MD Anderson Update

[Brownie3321]

Hello all! I hope everyone is looking forward to the spring and enjoying a little sunshine. I wanted to post an update since I just got back from MD Anderson. Just to recap, we sat down with my oncologist in Boulder to discuss what would be the next plan of action after finding out I still had active cancer cells around my stomach. My gyn/onc who performed the 2nd look surgery suggested I receive 3-4 more doses of IP chemo which was infused directly into my intestines/stomach. On the contrary, my Boulder oncologist believed this would do nothing but more harm to my kidneys and overall health. He believes these cells were unresponsive to the first line chemo drugs given to me, and that I should receive a different cocktail of chemo for another 6 cycles. Having two conflicting opinions when my life is at risk was very discomforting, so I decided to seek another opinion at the well known cancer facility, MD Anderson in Houston. It was a 4 day event which proved to be educational and revolutionary. At MD Anderson you are assigned an oncologist who best fits your unique case who will be your primary doctor and act as a spokesperson once your case is presented to the team of radiologists, oncologists, residing doc’s and gynecologists. This team of 20 will bounce ideas off one another in a sit-down meeting to try and come up with the best line of therapy for your cancer. Once the meeting was concluded, my oncologist, Dr. Wolf, presented the three options I could choose from. 1) I could do nothing and wait until the cells formed a tumor which eventually it would (her words exactly), 2) I could do one year of chemo which would consist of a different cocktail infused once every 3 weeks, or 3) I could participate in a study for which I qualified for, where a stem cell transplant was performed. I was then told all 20 of the attendees were in favor of the 3rd option. This procedure would involve 3 cycles of the most intense chemo (5 different drugs) you could receive given once per week. Because the chemo is so intense, my stem cells would need to be taken out before the chemo, be harvested, then be re infused back into my body for the making of platelets, red and white cells. The whole process would take a month and a half, all done in Houston, and most of it spent in the hospital. This method has proven to be successful with a 50% complete response rate (no more tumors), and 90% rate at keeping the cancer at bay for a longer remission. The procedure is extremely aggressive, but is my best chance of eradicating the cancer for good. I have decided to go this route and it should be underway once my insurance gives the approval. I look forward to coming back here to report the procedure went well and believe me when I say I WILL be here 50 years from now with beautiful, long hair and a smile. :)
I'm very tired, but I promise to get back to all the personal emails and catch up on the forum in the next few days. You all are in my daily prayers, with love - Deandra

[Tybear]

I KNOW you will beat this disease...you have such a strong will to get passed all this. It's really inspiring :) This sounds like a harsh treatment at first, but with outcomes like the ones you mentioned, how could you not try it? I hope your insurance company doesn't give you any hassles and covers this for you, no questions asked. You have youth on your side, which tips the scales in your favour big time.
Please keep us updated,
love Becky

[Jan214]

I know I answered this post already (Insert Twilight Zone Music).  I am glad that you have a plan that is different than the ones we usually get.  I have heard a lot about the stem cell thing, but haven't had time to investigate.  It might just be worth a trip to Anderson.  I wonder if Leslee should revisit.  I think she went there once.  Let's just have our sping get together at MD Anderson.  Maybe they will give us a discount rate for having 20 of us there!!
Deandra, I really am happy that you have some positive, aggressive therapy choices. Have you decided what you are going to do?  It kind of sounded like you were going to pick door number 3, but I wasn't sure.
Take care honey.
Love,
Jan

[survivor_susie]

Deandra!  
How terrific to get an update, and such hopeful news, too!
MD Anderson has made very significant strides curing reproductive cancers.  I'm glad they gave you choices, and I'm so happy you've decided to have a stem cell transplant. The only cancer patients I've ever known who had a stem cell transplant are all still alive.
I hear that the rough chemo stuff is hard. You won't have much energy.  Tell ya what.  Keep us informed about when this will happen, and we'll send you our income taxes to do.  Don't want you to be bored, y'know!
Great news.  You Go GIRL!!!!
Kathy

[junamgen]

Way to go, brave girl!

Peace

jun

[Jan214]

DUH Chemo Brain!! Completely missed the line about you deciding to do it.  Sorry.  Now ya know why I don't post much anymore. LOL

[cirella]

Hi Deandra,
Well, you brought me to tears today.  You sound so good and positive and I'm glad you have made your decision and feel GOOD about it.  The care at MD sounds wonderful.  You just go and do it all!  We'll be here waiting for you.  

Take care and many hugs,
Lori