November 30 Doctor's Appointment is All Good

I had a CAT scan to the lungs and bloodwork on Wednesday, November 30 and all is looking good.  I'm so pleased to have nothing to report to you all!

Next appointment is January 10, which will be a MRI for the brain and bloodwork again.

I doubt I will have any reason to blog again before then, so happy holidays to everybody.  Stay happy and well!

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Although nobody hears much about it, November is Lung Cancer Awareness month.  I am trying to create more awareness of this leading killer among all the cancers.  One way I am doing that is attending a Lung Cancer Awareness vigil tomorrow at 6 p.m. at St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates.  (Anyone is welcome to join Doug and me there!)
Another way is to ask those of you reading this blog to take the one minute required to watch this very short video at the following YouTube link - This Cancer - and send it on to anyone else you think could benefit from learning the real facts and statistics about lung cancer.

The "color" to represent lung cancer is transparent, grey, white or pearl, which is meant to represent the fact that this disease is so often hidden.  I personally think that whoever comes up with these things could learn a few things from the breast cancer awareness folks who've managed to get just about everything conceivable to become pink, especially in October, which everyone now knows is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  Please help spread some of that awareness and publicity (and funding!) to Lung Cancer.

Thanks.

Icing on the Cake!

Those were the words my sister Deborah used to describe the news of another clean MRI scan of my brain today after returning from a two-week trip to Italy with her, her husband Jim, and Doug.  We just got back on Friday night.

First, the doctor's visit:
Had an MRI with and without contrast this morning and then blood work followed.  All results came in normal and everything looks fine.  They want me to work on trying to gain a couple pounds - that's a first!  Next check up at Rush is on November 30, when I will have a chest CAT scan, blood work and doctor visit.  This coming Thursday, I will have a check up with the neurologist, Dr. Angelopoulos, but don't expect much to come from that appointment.

Now, for Italy:
My eldest sister Deborah and her husband Jim gave Doug and I a most generous and incredible gift - taking us on a trip to central and northern Italy for two weeks and two days in grand style.  We started in the Tuscan wine country, staying in Cortona; next going to Siena; then to Florence; followed by the Italian Riviera, staying at Santa Margherita Ligure and including a trip to Cinque Terre; and wrapping up in Lake Como in a town called Blevio.  It was the trip of a lifetime.  One place more spectacular than the next.  We had exceptionally warm, sunny weather and we all had an absolutely fabulous time.  What a huge reward to celebrate a good outcome to a trying year.  I am eternally grateful to Deborah and Jim for making such great memories for all of us.

2011 Lung Run

Team DL at 2011 Lung Run

What a difference a year makes!  From wet, cold and soggy weather to a beautiful sunny early fall morning; and from just getting diagnosed with lung cancer to celebrating the cancer's remission!  Lung Run 2011 was a great success.

Thanks to the 22 family members and friends who made up 2011 Team DL for your participation.  Team DL ranked fourth in highest team donations raised!  Everybody seemed to enjoy the scenic walk/run and nobody got injured.  Success all around!

I am still smiling from the great day you all gave me yesterday.  Once again, I count my blessings of such a great support network.  Thank you.

All Quiet on the CAT scan front

I had my first CT scan of the lung since they did the focused radiation on it in early May.  As expected, there is what they called a "frosty glass" type of spot exactly where the radiation was done that is very likely scar tissue.  Everything else was clear, so looks like the lung is fine.  All the blood work was also normal.

So I will be able to take our trip to Italy with no worries.  Yeah!

I will have an MRI to ensure the brain remains clear on October 10, so that is our next major date. 

On August 20, we had a party to mark the one year anniversary of my lung cancer diagnosis.  In spite of some rain at the beginning, it turned into a lovely day and a joyous time to celebrate the progress that has occurred in that year's time.  Thanks to all who have supported me and shared this journey with me.

Ciao for now!

Another good report

... I could get used to this!  I had an appointment with Dr. Bonomi this afternoon.  Today was just blood work and a check up.  All my vitals and blood work look normal.  He said we can stretch the time between our appointments to every 6 weeks instead of every 4 weeks - which is really great because he really runs late and a 10 minute visit with him today required almost 3 hours of waiting!

At my next appointment we will do a chest CT scan to see how the lung is looking since it was radiated back in early May.  That will be on Tuesday, August 30. 

