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CT results after 12 wks of ipi
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CT results after 12 wks of ipi

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › CT results after 12 wks of ipi

  • Post
    • January 16, 2011 at 8:43 pm
    Sharyn
    Participant
      Hi Folks,
      Well, I finally got the results of my Dec 8 CT scan, and it's not as good as I was hoping, but not all that bad either. I already knew that my leg and back tumors were shrinking, as I could see that for myself. But officially, the leg tumor is gone, and the back tumor went from over 2cm down to 1.6cm. The lung tumor has shrunk from 5.5cm to 3.3cm. All that is great, and in March I will resume the Ipilimumab treatment for another 12 weeks.
       
      However, the brain is another issue.

      Hi Folks,
      Well, I finally got the results of my Dec 8 CT scan, and it's not as good as I was hoping, but not all that bad either. I already knew that my leg and back tumors were shrinking, as I could see that for myself. But officially, the leg tumor is gone, and the back tumor went from over 2cm down to 1.6cm. The lung tumor has shrunk from 5.5cm to 3.3cm. All that is great, and in March I will resume the Ipilimumab treatment for another 12 weeks.
       
      However, the brain is another issue. I still have the 4 tumors that I've had since last spring, but on this report, no measurements are given, only that they are "small". So what's "small"? 2mm? 2 cm? How are we supposed to guage success or failure without measurements? In any case, three of the 4 tumors have vasogenic edema (swelling) around them. So Dr. Mihalcioiu wants me to come to Montreal, and meet with him and Dr Roberge (radiation oncologist) to discuss another round of Stereotactic Radiation Surgery. That's the same procedure I had done last May, when my head was bolted to a table in a mask for 4 hours, and I wasn't allowed to move. Can't wait to do that again –NOT!!! Dr Mihalcioiu says it's possible the swelling is caused by the tumors starting to respond. My back and leg tumors did become inflamed before they receded, so it's possible the same is happening in the brain. I could also be having a delayed reaction.
       
      All in all, I'm encouraged by the positive effect Ipilimumab is having on my tumors from the neck down. Hopefully we'll soon get the brain tumors under control too. I'll keep you posted.
       
      Hugs
      Sharyn, Stage IV , Stage IV
    Viewing 7 reply threads
    • Replies
        • January 16, 2011 at 9:09 pm
        James from Sydney
        Participant

          Hi Sharyn, sounds like good news that the Ippi is working. Why don't you ask for an MRI of the brain and get a sizing so you can compare with the last scan. Keep up the great work i have a feeling you will soon be dancing the NED dance!

          best wishes

          James

          • January 16, 2011 at 9:09 pm
          James from Sydney
          Participant

            Hi Sharyn, sounds like good news that the Ippi is working. Why don't you ask for an MRI of the brain and get a sizing so you can compare with the last scan. Keep up the great work i have a feeling you will soon be dancing the NED dance!

            best wishes

            James

            • January 16, 2011 at 11:14 pm
            Vermont_Donna
            Participant

              Hi Sharyn,

                 I am so very pleased to hear about the success of Ipi!! Hoping that soon you will get good news about the brain mets too!!! Let me know if we may be able to meet if you come to Montreal!

              Hugs,

              Vermont_Donna

              stage 3a

              • January 16, 2011 at 11:14 pm
              Vermont_Donna
              Participant

                Hi Sharyn,

                   I am so very pleased to hear about the success of Ipi!! Hoping that soon you will get good news about the brain mets too!!! Let me know if we may be able to meet if you come to Montreal!

                Hugs,

                Vermont_Donna

                stage 3a

                • January 17, 2011 at 1:00 am
                Rocklove
                Participant

                  It sounds positive Sharyn or they would not be putting you back on the ipi.

                  Positive Thoughts and Prayers for You and Family Sharyn… Get through this thing.

                  Rocky (Stage IV Liver Mets)

                  • January 17, 2011 at 1:00 am
                  Rocklove
                  Participant

                    It sounds positive Sharyn or they would not be putting you back on the ipi.

                    Positive Thoughts and Prayers for You and Family Sharyn… Get through this thing.

                    Rocky (Stage IV Liver Mets)

                    • January 22, 2011 at 4:52 am
                    LynnLuc
                    Participant

                      Hi Sharyn, sounds pretty promising! I am hoping the "small" spots in the brain are reacting to Ipi…sounds like they might be!

                      • January 22, 2011 at 4:52 am
                      LynnLuc
                      Participant

                        Hi Sharyn, sounds pretty promising! I am hoping the "small" spots in the brain are reacting to Ipi…sounds like they might be!

                    Viewing 7 reply threads
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