Chemo 4 (Round 9)

All went fine with this latest round of Alimta and Avastin. Having discussed the latest CT scan results with Dr. Schraeder we will continue this protocol every three weeks until such time as the cancer is NOT stable and spreads further. It is still showing up in my lung, liver and bones but is stable and NO new growths. I will have a PET scan in two months.

All the other consulting doctors are in agreement with the current plan and also agree that no changes be made until the Alimta and Avastin start to fail. I am comfortable with my back up plans concerning the TRIAL with Dr. Brahmer at John's Hopkins and I am also awaiting the results of the Exome genetic testing.

My blood work was fine, my blood pressure was a tad high and the urine protein was LOW (good). I have put on a couple of pounds. Just so you know.....on a good day I am 5' 8 1/2", 153 lbs with a BMI of 23. Not bad. For you metric nerds..... I am 174 m, 69.4 Kg or 10.9 Stones!

I will post the genetic test results as soon as they are available.

Carpe Diem.

The chamber was empty

The latest scan results appear to show STABLE. Still in my lung, liver and bones but stable.

Carpe Diem.

Russian Roulette?

That's what it feels like every time a cancer patient goes for a scan. You just never know if the odds-on "empty" chambers will show up or wether you'll blast your brains out. I don't mean to sound so melodramatic but for those who have gone through this can definitely relate.

I had my scan this morning and now we wait. Empty chamber or bullet?

The scan went fairly quickly as I only did the CT and not the PET. It was also done after two months and not the typical three month interval. The reason being is to see if my current regimen of Alimta and Avastin is still effective.

As far as the biopsy results are concerned, we should have some results around about June 10th.

Carpe Diem.

How ironic

This arrived yesterday. I should have gotten it February of 2013 but I guess better late than never. Maybe they thought I was.....

Carpe Diem.

Chemo 3 (Round 9)

A good session. Why? Because I met and talked to this young lady (28) who has been dealing with liver and breast cancer for the last two years. She was such a pleasure to talk to and has such a great attitude. Her parents and in laws were there with her as well.

My weight was down slightly and all the blood work was fine. The urine protein was low and stable and the meeting with Doc Schraeder was good. I will be CT scanned just before my next chemo (4th session) on June 6th.

Now, on a rather upsetting note. A good friend of mine who was dealing with cancer for the past few years was just told that it has spread after being cancer free for quite a while. Non of this makes sense anymore! I wish him well. He did ask me if I was at "The Spa" today and I loved the new title for the infusion center. So, from now on, you will hear me talk of going to "The Spa" and you will know what I am talking about.

Carpe Diem.

Mr. Nyathi get his new wheels

Carpe Diem.

The biopsy

The biopsy was done this morning and I'm now home feeling ok. The lesion on the liver has allegedly remained the same or shrunk but the Doc was able to get the samples. So I guess that was good on both counts. It will be a couple of weeks until I hear anything back on the testing. 

Meanwhile.....chemo this Friday.

Carpe Diem.

What do I want?

With regards the liver biopsy scheduled for this coming Wednesday May 14th. What do I want? I want the Interventional Radiologist to do the CT scan before the procedure and say "sorry, but there is not enough tumor to biopsy. It's shrunk!"

I certainly DO NOT want to jinx myself but the reality is what will be will be. I will have to deal with whatever comes up. There is no way around this!

Here's to being optimistic.

Carpe Diem.

World Cup 2014 tickets for sale

Spread the word or buy the tickets and receive a genuine Zimbabwean 100trillion dollar bill in excellent condition.

We have team specific (USA) series 7 tickets. The side of the draw depends on the results of the group games. 

If the USA finish 1st, 3rd, or 4th in the group stages, it's games 54, 58, 61. Game 54 is the R16 in Porto Alegre. Game 58 is the QF in Rio. Game 61 is the SF in Belo Horizonte. 

If the USA finish 2nd in the group stages, it's games 56, 60, 62. Game 56 is R16 in Salvador. Game 60 is the QF in Brasilia. Game 62 is the SF in Sao Paulo.  

The tickets that are NOT available are USA vs Germany (group), USA vs Portugal (group) and the FINAL.

The prices are USA vs Ghana US$800 for the pair. R16 US$1,000 for the pair. QF US$1,600 for the pair and SF US$2,000 for the pair. Remember, everything is negotiable.

The buyer is responsible for shipping.

Questions? Contact me via email.

Thanks.

Carpe Diem.

Rescheduled liver and onion biopsy

My liver biopsy has been rescheduled for Wednesday May 14th. I have promised not to eat before and screw up the procedure for a second time.

What is going to happen is that the interventional radiologist is going to do a "dry" CT scan of my liver to see exactly what is happening with the tumor. If the tumor has grown she will perform the biopsy. If the tumor has shrunk she will more than likely not continue with the biopsy.

If done, the biopsy will hopefully yield valuable information about possible new courses of action as well as the possible effectiveness of new drugs and trials currently available.

In the meantime, I will continue to get the Alimta/Avastin combo every three weeks with the next treatment due Friday May 16th. I will also be getting a full CT scan after the next treatment to see if I continue to positively respond to the current regimen.

Carpe Diem.