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Dear Sisters, my journey has become more difficult lately whilst the radiation was effective on the pleura cavity tumours new growth is apparent everywhere else. I am out of most options due to a lack of bio- markers so we tried Cyclophosphamide without results. Last week my oncologist talked to me about end of life options. 🥲

I asked for a second opinion and to wait for CTscan results, which did show narrowing of the sigmoid colon as a result of the metatastic pelvic tumour. Yesterday I met with the gyne surgeon who recommends a colonoscopy and an ileoscopy. Then there may be a possibility of Immunotherapy to control growth. I will have to pay for the immunotherapy as it is only available to patients with recurrence after 2 lines of treatment not 5.

Has anyone had to have this surgery of been on immunotherapy?

Loving kindness,

Thinking of you dear @florence2022 with caring thoughts as you navigate through another challenge. I am so sorry that you are going through this difficult time. I don't have any answers to your specific questions about immunotherapy, but I believe that it has been used with cervical cancer, etc. Perhaps one of our knowledgeable sisters will be able to give you some helpful information. 

😘

Thank you dear Leslie always wonderful to hear from you!

Florence xxx

@florence2022 I'm glad you asked for a second opinion and do hope that will happen quickly. You have travelled far on your journey and I know you will continue to explore and fight. I'm curious as to why the gyne surgeon is recommending a colonoscopy and ileoscopy. Is the latter to reduce pain from the pelvic tumour?  It also frustrates me that there's a 'rule' on government provided support vs self pay based on what line of recurrence you are on (as it relates to immunotherapy). Seriously, if it's an option for extension of life, there should be compassionate ground consideration.

I don't have any experience to lend relative to immunotherapy however as @LeslieA mentioned, perhaps there are other Teal Sisters who can speak to this.

Thinking of you and hoping you will get answers quickly. 

#Treatmentandsideeffects #Supportandencouragement #Recurrence

Thank you for your advise@Alwayslearning I agree fully if I had 2 lines of treatment it would be covered as of spring this year n BC. Sadly not for those at my stage! I had RT for the pelvic tumour a which kept it under control for about 14 months it has always been pressing and growing up the sigmoid colon. It has now caused narrowing of the bowel and can only pass small bm's each time and is extremely painful. As I am considered a palliative patient it is for pain control and to prevent a life threatening blockage. My gyneonc and surgeon feel it is necessary before preceding with active treatment again. Also good to note that Immunotherapy works well with Paclitaxel, to bad I was taken off that treatment after 3 cycles.

@florence2022 I appreciate you sharing the rationale for the procedure. Your bm's sound very painful and for that I'm so sorry. My fingers are crossed you will be back to treatment again soon 🤞

#Supportandencouragement