Partial response?

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I spoke to my specialist nurse today, and she’s been told by the oncologist that she is allowed to tell me that my CT scan shows a partial response. Does anyone have any idea what that means? I don’t have my oncology appointment until 5th September. My mind is going into overdrive trying to work out what this could mean. My nurse didn’t sound particularly confident. 

  • Hi  a partial response most likely is what it says…… the treatment has not done a complete job so further treatment may well be needed…… but this can be rather different across different cancer types.

    I have a rare blood cancer so I have had partial response a number of times over my 24 years and this meant I had to have further treatments.

    You may want to ask your question on your cancer type support groups and see if the group members have experienced similar.

    Mike (Thehighlander)

    It always seems impossible until its done - Nelson Mandela

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  • Thanks for your reply. I’ve already been told I’ll need further treatment, otherwise I only have a prognosis of 6-12 months.

  • It’s rather daunting when you get told news like this.

    Back in late 2013 I was in the same position as my rare blood cancer had become very aggressive so if the treatment plan put in place did not work I had a few years in the clock…… I am now coming up to 8 years out from my last treatment…. I wish you well and there is always hope until hope runs out.

    Mike (Thehighlander)

    It always seems impossible until its done - Nelson Mandela

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  • Thanks for your comment. It’s always good to hear of others beating the odds. I can’t imagine what it must be like to have a rare cancer. I’m lucky to have bowel cancer which is often treatable. As you can imagine I’m anxious waiting for this scans results, as it’ll determine if I have any other options. I remain hopeful and as positive as I can! Thanks again.

  • My type of Cutaneous T-Cell Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is actually incurable so it may well kick off again.

    The reassuring thing is that over the past 8 years a few new treatments have come along so there is possibly of a safety net for me depending on how it would present.

    All the very best as you move forward and let’s look for good news to come your way.

    Mike (Thehighlander)

    It always seems impossible until its done - Nelson Mandela

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