Ellen Findlay Herdegen Ellen's Update

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. 


If you need the whole story, here it is in a nutshell:
My cancer troubles started in March 2003 when my left kidney was removed due to  "transitional cell" (aka: urothelial cell) carcinoma. During the years 2006-20012 I had small bladder tumors removed 11 times.  July 2012 the urothelial bladder cancer was detected in my lower right lung lobe, prompting the 9 cm tumor and lower right lobe to be removed. I had chemo (Taxol/Carboplatin/Gemzar) Oct. 2012- Jan. 2013.  All was FINE until recently. On Feb. 13, 2017 a routine CT scan showed "multiple new bilateral pulmonary nodules." Then the Feb. 22 PET scan confirmed it as progressive metastatic urothelial cancer in both lungs (small spots) and a few lymph nodes.  All too small for surgery. So we started chemo, again, on May 1st. This "cocktail" is called MVAC, Methotrexate/Vinblastine/Adriamycin/Cisplatin. (harsh!)  I get an infusion treatment (using an IV) once every 2 weeks, for a total of 10 times. So it will take 5 months. And a shot of Neupogen (Zarxio) , 5 days in a row following each chemo, to stimulate white blood cell growth and help my immune system.



We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement.  CaringBridge is an awesome service for issues like mine. You have to "sign up" to get my updates and they often mention "supporting CaringBridge", which I can understand their need to fund raise to keep the site free for everyone.  But please don't feel pressured or obligated.  I wish I could remove all mentions of "support".  All I care is that you get the updates and it would be fun to see a text or email from you.  And I want to hear what is happening in YOUR lives!  Cancer is just one chapter of my life,  and all of you are the FUN and LOVE  that makes life worth living!


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Thank you for visiting.