Until then, I'm just trying to enjoy a Chicago summer!

A Milestone of Sorts

Happy 4th of July!  Today is not only my father's 85th birthday, it is also the one year anniversary since I had the brain seizure that ultimately led me to see the doctor and learn that I had cancer.  This morning, Doug and I ran the Highland Park Firecraker 4 Mile again.  My time was not nearly as good as last year, but I didn't walk or stop at all during this run - that's progress!

I'm feeling pretty normal and tested my stamina this week by putting in 12 hour days (9 of them doing stand-up training each day) for 3 days in a row.  Not only did I get through it, the student evaluations were all very positive!  :)

My appointment with Dr. B that was scheduled for July 5 has now been postponed to July 19 so those of you keeping track, no need to worry that I don't post anything about the results of the visit for a couple more weeks.

That's all for now!

Lungs Seem to be Working Well

Last Sunday, Doug and I biked on Lake Shore Drive for 30 miles with some of our friends as part of Chicago's annual Bike the Drive event.  I am pleased to say that I wasn't the least bit winded and even my knees, which are usually troublesome on long-distance rides, gave me no trouble at all.  Although it was foggy and cool the whole ride, it still felt great to be on the bike in one of my favorite venues.

On the Thursday following the bike ride, I had a check up with Drs. Bonomi and Kiel which was pretty much just me telling them how I am feeling and if I've had any reactions to the lung radiation.  I have an itchy rash that got scabby pretty quickly on my back and they determined it is probably from the radiation since its location seems to match up pretty closely to where the lung tumor is.  They gave me some topical steroids that should help with the rash.

When I told them I'd ridden my bike 30 miles for BTD, they were very pleased and felt pretty confident that the lung was  recovering quite well from the radiation treatments.  :)

I will have bloodwork and another check up with Dr. B in a month and then MRI and CAT scan in early August to see how the lung looks and make sure those tumors are staying away!

Don't forget to sign up for the lung run - we have 9 team members already.  Several members are not up  for a 5k, so the 1 mile walk will also have some Team DL members.  Hopefully, that might persuade a few more people to sign up!

Still on Anti-Seizure Meds

I had an appointment with my neurologist, Dr. Angelopoulos on May 10 and she wanted me to have another EEG to see how the brain is doing.  I was hoping everything would be normal on the EEG so I could further cut back on the anti-seizure medication.  Alas, the EEG results came through this week and there is still abnormal slowness in the brain waves of the right temporal lobe (I think that's where she said it was) so I remain on the Keppra twice a day.  It's not a big deal, but Dr. A feels it is best to be conservative and make sure there that I don't have any seizures in the future, especially while driving.  She said it is still possible that I will one day have a normal EEG and may be able to someday get off the medications, but it also is not a sure thing.  Another "wait and see" deal - lots of those with this whole process.  The good news is that she says as long as I stay on the medication, I can ride roller-coasters! :)

Thursday, June 2 I will meet with both oncologists - Dr. Bonomi and Dr. Kiel for a follow up from the lung radiation.  I don't expect there will be anything new coming from that meeting since we haven't done any scans since I completed the radiation.  If there is anything to report, I'll post it on this blog.

September 17, 2011 - Team DL returns to the Lung Run at Montrose Harbor

Team DL has officially returned for year 2 of the Chicago Lung Run.  Click here to see my personal page and to access the Team DL page to join us.  If we get enough local team members, we might even have some group training runs/walks in the local area, since we have 4 months to get ready.  I will post dates and locations for any training runs that might get set up on this blog.

The Chicago Lung Run raises awareness and much-needed funds for lung cancer research. Your support will help fund important research for the leading cancer killer of men and women.

Approximately 19 people die from lung cancer every hour -- that's over 160,000 people per year, more than 25,000 of whom have never smoked (like me), and these cases are on the rise.

Proceeds from the event will benefit innovative lung cancer research projects through the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago and Uniting Against Lung Cancer, organizations that are funding real research, not just publicity, to find new treatments and end lung cancer.

Your participation would mean a lot to me.  Thanks!

Lung is Done and All is Well

I survived all four of my focused lung radiation treatments and I am done for the foreseeable future with cancer treatments.

All that is left is check ups and scans to make sure no new growth appears and maintenance usage of my Tarceva pill every other day.

