Cycle 1 Day 3
Friday 29-7-11
Another good day but simply a repeat of Day 2
Saline
Antinausea
Palifosfamide/Placebo
Received further meds for antinausea for the weekend :
Dexamethasone and Granisetron
Clearly they are big on trying to prevent side effects.
Will also have a Peter Mac nurse come by on Sunday to assist with an injection:
Pegfilgrastim (Neulasta Ang).
This is to support the bone marrow and production of white blood cells. It will directly assist my immune system as this is a danger effect of chemotherapy.Good cells are attacked as are the cancer cells.
So far, no unwellness as a result of treatment- so I am in great spirits.
Cheers,
Georgia
Friday 29 July 2011
Wednesday 27 July 2011
Cycle one continues
Cycle One Day 2: Thursday 28 July
Chemotherapy
As was the case yesterday:
Saline IV for 1 hour
2 anti-nausea drugs
Then Trial drug Palifosfamide or Placebo
Sent home with new anti nausea meds for Weekend to follow chemo after day 3:
Dexamethazone and Granissetron(Kytril)
Feeling Ok so far but I know day 8-11 are to be respected in this regard.
About the trial I am participating in: PicassoIII
Internationally, it was launched late last year. In Australia, subjects have begun participating. So far, several in Brisbane and myself in Melbourne at Peter Mac hospital have signed up.The research is international and it is necessary to be as expansive as possible due to the rare nature of Uterine Leiomyosarcoma. I believe they are hoping to find over 400 subjects throughout the world over 2011 and 2012 to have a decent-sized sample.
The goal is to see if Palifosfamide-tris can be used with Doxorubicin as a first round treatment for Leiomyosarcoma. As a trial drug, it cannot be used as a standard treatment until research supports its level of success.Palifosfamide has the good bits in it of the more well known Ifosmamide which is used in around the world currently.
This trial can last for up to 21 weeks; each cycle runs for 3 weeks, with 6 formal Cycles included. On Days 1, 2, and 3 I receive chemotherapy. On days 8 and 15 I will have tests done to see how I am progressing. It is a commitment I have made. I intend to help myself and contribute to as much research on this illness as I can. There are a number of International and Australian research groups that are beginning to set up data bases and investigate causes and treatments of this cancer.
Genetic links and family histories are also to be explored. I am keen to explore this angle for personal reasons and I hope that the sensitivities involved for family members in Australia, Greece and the US will be greeted with an understanding that this is for a common purpose for a common good. If there is a genetic link or any history of uterine cancer in the family tree, we should use it to care for each other for current and future generations.I thank all the individuals who have begun this investigation and I hope that you can contribute as much information as you can to this research.
Love your Life,
Georgia
Chemotherapy
As was the case yesterday:
Saline IV for 1 hour
2 anti-nausea drugs
Then Trial drug Palifosfamide or Placebo
Sent home with new anti nausea meds for Weekend to follow chemo after day 3:
Dexamethazone and Granissetron(Kytril)
Feeling Ok so far but I know day 8-11 are to be respected in this regard.
About the trial I am participating in: PicassoIII
Internationally, it was launched late last year. In Australia, subjects have begun participating. So far, several in Brisbane and myself in Melbourne at Peter Mac hospital have signed up.The research is international and it is necessary to be as expansive as possible due to the rare nature of Uterine Leiomyosarcoma. I believe they are hoping to find over 400 subjects throughout the world over 2011 and 2012 to have a decent-sized sample.
The goal is to see if Palifosfamide-tris can be used with Doxorubicin as a first round treatment for Leiomyosarcoma. As a trial drug, it cannot be used as a standard treatment until research supports its level of success.Palifosfamide has the good bits in it of the more well known Ifosmamide which is used in around the world currently.
This trial can last for up to 21 weeks; each cycle runs for 3 weeks, with 6 formal Cycles included. On Days 1, 2, and 3 I receive chemotherapy. On days 8 and 15 I will have tests done to see how I am progressing. It is a commitment I have made. I intend to help myself and contribute to as much research on this illness as I can. There are a number of International and Australian research groups that are beginning to set up data bases and investigate causes and treatments of this cancer.
Genetic links and family histories are also to be explored. I am keen to explore this angle for personal reasons and I hope that the sensitivities involved for family members in Australia, Greece and the US will be greeted with an understanding that this is for a common purpose for a common good. If there is a genetic link or any history of uterine cancer in the family tree, we should use it to care for each other for current and future generations.I thank all the individuals who have begun this investigation and I hope that you can contribute as much information as you can to this research.
Love your Life,
Georgia
We're off and racing to defeat the Dragon (LMS)
Wed 27 July 2011: Chemotherapy Cycle 1 started today and I feel Ok.
Chemotherapy is done using an IV.
Today: Day 1 Cycle 1
First part Fluid for 1 hour -Sodium chloride
ECG (heart) measured
Antinausea meds given via IV
Palifosfamide or Placebo 275 mg (chemotherapy)
ECG measured
1 hour break
Doxorubicin 134mg over 15 minutes (chemotherapy)
Then sent home with anti-nausea meds just in case.
