January 19, 2009 Update

Gus and I met with our medical oncologist last Friday to discuss the options, side effects, and goals for the future. The doctor admitted that he had never given these three drugs at the same time to a patient. When chemo drugs are combined like this, they are given in a lower dosage than when given individually. Thank God. Gus' wish is to start with the three chemos and see how he feels. The taxotere which is the one Gus has never been exposed to before really affects the blood count.

Dr. Hensold agreed that CAT scans are not that accurate in determining the status of Gus' tumor. He feels the tumor marker CA 19-9 is the most accurate test we have for Gus, so that will be a blood test done every three weeks. The regular blood work is done each time before the infusion.

They are doing a CAT scan and the CA 19-9 blood test on Gus this coming Thursday, January 22nd to get a starting point before the second round of treatment. Even though CAT scans don't show the true picture on Gus, the medical oncologist still wants a current one because so much of the tumor was removed during surgery. After the CAT scan, then they want us to meet with a medical person to learn the side effects of chemo. I have a hard time believing they can tell us anything we have not heard or anything Gus has not experienced already. Nausea, weight loss, low blood counts, yeast infections, diarrhea, constipation, hand and foot syndrome, fatigue, chills, pain, dehydration and a reaction to the 5 FU that sent him to a dermatologist for the spots to be burned off. And I am sure I am forgetting something.

We are then meeting with Dr. Hensold Tuesday, January 27th followed by chemo that afternoon. They have warned us it will be a long day. Anytime we set foot in that infusion room, it becomes a long day.

The most important part of the discussion with the doctor, I felt, was the doctor telling us he would not continue chemo if there was no positive proof that it was destroying the remaining cancer cells. He knows how toxic chemo is and the side effects associated with it. If chemo is not making a difference with the cancer, he will encourage Gus to stop. I appreciate that so much.

Gus is still struggling with his weight. He lost 5 pounds in Seattle with surgery and he has lost one or two since coming home. He just doesn't have much of an appetite. He is really going to concentrate on eating several small nutritional meals throughout the day. Gus is walking every day. He only has five days left of injecting himself with the blood thinner and soon he will not be restricted on how much he can lift. What more could any man want.