Cat Bites

If you have not yet read the previous post titled "Please Do Not ...", please do so before you read what follows:


Got the results from last week's CT scan when I saw my oncologist yesterday. Yup, that cat (CT) really bites.

The upshot of the scan results is that I am no longer able to continue on the trial drug (NKTR-102) that I've been taking. It didn't produce the results we were hoping for and also caused some side effects, such as prolonged fatigue and very suppressed immune system, that have seriously compromised my quality of life.

Here's what the CT scan showed:
There is no change re the lesions in my spleen or neck. That's good. Also, no evidence of metastasis to the liver, kidneys, or other organs. This latter bit is very good news indeed. However, there are more lesions in my lungs and sacrum/pelvis than were present a couple of months ago when I started on the current trial drug. Several previously noted lesions show some degree of growth. In short, the NKTR-102 isn't doing its job. Those findings are the reason I am no longer on the study.

The CT scan showed something else as well. There is evidence that the cancer has also spread to my brain.

I knew there was a very real possibility of this happening at some point. Like the lungs, the brain is a common site for breast cancer metastasis. Of course, knowing such things in theory doesn't reduce the shock that comes with the news that such a thing has actually happened. I felt much the same way when I first learned the disease had spread to both lungs. However, the thought of anything disturbing the fine workings of my highly sophisticated and Mensa-worthy brain is much more than a titch unsettling.

I think I'm over the initial shock of this latest bit of news. At least for now. Am concentrating on waiting to hear when a more-detailed brain scan (CT scan) will be undertaken and where it will happen - might happen sooner at St Mary's (Sechelt hospital) than at the Cancer Agency due to a smaller population making demands on the available equipment. When/wherever it happens, that scan will provide a lot more information than we have right now, and will help determine possible action that can be taken. Or not. Surgery, radiation and chemo have all been mentioned, but no plan can be formed until the oncologist knows what we're dealing with. The cancer may only be in one spot. It may be more widely spread.

I believe my oncologist said the lesion noted in my brain on last week's CT scan is about 1cm in size. That is by no means large, no matter what the basis of measurement. It is located in the frontal-most part of the brain, an area called the prefrontal cortex. The specific area affected is the part that controls inhibitions. When I asked my oncologist what effect a tumor in that area might have, she responded by saying "Think of a 72-yr-old straight-laced churchgoing man who suddenly becomes vulgar, foul-mouthed and promiscuous". Yup, that's something that needs to be taken care of before it gets too far out of hand. (Never fancied the thought of being a 72-yr-old man, churchgoing or otherwise.)  Might also explain some of the verbal outbursts I've had over the last few months (e.g. yelling at my former neighbour - the town gossip - in the local grocery store).

Good news:
It appears that, no matter whether there is one lesion or more, treatment options are available.
I will likely have a chance to knit and wear that pink hair-like hat after all!
There's a good chance I can have the much-hated sebaceous cyst removed - that bump on my head that has caused my hairstyles to be  less than perfect for so many years.
Even though the current chemo isn't helping my situation, the study drug from last year's trial is now available. I can start on that once the "brain business" is sorted out.

Better news:

Should I start exhibiting any further evidence of inhibition-related issues, the study nurse (who lives here on the Coast) and a couple of friends have volunteered to set up a LifeLine-type call system so they can respond with appropriate intervention whenever it might be required. I wonder if they'll get special superhero costumes or spiffy souped up cars for such occasions. If operating under a superhero guise, what would they be called and what would their specific superpowers be? The mind reels with possibilities.

To sum up: Remember, my life ain't over yet!! And won't be any time soon if I have anything to say about it!


Will provide more information as it becomes available.