I am happy to be having this treatment. I am being careful with my diet and appreciate the information you have all provided for me.I feel very fortunate to have so many quality individuals in Team Georgia. You are all amazing- thanks for all the encouraging messages received for my big day today.
Cheers,
Georgia
Chemotherapy is done using an IV.
Today: Day 1 Cycle 1
First part Fluid for 1 hour -Sodium chloride
ECG (heart) measured
Antinausea meds given via IV
Palifosfamide or Placebo 275 mg (chemotherapy)
ECG measured
1 hour break
Doxorubicin 134mg over 15 minutes (chemotherapy)
Then sent home with anti-nausea meds just in case.
I am happy to be having this treatment. I am being careful with my diet and appreciate the information you have all provided for me.I feel very fortunate to have so many quality individuals in Team Georgia. You are all amazing- thanks for all the encouraging messages received for my big day today.
Cheers,
Georgia
Tuesday 19 July 2011
The beginning in sight...
I went in to Peter Mac Wed 20 July. Blood tests now fit within the range required for the clinical trial. It all begins next week: Wednesday 27/7/11. I will have to call Team Georgia into the first innings (first cycle of chemotherapy Wed, Thurs and Friday next week) to assist with driving and generally being nice! No matter what, treatment with Doxorubicin will begin.
The results from the tests were great in general and somewhat disappointing specifically. The CT scan does reveal some further tumours in the abdomen.
Quite frankly, if it weren't for these amazing technologically astute machines, I would feel perfectly ready to return to work!!!!
Thanks for the posts so far, I appreciate the feedback via blog, email, SMS, phonecalls, skype or meeting for coffee!
Love your life,
Georgia
The results from the tests were great in general and somewhat disappointing specifically. The CT scan does reveal some further tumours in the abdomen.
Quite frankly, if it weren't for these amazing technologically astute machines, I would feel perfectly ready to return to work!!!!
Thanks for the posts so far, I appreciate the feedback via blog, email, SMS, phonecalls, skype or meeting for coffee!
Love your life,
Georgia
Sunday 17 July 2011
Trials....
Hi folks,
Chemo is now on hold for this week. I have to have another blood test at Peter Mac on Wed 20/7 am to check further for Trial compatibility; there may be an issue with this. Therefore, I can't start Cycle 1 on Wednesday now. I will still get results on Wednesday 20/7 from all tests I did over the past week which will be helpful. Depending on how the new blood tests go,I may still go ahead with the Clinical Trial as soon as final approval is granted. I was psyching myself up for a huge week of chemo so it is a bit weird trying to readjust....
NB: The Picasso III Study is a random double-blind study in patients with front-line metastatic soft tissue sarcoma which uses the standard treatment in Australia for LMS: DOXORUBICIN and pairs it with a trial drug PALIFOSFAMIDE-TRIS.
If I don't qualify for this trial, I will still be receiving the standard chemotherapy drug Doxorubicin (unless there are further issues of concern from the tests done last week.)
Take care,
Georgia
Chemo is now on hold for this week. I have to have another blood test at Peter Mac on Wed 20/7 am to check further for Trial compatibility; there may be an issue with this. Therefore, I can't start Cycle 1 on Wednesday now. I will still get results on Wednesday 20/7 from all tests I did over the past week which will be helpful. Depending on how the new blood tests go,I may still go ahead with the Clinical Trial as soon as final approval is granted. I was psyching myself up for a huge week of chemo so it is a bit weird trying to readjust....
NB: The Picasso III Study is a random double-blind study in patients with front-line metastatic soft tissue sarcoma which uses the standard treatment in Australia for LMS: DOXORUBICIN and pairs it with a trial drug PALIFOSFAMIDE-TRIS.
If I don't qualify for this trial, I will still be receiving the standard chemotherapy drug Doxorubicin (unless there are further issues of concern from the tests done last week.)
Take care,
Georgia
Saturday 16 July 2011
What is Leiomyosarcoma? Time for a lesson...
Leiomyosarcoma is one of the forms of a very rare and aggressive cancer called Sarcoma. Georgia has Uterine Leiomyosarcoma (ULMS).
A sarcoma is a cancer of the connective or supportive tissues of the body. These tissues include bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, and blood vessels. The word sarcoma comes from the Greek word meaning 'fleshy growth'.
Sarcomas can invade surrounding tissue and can metastasize (spread) to other organs of the body, forming secondary tumors. The cells of secondary tumors are similar to those of the primary (original) cancer. Secondary tumors are referred to as "metastatic (mets)" These mets are part of the original cancer and are not a new disease. Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a type of sarcoma cancer. Leiomyosarcomas are malignant tumors which develop from smooth muscle tissue. Smooth muscle cells make up the involuntary muscles in our body. Involuntary muscles are those which we do not move consciously with our brain. Involuntary muscles are found in most parts of the body: in uterus, lungs, liver, stomach and intestines, walls of all blood vessels, and skin.
