So it's about what we feared - a recurrence in seven lymph nodes. From the look of it, it's the same cancer as before, creeping back.
At this point, there are not good odds for a cure, so we are starting to think of it as a chronic disease instead of a cureable one. There's always a small chance of a cure - the "long tail" in the statistics, but it's unlikely. (For those of you that like numbers, let me know, and I'll tell you what I know, and point you to the
studies I've already read.)
I start chemo again soon, possibly this week, certainly next. I'm having a new port put in a week from today, so I don't have to be stuck with their little needles every week. This regimen will be Taxol and Avastin. Taxol has all the usual caveats, hair loss, nausea, blah de blah. Avastin is a monoclonal antibody (aren't I fauncy) that targets the blood vessels to starve tumors. It's the hot and fancy new treatment, and increases the response rate considerably.
As for how you all can help - I'm doing okay, other than the waking up at 3 am bidness, which is a pain. Wertperch and the imp are currently more in need of support - send Tess your love, and give Kevin the opportunity to vent, or preferably go out and kick things and strangle
small animals.
Lots of love,
grundoon