 :-).  Dr F (primary care) had been very concerned about my cholesterol being "way too low" at just 88.  Pulse is 60 :-)  Dr F had been very concerned about a pulse at 40-45.  Dr F and Dr C (cardiologist) should now be happy. And...I am happy to be off two daily bills - one for cholesterol and one for high BP. 

November - National Lung Cancer Awareness Month

I share the frustration of Kathryn Joosten. After the sea of pink in October, how many even know that November is National Cancer Awareness Month? More people die from Lung Cancer each year than the next three types of cancer combined.
http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-myturn-lung-cancer-20111107,0,6810017.story