Wellll...
It's been a while in between updates, but that's a good thing (pretty much). So, my initial treatment (chemo + Radiation therapy) finished after its scheduled course. Unfortunately, it hadn't reduced the tumour, but on the up-side, the tumour didn't grow during this time.
I'm now currently undergoing immunotherapy, with Durvalumab (Imfinzi), to further treat (and hopefully eliminate) my pancoast tumour. I've recently undergone my third treatment, and now expect to have a follow-up CT scan to see if it is having an effect on the tumour.
Unfortunately, the pain from the tumour (and subsequent Horner's Syndrome) is pretty intense, and is being treated with the opiates Oxycontin, and Oxyndone, and with the nerve specific drug, Lyrica (Pregabalin). These, along with 6-hourly paracetamol, are barely keeping the pain in check, but without them, I would not be functional (prior to diagnosis, I was in tears all night, and getting 1-2 hours sleep a day).
The side-effects of Durvalumab are rather extensive compared to my original chemotherapy drugs, and have caused some issue, especially in the few days/week after treatment. However, they are not completely debilitating, and I can push through it in order to get the required therapy I very much need to beat this thing.
Anyway, that's about all I have to update you all with for now. Hopefully, after my CT scan, I'll have some good news to impart on you.
Take care!
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