Everyone was so POSITIVE yesterday. It's taken me awhile, however..so I reached out a little further to see what other people (those who don't love me and act as my cheerleaders thought -- not that your enthusiasm doesn't mean the world, I just wanted to talk to people with lc, too).
So I posted on a couple lc blogs, asking the random lc folks what they thought about 50 percent after 6 weeks -- they gave me the definite answer that it's worth the happy dance (the happy dance is big with this community) -- they reminded me that there are a ton of people that chemo doesn't even work for, or gives results of like, 5 percent. And one woman who got to 50 after six MONTHS.
So I am humbled, being reminded once again, that I am a lucky one so far in this battle. Not only in results, but also with my fabulous support group -- your blog posts keep me up and laughing and so missing seeing most of you in person. As soon as this chemo is done, I am throwing a party (surprise Matt!:-).
I also asked Jack via email last night (yes, that would be Dr. West -- since I am working with him on some of his foundation stuff,and I will probably know him the rest of my life) and this is what he said.
"50% is a ballpark of the volume change, since it's not really a sphere.
That’s good. About 25-35% of lung cancers show that much shrinkage with
first line chemo, perhaps 1% with no evidence of residual disease (a
complete response). AND YES, PEOPLE, I WAS REALLY HOPING FOR BEING THAT 1 PERCENT -- BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT SINCE I HAVE SIX MORE WEEKS OF CHEMO, MAYBE I STILL CAN!! OR EVEN BUMP THAT 50 TO 75-95 PERCENT. MAYBE I BETTER START EATING MORE BROCCOLI.
Another 40% or so will be "stable disease", ranging
from a less impressive response to no change to slight progression with no
new lesions.
About 25-30% will show clear progression of the cancer as their best
response to initial chemo."
Alright then. I am on board. Besides, I'm not quite ready to give up the blog, are you? And for those of you who feel like it, I am now accepting guests at chemo (I am running out of things to watch that don't offend the lovely nurses). I am usually all ported up by around 1 or so (but that is definitely a variable)...just call if you're in the neighborhood...
xxooo, Melissa
19 comments:
Melissa,
Happy Dance at our house for You!
If and when, I am prepared to come have a little arts and crafts session with you ( and a couple friends ) if you want a diversion.
love to all of you ,
Audrey's grandma, Lisa Spreacker
It IS good news!! Pulling for you, thinking of you ...
xoxo
The Melissa Happy Dance has officially commenced in New York! XO
Most excellent news! So glad you have the LC community to talk with. More happy dances tonight!
Hi Melissa,
Great news! I will have milhouse (the cat) do a happy dance tonight. Trust me - he'll love it
I am pretty open on Tuesdays so I'll be calling you for a visit - maybe we can work on that grocery list????
Julia (and clark too)
So I was reading this and when I got to the PARTY part I knew you where back to form. Great news. I'd love to join you at a chemo session. Let me know. And just to let you know I piggy backed my prayers with you and the Red Sox. So far God seems to be listening. You're getting much better and the Sox are in the playoffs. WEE! Oh happy days.
So here's the deal! You beat this thing and the Sox win another World Series. O.K.!
Love ya xoxox
I have been dancing, really tired now.
Wonderful news.
Thinking of you.
Love Lori & Kevin
Hey M,
You may or may not remember me, but when we were about five-ish we met in Lake Chelan. We (or at least I) fell absolutely, madly, best-friendly, cousinly in love. Perhaps it was because we were only-ish together...?
In any case, we had just one week to collect rocks on the icy cold shores of Chelan before my mom carted us off to Spokane (by way of Coulee, go figure) to hook up with your dad. As newly minted blood sisters, we were absolutely distraught when we found out that the next morning we would be separated forever (or at least a very, very long time). Oh the drama! We had to DO something about it!
You know what we did? We danced a rain dance! We danced in a circle and sang and wiggled, and all our cousins laughed at us. "Twenty percent chance of rain," they said.
But we saw clouds on the horizon. Huge clouds…and they offered us a kind of hope. We KNEW rain would come and make the weather so bad that nobody, not even your amazing dad, would be able to come and separate us. And you know what happened?
Well…this is how I remember it: it not only rained, but it hailed. Ice cubes. Crops were destroyed. Windshields broken. Roads washed out. It took your dad a whole extra day to come and fetch you. And you know what we did? We did a happy dance!!! The odds were against you then, but you kicked ass. I'm sure you'll kick ass again now.
We've been following your amazing story…and have finally overcome our blog fears to join the discussion. Looking forward to more communication…
Xoxo,
Cousin Jenn (&Matt&Luke&Nick)
Hey Melissa,
Just wanted you to know I am thinking of you and I am glad to hear about your most excellent progress! Keep it up. Love, Casey, Sandy, and the goon squad.
Just back from vacation and was eager to read your updates. I'm doing the Happiest of Happy Dances all over this house! No doubt in my mind and heart that the percentages will keep increasing.
And, yes, please do keep the blog going so we can stay connected.
And, being the expert chemo-sitter that I am, once Doug finishes his last round this week, I'll be ready to come hang with you. In the meantime, sending lots of love and hugs your way.
Cheers to you!
Laurie
e
We're all about the Happy Dance down here in Portland! And we're excited about the party. Craig and I will definitely do a roadtrip - tell us when! Thinking of you daily - love you...
Carl
Oh, Melissa! So happy! I know your positive outlook is working miracles but a Christian greeting card or two probably doesn't hurt.
Thinking of you constantly!!! Keep up the good work and positive attitude. Heard about you volunteering...you would brighten anyone's day, so you're perfect for the job. Your whole family in Coulee loves and misses you very much.
Melissa, I check in on you every week and am so happy to hear your great progress. Its just gonna get better.... Keep up the good spirits, the good chemo work. You really inspire me!!!!
I'm doing the HAPPY DANCE AT MY DESK AT AMAZON RIGHT NOW! I love you Melissa!! Thinking and praying for you always xoxoxo Mere
Melissa:
Sorry I haven't checked in for a bit, but I'm glad to find some positive news! Know that I'm thinking about you and I'm happy dancing like a crazy man. Sending you lots of love.
Scott
Hey Melissa-
I try to keep this on the downlow, but I am actually a certified happy dancer, so you are getting a professional happy dance as we speak. :)
Love ya
Laura
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