avastin/abraxane - question on continuing

I posted this on the mets forums - but, it was suggested by Pam that I post here to have more people see - especially those taking avastin. 

 

I have been reading your messages for a month or so and finally decided to join you.  I know you all have the knowledge and I hope that I can share some too!  But, right now I have a question....

 

I was in contact with Hayley a month or so ago and told her about my story for an old media storyline posted here.  I realized the post was quite old - but, then she invited me to write a spotlight story.  I was honored to be asked and honored to do so.  Anyway - my history is on there - but, my question is on my future.

 

My latest PET scan showed that one area in the lymph nodes in the hilar region was still there - so, after some discussion - I am doing a new radiation called Novalis for that area.  I went for 5 days in a row and finished today.  I am hoping this knocks out this area that has been hanging around since my December PET.  That is when I restarted Abraxane and Avastin.  Last time - all of the cancer in the nodes was knocked out by 2 months worth.  This time I have been on it for 6 months - with areas still hanging around.  Hence, the novalis.  I also had a suspicious area in my Left (affected side) ribcage show up on the bone scan - we are just going to watch that until the next scan...ugh!

 

FINALLY TO MY QUESTION......I am wondering if the chemo is still working.  My doctor thinks it is - because things are getting resolved little by little - but, I am wondering.  I have been doing some research on Avastin after seeing the reports on this site - and don't feel too great about continuing with it.  I have high blood pressure now from it and take a water pill, have a higher SUV in my espophagus than I do in cancer spots due to the heartburn (is that the avastin?) and I had brain mets and am scared about the affect on that.....

 

Please share your thoughts - whatever they are.  I know it is my decision and that I should talk to my doctor - and I have and I will....I just want to do as much research as possible and get some feedback from you all!!  Any suggestions on chemo to try next?  What about just doing abraxane? how about carboplatin? 

 

I will get another PET and bone scan in July - so, that will be a real indicator of how things are going....but, I am supposed to get back on my a/a regimen two weeks after this novalis stuff (june)....so, I am just trying to figure it all out!  

 

I have done - A, C, Taxol, Gemzar, Abraxane, Avastin.  Looking for the TN wonder drug!!

 

 

Thanks so much!

love and light,

christina