The exact causes of Leiomyosarcoma are not known, but studies have indicated that there are genetic and environmental risk factors associated with it. Certain inherited conditions that run in families could possibly increase the risk of developing Leiomyosarcoma. High-dose radiation exposure, such as radiotherapy used to treat other types of cancer, has also been linked to Leiomyosarcoma and it is possible that exposure to certain chemical herbicides might increase the risk of developing this disease, but a direct association has not been proven.
Most patients with Leiomyosarcoma choose to be cared for by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals. Many local oncologists rarely see more than one or two cases of Leiomyosarcoma in their entire career.
A sarcoma is a cancer of the connective or supportive tissues of the body. These tissues include bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, and blood vessels. The word sarcoma comes from the Greek word meaning 'fleshy growth'.
Sarcomas can invade surrounding tissue and can metastasize (spread) to other organs of the body, forming secondary tumors. The cells of secondary tumors are similar to those of the primary (original) cancer. Secondary tumors are referred to as "metastatic (mets)" These mets are part of the original cancer and are not a new disease. Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a type of sarcoma cancer. Leiomyosarcomas are malignant tumors which develop from smooth muscle tissue. Smooth muscle cells make up the involuntary muscles in our body. Involuntary muscles are those which we do not move consciously with our brain. Involuntary muscles are found in most parts of the body: in uterus, lungs, liver, stomach and intestines, walls of all blood vessels, and skin.
The exact causes of Leiomyosarcoma are not known, but studies have indicated that there are genetic and environmental risk factors associated with it. Certain inherited conditions that run in families could possibly increase the risk of developing Leiomyosarcoma. High-dose radiation exposure, such as radiotherapy used to treat other types of cancer, has also been linked to Leiomyosarcoma and it is possible that exposure to certain chemical herbicides might increase the risk of developing this disease, but a direct association has not been proven.
Most patients with Leiomyosarcoma choose to be cared for by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals. Many local oncologists rarely see more than one or two cases of Leiomyosarcoma in their entire career.
Hope you enjoyed the lesson (can't resist a bit of teaching ....)
Cheers,
Georgia
Wednesday 13 July 2011
Peter Mac Hospital 13 July 2011
Another big day out! Signed up for the Clinical Trial, got some tests out of the way: bloods, ECG, surveys, urine.
Have post op follow-up Gynacology appt at Mercy Hospital 14 July
Peter Mac: More to do on 15 July- CT on upper body region. Also, will meet with Chemo nursing staff for more specific information about how it will all work.
Tentative arrangements in place to start Chemo on 20 July 2011 for first Cycle (20/7, 21/7, 22/7 treatments).
Yey!
Love Georgia
Have post op follow-up Gynacology appt at Mercy Hospital 14 July
Peter Mac: More to do on 15 July- CT on upper body region. Also, will meet with Chemo nursing staff for more specific information about how it will all work.
Tentative arrangements in place to start Chemo on 20 July 2011 for first Cycle (20/7, 21/7, 22/7 treatments).
Yey!
Love Georgia
Monday 11 July 2011
The Story of Georgia and The Dragon (AKA Leiomyosarcoma)
Welcome to Team Georgia blog, created to keep the team informed about Georgia's comings and goings...
You are invited to join us and blog at will, raise issues, provide advice (which may or may not be considered), and generally say nice things.
The story so far:
After many attempts in 2010 and early 2011 to sort out some medical issues, I had a series of ultrasounds and blood tests. Finally, thanks to a wonderful female GP, I was referred to the Mercy Hospital.This referral eventually led to a Hysterectomy on May 25 2011.This went well and I was home within the week.
I then received an early call back to the Mercy Hospital: verdict- the "fibroids" that had been removed were in fact cancerous tumors.A PET scan was then arranged. This revealed that the cancer had spread to other areas as well: in the right pelvic lymph nodes and the peritoneum.The gynacological oncologist at the Mercy has informed me that "this is not a situation where this sarcoma can be cured".
So what is it exactly?
Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) otherwise known as The Dragon.
Standard treatments recommended to me involve chemotherapy.
What next?
A referral to Peter Mac to consider entry into a Clinical trial: The Picasso III trial. I intend to sign up for this and treatment will begin in July - probably week 3.
LOVE YOUR LIFE! Georgia
You are invited to join us and blog at will, raise issues, provide advice (which may or may not be considered), and generally say nice things.
The story so far:
After many attempts in 2010 and early 2011 to sort out some medical issues, I had a series of ultrasounds and blood tests. Finally, thanks to a wonderful female GP, I was referred to the Mercy Hospital.This referral eventually led to a Hysterectomy on May 25 2011.This went well and I was home within the week.
I then received an early call back to the Mercy Hospital: verdict- the "fibroids" that had been removed were in fact cancerous tumors.A PET scan was then arranged. This revealed that the cancer had spread to other areas as well: in the right pelvic lymph nodes and the peritoneum.The gynacological oncologist at the Mercy has informed me that "this is not a situation where this sarcoma can be cured".
So what is it exactly?
Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) otherwise known as The Dragon.
Standard treatments recommended to me involve chemotherapy.
What next?
A referral to Peter Mac to consider entry into a Clinical trial: The Picasso III trial. I intend to sign up for this and treatment will begin in July - probably week 3.
LOVE YOUR LIFE! Georgia
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