First some good news. I had a great weekend, beautiful weather, feeling strong, got out and cleaned up flower beds, moved dirt and mulch, and did half a dozen other little chores and projects.
Now for the medical report. Jane, Rae and I went to my MD. Anderson checkup appointment with Dr. Kaseb. The lesions of our previous focus are stable, not growing in size and not active. The lesion and thrombosis in the hepatic vein (IVC) has not showed signs of shrinking since the last scan.
The news is that there is now two new lesions appearing in the liver and the AFP cancer marker is up from 147 the last visit to 538. This indicates new activity that is tolerant of the NEXAVAR chemo treatment. Also the bloodwork indicates the liver function is now elevated whereas it was slightly above normal the last visit. And finally the new activity is the likely cause that I am having trouble gaining or holding my weight as the battle with cancer uses the bodies stored energy. It is strange that I have been feeling so well lately in light of these results.
Conclusion, the NEXAVAR has outplayed it's effectiveness if it ever was at all. Dr. Kaseb said this usually happens after about 4 to 6 months of treatment. Considering this change could have occurred in January, my result is not that much different, 6 to 7 months or so. Then again the radiation treatment probably had more to do with arresting the cancer than everything else.
So, Dr' Kaseb wants to take a new course of action. First, stop the NEXAVAR and focus on gaining weight and strength. Next, he wants to repeat the bloodwork and have me visit in two weeks. If my liver function is good, (no worse than now) he wants to start me on a clinical trial which combines an IV drug, administered every two weeks, with a daily pill to combat the cancer. These drugs are not chemo based and have very much the same symptoms as NEXAVAR so I should be able to tolerate them without to much trouble.
The clinical trial has shown significant positive results in previous liver cancer patients but is not yet FDA approved per Dr. Kaseb. He was sufficiently vague about the details so we are researching to piece together what we can about the trial. So far I have not been able to identify a clinical trial posting on the MD Anderson web site that matches his description. We should know a lot more in two weeks when we visit with him again.
Overall I'm numb over the report. I was hoping for better.
Dont be numb...it's a just a different path to get to the end result of beating this horrible invasion in your body. For the most part, you have done 'remarkable'..dont forget those words and keep positive about the next steps. Good things come to those who wait and allow the good Lord to continue to bring people and solutions into this process....I'm grateful for every day and doctor visit that is hopeful for a solution of any kind.
ReplyDeleteDear Ray, we, too pray continually for healing for you, and we pray for your family daily. I agree with Bonnie, that your status so far has been "remarkable" according to the doctors. Numbness is probably to be expected, for a few days; after that you'll be ready to face the task before you again. You are running a good race, to paraphrase Paul, and your reward will be healing. We pray that you'll be healed to live on Earth for a good long time yet.
ReplyDeleteSue.
If you need anything please feel free to ask. I have faith that you will beat this because you are a fighter.
ReplyDeleteSheryl
Glad you enjoyed your weekend Ray - I love working in the yard as well - planting flowers, filling the bird feeders, watching my cats dart through the flower beds hoping to catch an unsuspecting Blue Jay frolicking in the bird bath. It's the little things that bring pleasure in life even during the most stressful of times.
ReplyDeleteDear Ray, This is just another path to reach your goal. Your fighting spirit has brougth you this far. Keep you positive outlook and eyes on the Lord. He will show you the way. Love, Cathie
ReplyDelete