So now Doug and I will try to fully absorb this good news and find our way toward a "new normal" life!

Thanks again for all the support everyone who is reading this has given to us throughout this difficult time.  I will continue to blog the results of check-ups but hope that there won't be much big news going forward.

The 2011 Lung Run in Chicago is now taking registrations and I am hoping that a battalion of my army of supporters would join me in planning to RUN, not walk, in this year's Sept. 17 event.  (I think the fact that I never stopped running throughout my ordeal made a real difference and would like to give others that same bulwark for their own health.) In a separate email, I will post a link to a team page and will gladly put together team training runs to get us ready to run a 5K (3 miles) for a great cause - funding research to find a cure for lung cancer.  This will be a fun event in a beautiful environment (Montrose Harbor on Chicago's lakefront) that will help your own health and those of others who really need that help.  Let's keep riding this wave of good will and good outcomes as far as we can!

Focused Radiation: 1 down, 3 to go

I had the first lung radiation treatment yesterday afternoon.  With the help of some calming essential oils, aspirin, anti-anxiety meds and relaxing music, I made it through okay.  It is still really uncomfortable, especially for my arms, but easier to manage with the aids I mentioned. 

Thanks to several friends and colleagues for suggestions on what to do and how to prepare for this treatment.  I've taken all suggestions to heart and am using a lot of them!

I am looking forward to Monday evening, when this is all over with.  Hopefully, that will be the end of any radiation treatments of any kind.

Preparations for Focused Radiation to the Lung

Yesterday, I had the planning session for the focused radiation to the left lung.  It was not a fun process.  They have me laying down on my back with my arms over my head for over half an hour while there is a structure pressing on my diaphragm so I can’t breathe deeply.  My arms just ached and my stomach still feels a bit queasy from the pressure on the diaphragm. 

As an added bonus, I am now a tattooed lady!  I have 2 dots over and 1 under my left breast and 1 under each armpit.  Lucky me – something I will always have with me to remember my cancer!  They use these dots to line me up with the lasers exactly the same way for each treatment.

The treatments will be Wed-Fri, May 4-6 and Monday, May 9.  It will be good to have this over with!  The good news is that they can't even see the lung tumor clearly - just some faint broken up scar tissue.  They will be overlaying my original PET and CAT scans from the time of diagnosis with the current scans to confirm the proper target area.  You may be asking, as I did, why I should even go through this uncomfortable treatment if they can't even clearly see the lung tumor anymore.  The answer I was given is that Tarceva alone is not known to "cure" cancer and if that is the only treatment that the lung mass is subject to, it will likely come back.  The focused radiation, on the other hand, has a 90% "control rate," which means that by zapping the problem area no other cancers are likely to reappear in that area in the future.

The Victory Run - Last Sunday's 8K Shamrock Shuffle

Last Sunday, April 10 was the annual Shamrock Shuffle 8 kilometer (4.97 miles) run through the heart of Chicago's downtown.  Doug and I run this race almost every year and we had signed up to do it again this year several weeks ago. 

When we got our happy news that my cancer had subsided on the Thursday before this race, the Shuffle took on a whole new dimenstion - this was to be a celebration of triumph, health and happiness.  A Victory Run.

It was much warmer than usual - I think it reached 80 degrees during the run - and I was overdressed so I  tired out more than I normally would, and even had to walk a bit on the last uphill leg of the race.  But I didn't want to take my jacket off because it not only had my race number, but the sign you see in the picture was pinned on my jacket just above my butt. 

For the first time in any race, Doug ran by my side the whole time.  We didn't care about how fast we were, so he skipped his special start corral for the faster runners.  We just drank in the beautiful day in the beautiful city.  Several runners congratulated me as they saw my little sign.  When we crossed the finish line of our Victory Run, Doug and I were all smiles as we held hands and raised them up in triumph.  Here is a link to view some pictures from our run: 

http://www.marathonfoto.com/index.cfm?RaceOID=12852011W1&LastName=PAWLOWSKI&BibNumber=6901 

Time to Get on My Soap Box - Lung Cancer Facts

As I have gone through this lung cancer journey, I have learned a lot about a lot of things.  Obviously, I've learned a lot about lung cancer and the statistics relating to the disease.  There were a lot of surprises and some were even shocking to me.  As Breast Cancer Awareness month came and went in October, it struck me how little publicity lung cancer gets even though it is the deadliest cancer for both women and men by far.  As I looked into it, I learned that the stigma of smoking associated with lung cancer has created many misconceptions and prejudices, which has further led to less publicity, support, funding, research and cures. 

