Scan Results

The Dr. came in and got right down to business. It was obvious he wasn't going to give us good news. Monday's CA19-9 numbers have gone up about 300 points. The scan shows two new tumors on the liver, the biggest tumor has gotten bigger, and the nodules in the lung have also gotten bigger. There are a few other minor changes, but it all adds up to the fact that my crafty cancer can currently cream the chemo. (OK, it was a bad try at alliteration.)

The pancan is becoming resistant to the chemo regimen I've been on. It is also kicking my body's butt. So, rather than put me through another round of killer chemo, we are stopping the drugs I'm currently taking. We will meet with another RMCC oncologist in Aurora to see if I might qualify for a phase I study. Statistically, phase I studies are generally unsuccessful in treating a disease because they are trying different dosages, etc. But, since I am still in good health overall, the Dr. suggested I look into this before beating myself down with another drug right away.

If not, I will start a medication called Zelota. Anecdotally, people who have done well on Gemzar/Tarceva typically do well on this drug for awhile. It comes with its own set of side effects, of course. The other option is to do nothing, which would give me 3 to 4 months. I am not ready to quit. This does, however, give me incentive to get serious about getting my life organized. I will work harder at that.

The good news is that, since I didn't get treated today, tomorrow I will feel well enough to go to Ball for an employee event with the astronauts who will be doing the next Hubble servicing mission (which now is moved to April/May). I may not get to go to the launch, but maybe I'll get to meet the astronauts. That would be really cool.