Gigi's Decision

Let me start off saying that before therapy could be decided, the radiation doctor, Dr. Thompson, wanted to double check to make sure that her brain was clear of any cancer (since it is harder to detect brain cancer with the PET scan). The MRI of the brain was clear of any cancer and the dr. said he could tell she was very "sharp" just looking at the image. Gigi decided to have a second sit down with the oncologist, Dr. Salloum, about her therapy and what it would consist of. He strongly suggested that she take at least one round to further determine her outcome...and urged her to take a couple of days before she makes a final decision. Leaving the office, Gigi had already decided that she didn't want to go thru any therapy. Jeff and I had lunch with her several days later and she was still content and very peaceful with her choice, which she decided on due to quality of life during therapy and she was told from Dr. Thompson that with therapy a patient in her condition gains an average of 9 months and there is still no chance of curing this cancer. (This doesn't mean she only has 9 months, it was just the amount of time gained if she went through the treatment...the doctors don't know exactly how long she has - that is all dependant on how fast the cancer acts). She is still going to follow up with Dr. Salloum, but other than shortness of breath, Gigi is not in any pain and doesn't feel bad and is going forth living her everyday life. I will continue to update how she is doing and let you all know of any doctors visits.

i love gloria

Dr. Salloum (Oncologist)

Gigi, Susan and Jeff met with Dr. Salloum - the oncologist today. He was amazed at how great she looked...even though she has some decreased lung function along with some shortness of breath, he said she looked amazing and beautiful (he said that he sees some 65 yr. old patients who look much older than she does). Gigi's other organs are functioning just as they should and that he strongly recommends a combination of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Gigi was concerned if it was really worth it to her to go through all the chemo and radiation and Dr. Salloum said "absolutely-especially because overall she is in good health." She is holding up so well and showing little signs or symptoms of the cancer and this therapy would only benefit her. He also wants to do a MRI of the brain just to make sure there is no cancer there, mainly because PET scans don't show the brain well. Her next appointment will be set up to discuss her therapy with the physician for the radiation therapy. Gigi also discussed about doing her therapy at MD Anderson. Dr. Salloum said that if that is what she wanted then he would be happy to accommodate her, however, she would have to make arrangements to stay in Houston for 7-8 weeks at a time...and that the therapy would be the same here as at MD Anderson. (If surgery was an option, then he would absolutely recommend that she go to Houston, however, because of her lung function-surgery is not an option--this is the third confirmation from different doctors about the surgery not being an option). Jeff said that Gigi was doing great after the appointment, she is scared of the side effects of this option of therapy, but her spirits remain high.

Biopsy Results

Well, if we are talking about Cancer, then the news today was good news!!! Gigi's biopsy showed that she has non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This type of cancer developes slowly and causes fewer or no symptoms until very late stages. NSCLC has several different stages-Gigi has stage 3b which means that the cancer has spread to nearby tissue and her lymph nodes. Surgery is usually first line therapy for this type of cancer, but because of Gigi's decreased lung function and due to the fact that it has spread to the lymph nodes surgery is not an option. Dr. Surani (the pulmonologist) said that the best option would be chemotherapy-which has been shown to prolong and improve quality of life. The next step is to visit with an oncologist. We have decided to make an appointment with Dr. Villamil in Corpus. If Gigi decides that she wants to go to MD Anderson, then Dr. Villamil will make all the arrangements...at this point we are going to wait and see what the oncologist recommends at this stage for Gigi. I know this doesn't sound great, but of all the news we could have received today this was the better one. Gigi took the news well, she is nervous about discussing chemo, but her spirits are high and was entertained by a hibachi style japanese lunch today. We are expecting a call from the pulmonologist tomorrow with the appointment date with the oncologist...I will be sure to let everyone know.

Biopsy Day

Today was so busy for Gigi and Susu!! Their morning started at 6:45 am showing up to the hospital for the biopsy. I spoke to Gigi about the procedure and she was awake the whole time-with some discomfort but no pain. The procedure took about an hour, however they kept her there from 9 am until 5 pm. They took several x-rays during the day convienced that her lung would collaspe (especially due to a weakness in her lung caused by COPD)...amazingly her lung was strong enough to make it through the day without a collapse-a miracle!!! She is doing well tonight, Susan is spending the night with her. Gigi wanted me to tell everyone that she feels a little weak and tired but is in no pain, and very thankful for all the prayers and concerns. She is doing GREAT!!! What an amazing woman. I will be going with Susan and Gigi Thursday, April 8th for the follow up and result of the biopsy. I will post the results as soon as I get them. Thanks again, we love you all! If there are any questions, please don't hesitate to call me :)

Stage 3b definition

http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/about-cancer/cancer-questions/stage-iiib-lung-cancer

Diagnosis

Gigi, Susan, and Jeff followed up with the pulmonologist (Dr. Surani) Monday 3/29/10 to learn the results of her PET scan. The results showed 2 tumors in the upper lobe of her right lung. The scan also showed that the cancer has spread to some lymph nodes surrounding the lungs and close to the heart. This puts her diagnosis at a stage 3b cancer. The next step is to do a biopsy which will determine exactly what kind of cancer the doctors will be dealing with. (ie small-cell carcinoma or non small-cell carcinoma). The biopsy will determine what kind of option treatment she will have; the biopsy is scheduled for monday April 5. Gigi is upset with the news, but is going strong with the strength of her family and friends...in fact, she got out today for her weekly massage and wanted to go to Luby's for lunch. She does complain of shortness of breathe, but is doing great and looks beautiful!!!