CMM had his semi-annual PET scan done Friday. We haven't seen the results yet, but yesterday the radiation oncologist's office called to schedule him an appointment on Friday, just before his regular oncologist and chemo. This likely means that there's something new on the scan that they want to do radiation treatment for.
Sorry to hear this, kml. You've noted CMM's quirks, but also that he has some great qualities. I'm glad this news came after the 4th of July so you two were able to enjoy a good holiday together.
Just a family with curious minds and a predilection for reading. I often say, my super power is, I know how to LOOK THINGS UP! My son said I should have that on a coffee mug.
So, CMM's PET scan results are kind of a bad news/good news situation. The good news? No new bony metastases. The bad news - a couple new active spots in the lungs. The good news? Radiation oncologist thinks he can zap those, and so far, CMM's tumors have been sensitive to radiation. The bad news? His regular oncologist doesn't think it's worth continuing his current chemo. The good news? He thinks, given the genetics of his tumor, we might be able to use a new targeted oral chemo drug called Mektovi that is approved for melanoma but still in trials for lung cancer. The bad news? It's wicked expensive, and getting it covered when it's not approved yet for his type of cancer may be hard. (Cash price something like $10k a month). The good news? Since chemo was cancelled today, my good friends are going to drive down tomorrow for dinner with us.
Had a great visit yesterday with my friends. We sat outside in the back yard, not because of Covid (all are fully vaccinated and careful because my friend has had a heart transplant) but because his wife is wicked allergic to cats. My son kept his cat in his room, but still, I’ve seen her have a bad allergy attack just from walking through the house.
They’d just had their fourth grandchild the night before, and they’ll be driving up to Washington the next week to meet him. Their first grandchild, the older sister of this new one, is super cute, blue eyed, blond with Shirley Temple curls. Which is a testament to recessive genes, because Grandpa is a very dark skinned African American!
Anyway, it was fun to sit and laugh with them. They’ve been married something like 45 years, and I’ve known them maybe 42 of those years.
Good morning, Ellie! Very sorry to hear about the Good News/ Bad News prognosis for CMM...especially for the exorbitant pricing! I saw something the other day that said to the effect, "No wonder Americans are suspicious of socialized medicine, they think that the high prices we pay are NORMAL!"
Super happy to hear you had a great visit w/ friends.
SG
Survival Goddess "The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." -Alice Walker
So, CMM's PET scan results are kind of a bad news/good news situation. The good news? No new bony metastases. The bad news - a couple new active spots in the lungs. The good news? Radiation oncologist thinks he can zap those, and so far, CMM's tumors have been sensitive to radiation. The bad news? His regular oncologist doesn't think it's worth continuing his current chemo. The good news? He thinks, given the genetics of his tumor, we might be able to use a new targeted oral chemo drug called Mektovi that is approved for melanoma but still in trials for lung cancer. The bad news? It's wicked expensive, and getting it covered when it's not approved yet for his type of cancer may be hard. (Cash price something like $10k a month). The good news? Since chemo was cancelled today, my good friends are going to drive down tomorrow for dinner with us.
$10k a month. any way for him to get into a clin trial for lungs?
{{{{{hugs}}}}}
M 20+ T25+ S ~15.5 (BD) BD 4/6/15 D 12/23/16
"Someone I loved once gave me A box full of darkness. It took me years to understand, That this too, was a gift." ~ Mary Oliver
Not for this drug at the moment. But if it’s not available to him, I’ll definitely keep looking for trials of other kinds. I’ve also ordered a natural supplement that inhibits the same enzyme the drug does. Not the same , of course, but might be helpful.