I was challenged by my dear friend Beth when I was telling her about this and she said, "So what are you going to do about it?"  Well, this is my first step.  As long as I have an audience here on my blog, I thought I would take a first step right here and now to set the record straight with facts about lung cancer.  These come from the website http://www.lungcancerfoundation.org/about-lung-cancer/fact-sheets/, a pretty reliable source:

GREAT NEWS!!!!!

Got the results of Tuesday's scans today.  [Insert drum roll here.]

There is NO EVIDENCE of brain lesions anywhere in the brain.

The lung tumor is stable and INACTIVE.

We are stunned and delighted.  Even the doctors were a bit surprised by this great outcome. 

YIPPEE!!  HOORAY!! WHOOPY!  HAZZAH!

We are still going to pursue some focused radiation on the lung to zap any microscopic cancer that may still be there but not showing up on the PET scan.  The focused radiation has a 90% success rate.  I will also continue on the Tarceva as long as it seems to be working.

Although I'll never be able to say I am cured and the cancer can come back at any time, this is as close to being free of cancer as I can ever hope to come.  I'll take it!

Please feel free to pour yourself your favorite alcoholic beverage and raise your glass in virtual celebration with Doug and me - you all get part of the credit for this wonderful news.  I know the tremendous support I've received throughout this whole ordeal has a lot to do with this success.  Thank you.

Scans Today, Results & Options Discussed Thursday

This is just a quick update.  I had the PET scan this morning and the Brain MRI this afternoon at Rush.  Everything went smoothly, but it was a long day with a lot of waiting in between the procedures and no food since 7:00 this morning so I am wiped out.  As I expected, no results were provided today but these will be provided and options for next steps discussed with Dr. Bonomi and one or two of their radiation oncologists this Thursday afternoon.  My brother Rick will be joining Doug and me for this meeting.  Rick, my sister Susan, Doug and I have all been doing some research to educate ourselves and we've been preparing questions to ask at that meeting.  Thanks to those who offered suggested resources - I checked out everything suggested by everyone.

Meanwhile, I have about a 1/2 inch of hair growth on my head but still have that sparser area in the front and center.  I've started to venture out occasionally without covering my head, but I still get cold a lot and wearing the hat makes a difference in maintaining warmth.

I will post again on Thursday evening, of if I'm too tired, Friday with the results and outcomes from the doctors' meeting.  Stay tuned!

Today's Doctor's Visit and Researching Focused Radiation Options

Today I had my monthly check up and bloodwork with Dr. Bonomi and everything looked great.  All my vitals and bloodwork were normal and he said I looked great.  He was pleased with my weight as well (I’ve maintained same level as last visit).

On Tuesday, April 5 I will have a brain MRI and PET scan and on Thursday, April 7 we will meet with Bonomi and two radiation oncologists from Rush to review the results and discuss next steps relating to radiosurgery.  Of course, if they think I should have focused radiation on either the lung or brain or both, they will recommend their approach. 

I've been trying to find some comparative data for the different types of focused radiation and have not had much luck.  If any of you have some good information on the pros and cons of the various options - gamma knife, cyber knife, Novalis, tomotherapy, proton therapy are just some of them - please let me know.  Here is a link on what Rush offers, for what it's worth:  http://www.rush.edu/rumc/page-R11689.html.  This is one of the more challenging aspects of this whole cancer process is learning ALL of your options and then determining which path to take.  Thanks in advance to anyone who has suggestions or information to share! 

Friday's Neurologist Visit

Last Friday, I had my appointment with Dr. Angelopoulos.  She was pleased to see that the lesions in my brain have shown some shrinkage from the scan reports.  I got her to agree to cut the dosage on the anti-seizure medication, but she isn't optimistic that it will improve my appetite.  I figure it can't hurt, and I am always trying to reduce the amount of medication I am taking anyway!

My next appointment with her isn't for three months, so at least I won't have to worry about that for awhile!

