So, I've been doing chemo since 2007 now. Last week I got a CT scan. I arrived at the hospital at 11:30am, and was immediately given my nasty contrast drink. I had to drink around 40 ounces of the stuff-- this time it was flavored with lemonade, and I have to admit it wasn't as bad as in the past. It took me about 15 minutes to get it down, then I had to wait 45 minutes. After they called me back, they did 3 scans, then inserted the IV and flushed the dye and did 3 more. I was free and clear by 12:45pm, so I went down to the little cafeteria they had on the 2nd floor and grabbed a small bowl of soup.

My appointment with Dr. M was at 1:45, and luckily she was running a little late, because Scott didn't get there til 2:15pm. I went back to do vitals first, then she came in to talk to Scott and I. She gave us a copy of my CT scan results, and said that not much had changed since my scan in December. She seemed pleased with that. I still have a few small nodules in the peritoneal cavity. Unfortunately, the lab lost my bloodwork from 2 weeks ago, so I had to do it all over again, and we can't proceed with a decision about treatment til we know what my CA-125 is. It basically came down to 2 options:

#1 If my CA-125 is below 50, she will allow me four more weeks off chemo, and I will take a once a day hormonal therapy pill (from home) called Femara. This drug has given new hope to Ovarian Cancer patients-- it is a Letrozole hormone therapy. I will stay on this drug for 4 weeks, then come back and re-test.

#2 If my CA-125 is over 50, we have option "a", and option "b".

a) Topotecan once a week, at the cancer center, per usual infusion.

b) Etoposide, a pill taken daily that I could do from home.

They both have similar side effects-- I'd lose my hair for both, etc. The Etoposide has one rarer side effect that makes me nervous though... the possibility of developing a secondary cancer (like acute leukemia) years later.

Dr. M also wanted to hold off on my port-a-cath surgery until we know exactly when we'll be starting chemo up again. I think she is trying to avoid putting me through anything else til I absolutely need it.

She called me back 3 days later and said that my CA-125 was 27. WOOT!! She said the good thing about the Avastin I was taking at Duke, is that it stays in your system a long time, and continues to work. This is VERY good news, as it means I can have another 4 weeks off from chemo!! She called in the Femera for me to take every day, but it's a mild hormonal therapy. I'm so happy! Four more weeks of a break will do me SO much good.

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So nice to see you here Holly! Fantastic news!

(I am Itscoldinhere78 on your zanga). Waving hi to Holly!

Kick it's ass Holly!!

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Great news Holly. Good thoughts and prayers coming your way.

Cancer is a b*tch...please kick its a**!! Sorry to hear that you have been put through the ringer. Hang in there girl and listen to the Drs. advice-sounds like they know what they are doing. You are in my prayers. Lynne

That's great Holly!! No chemo for four weeks!! Sounds like you're doing really well.

Thanks for giving me the great advice to help my friend, Carol. I really appreciate it. She's having a scan tomorrow and more chemo.

I am so happy for you Holly !!!

Congrats!!! Prayers said!

Fantastic!!! Will continue to pray for you!!!

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That's wonderful news. I hope you continue to do well!

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That's great! A breather will be good for you.

Holly, I'm SO happy to hear your getting a much needed break. My thoughts and prayers are always with you. Give it the final boot!

Keep up the good work!

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Thats great news!! So good to hear from you. Glad your doing well.

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I'm glad that you will get a much needed break. It's great news and prayers are with you. I saw a T shirt the other day that said "Hey Cancer...You picked the wrong broad!"...I liked that! Stay strong and continue your fight. ~Lisa

Great News!!!!

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Thanks for keeping us posted. So happy to hear you got some good news!

Enjoy your month off!

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Thanks guys. I appreciate your encouragement and support.

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Tears of joy Holly!! YEAH!! I am so glad you are getting a well needed and deserved break from the nasty chemo

Hugs and hope to you, Holly.

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I am amazed at your strength. Enjoy your break. Hoping to hear lots more good news from you.

great news my continued prayers are with you.

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That is good news, Holly! Congrats on the break from chemo...

GREAT!!!!!! I know when my DH had to stop Chemo for a few weeks due to low blood count it was a welcome relief for him. Please take care and embrace the good news.