I was diagnosed with a 1b leiomyosarcoma in June 21. I had three monthly CTs until August 22 when my oncologist said that it would be X-rays only from then on. I wasn’t happy with that so we negotiated alternate X-rays and CTS. I had an X-ray in November which was clear then a CT in February which showed a 5.5cm met on my iliac artery and a 1.5cm met on my psaos muscle in my pelvis. I am now stage 4 with metastatic disease. I can only have palliative chemo. I and my family are heartbroken. I have just had my third dose of doxorubicin and should have it scan next Monday but there are no appointments until the 16th June which will then delay my next round of chemo.
Hi Deborino
Janice's Leiomyosarcoma was stage 4 when it was finally diagnosed. At first she was put on watch and wait but then they decided to try chemotherapy. In her case doxorubicin was very effective but had somewhat of an unfortunate side effect and had to be stopped after just 4 treatments. When she was fit enough again they then tried Gemcatabine and it put her cancer to sleep. While she is not cured her cancer has been stable now for over 6 years - took a while to get out head around it but now very happy to say "living with cancer".
Her oncologist is so pleased he is even talking of discharging her to GP care as there is not much to be gained from dragging her back to the hospital just to find out she is in good health.
I know when I first heard the term palliative care I has assumed it menat end of life, had to learn the hard way it really meant treatment other that a cure. Gets very interesting whenever Janice sees a locum doctor thought as of course many will never have met a patient with Leiomyosaroma, often seen them look it up on wikipedia.
<<hugs>>
Steve