...And the Results Are In

I had the Brain MRI and CAT scan along with the usual bloodwork at Rush today.  It's all good news.  The CAT scan showed no change in the lung tumor and the MRI showed a bit more shrinkage in the lesions in the brain.  All the bloodwork came back normal.  I couldn't really ask for more.

So we will continue on this course - Tarceva every other day.  I'm still working on eating more (I never in my life thought I'd have to write those words!) and doc seems to think that if my appetite hasn't come back by now, it probably won't.  I'm going to talk to Dr. Angelopolous, my neurologist, at our appointment Friday about cutting back on the anti-seizure meds to see if that might help the appetite (plus I've been on them over 6 months and haven't had a seizure since the original one in early July).  There are also some drugs that Dr. B can prescribe to stimulate appetite but I'd really like to find a different way.  The wine before dinner seems to be helping.

In a couple months, Dr. B wants me to have a PET scan along with the brain MRI to make sure the cancer has stayed contained and consult with Dr. Diaz, a radiation oncologist, to evaluate if we should use focused radiation on either the brain, lung or both.  Once we get to that place, we'll have to do more research on the best focused radiation approach to use.  Rush uses one form of stereotactic radiation, but there are several forms, each with different pros and cons we will want to look into - but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.  I asked Dr. B why we would want to do focused radiation if we are still seeing progress with the Tarceva alone.  He said that typically the cancer cells eventually develop a resistance to the treatment (usually around 12 months into the treatment) and we want to get ahead of it and see if we can eliminate the tumors.  I'm all for that, as long as the risks and possible side effects are minimal. 

Regarding my hair, I now have a reverse mohawk with dark baby-down hair everywhere except right down the middle, where there is an inch-wide stripe that is shorter and more like stubble.  But we are making progress, which seems to be the theme of this blog.  And progress is good!

Tomorrow's scans postponed 1 week

Due to some nasty weather forecast for the next couple days here in the Chicago area, my doctor's appointment and scans that were scheduled for tomorrow have been postponed until next Tuesday, February 8 in the morning.

Florida Getaway

Doug and I just returned Saturday night from a six-day vacation with my sister Deborah where we visited her dear friend Maureen in Sanibel Island, Florida.  It was restorative and relaxing and wonderful.  The weather was even warmer than it had been (low- to mid-70's during the day) so Doug and I were able to run outside on four of our six days there.  There was still some humidity that adds a little challenge to the runs, but it felt so good to be outside without layers of clothing!

I think the trip was good for my hair as well because all four of us are certain that it grew while we were there.  I now have dark peach fuzz over all but the very top of my cranium, which is still a bit stubbly.  I am happy to finally see some progress!

Unfortunately, my appetite didn't improve significantly and I had three mother hens watching my every mouthful for signs of progress.  Though I didn't gain any weight during the trip, I didn't lose anymore either.  Maureen was a great host in making sure there were plenty of tasty and tempting items available for meals and snacks.

It was such a pleasure to just relax and not worry about schedules or plans.  We just hung out and did whatever we felt like doing when we wanted to do it.  And saw lots of great sunsets on the water.  I hated to come back to the cold.

A week from today is the next set of scans.  And then Wednesday will be an appointment with the neurologist.  I haven't had any seizures since that first one in July and the levels of the drug in my bloodstream are good so I am hoping to get her to consider reducing the anti-seizure medication since I think that perhaps it might be contributing to the reduced appetite.  We'll see.

January Check Up

I had my monthly bloodwork and visit with Dr. Bonomi at Rush this afternoon.  All the bloodwork remains normal and everything seems to be fine. 

My appetite has continued to be weak and I still get pretty tired by the end of each day, but we are not sure if I have a cold or if it is a side effect of the Tarceva.  Dr. Bonomi suspects that it's the Tarceva.  I am staying on the every-other-day dose, at least for the time being.  I might try to drink some wine with meals more often to stimulate my appetite.  The doc said that is probably the best way to go in terms of an appetite stimulant - it could be worse!  :)

I still have just a little stubble on my scalp and I am starting to get impatient for hair - it is really chilly on the head and neck when the temperature outside is freezing!  But both the doc and his nurse, Irene, say that the speed (or lack thereof) of my hair growth is pretty typical.  Aaaarrggghhhh! and Brrrrrrrrr!

Tuesday, February 1 will be another round with the MRI and CAT scans.  I don't think there will be much other news between now and then.