December 2, 2008 Update

Gus and I are having difficulty containing our joy.   The CAT scan showed no visible growth in the tumor on the pancreas and the liver still looks normal.  Of course, we would love to have had no tumor, but it is still the same size as it was in June.  That is a victory in itself.  Our doctor in Bozeman feels part of the exterior of the tumor might just be residual.  He was not about to make a judgment call on whether or not surgery will be possible.  A very wise man.   He was sending the scan results to Seattle by the fastest method.  The surgeon in Seattle, Dr. Parks, has been the one calling the shots from the start and he will be the one to decide the next step once he reviews the CAT scan.  We are hoping to get a phone call from him by the end of the week with what that step will be. 

 

The Bozeman doctor was encouraged, but he based his feelings on how Gus was doing by looking at Gus as much as looking at the CAT scan.   The fact Gus has no pain after having severe enough pain to be on a narcotic pain killer impresses the doctor the most.  

 

Gus was brave enough to ask the doctor what the options are if surgery is not possible.  We can either wait until symptoms appear then start chemo or we can do chemo as preventative before symptoms start.   It would be three weeks of chemo then a week off.    Basically what he just went through these last three weeks of treatment.  There will not be any radiation again.  For that we are thankful.   Gus tolerates the gemzar chemo with very little side effects. 

 

Gus is finally gaining weight to the point where he is now trying to remember old rules on maintaining weight, not gaining weight.  For about six weeks, he got to enjoy eating everything he wanted.  But all good things must end.  Tonight he is eating an apple instead of his beloved bowl of ice cream.  He has gained almost 14 pounds and is now looking very good.  

 

Gus did try to have a foot race with Lane and that put him in pain, so he still is limited on how fast he can move.  He is splitting firewood to build his upper body back up.   Gus is also walking each day if possible.

 

We never remembered to ask the doctor about the blood pressure yesterday, but no one seems concerned about it.  There were no blood tests yesterday, but last Wednesday the levels were looking good.   As we left the cancer center yesterday, a nurse approached us and asked if we needed to schedule another appointment.  With smiles ear to ear, we said "No Thanks".