4/6 - Condition Woorsens

I'm reporting on Monday's news from our visit with Dr. Kaseb.  My father had come to town to help me get through the weekend (I must have ate some  bad food and was sick most of  Saturday and Sunday) and to attend the appointment with us.   So my father, Jane, Rae and I went to find out the following directly

The fresh blood work taken early Monday indicated that my liver is once again distressed and is showing signs of dysfunction.   So much so that the I have broken the entrance requirement of the clinical trial  Dr. Kaseb had spoken of earlier.  In leu of the clinical trial (which mixes the IV drug, Evestin, with the oral drug Tarceva), they are suggesting treatment with only the IV Evestin.   Then if the liver shows signs of improvement, they could add the Tarceva pill later.

One of the major side effects of Evestin is bleeding.  As I am on blood thinners for thrombosis control, they want me to get clearance from the lung specialist to stop the Lovenox. It was two particles discovered in my lungs after the TACE procedure that spawned the blood thinners in the first place.  Second, they want to have a follow-up EGD to repair or strengthen any varices.  The last time a EGD was done in Oct 2010, I got the all clear but the latest scans show evidence of varices again. 

What's next: Dr. Raj, who had done my EGD in the past had already prompted about a repeat and so I went ahead and scheduled the procedure on 4/21.  I am instructed to keep taking on calories and protein for weight and strength.  After all that Dr. Kaseb wants a follow-up consult before starting the IV treatments

Generally, I am feeling much like I did when I was first diagnosed cancer.  So I'm labeling this round two.  Cancer is coming on stronger than before and I have fewer treatment options.  Not trending in a positive direction.