World Cup 2014 Brazil starts today

Why is this so special you ask? Other than the fact that I love football/soccer!

When I was diagnosed in 2008 I promised Robyn that we would go to World Cup 2010 in South Africa. It was a milestone for me to get there but I did and we had a magnificent time.

Now, World Cup 2014 Brazil has rolled around and once again, I made the pledge to Rob. Well guess what? I'm still "around" and we are off to the FINAL in less than a month.

Need I say more........... 

Carpe Diem.

Biopsy results

I just had a really nice chat with the Doctor at Champions Oncology. The company that did the exome sequencing

Basically, she was pleased with what the results yielded. She explained a few things.

1. The fact the mice transplant tumors did not “take" was a “good” thing and not to be concerned about that. The reason being was that the tumor was not aggressive or fast growing.

2. In the report there is a diagram labelled Genetic Alterations with Established Clinical Significance.  One of the genes called RET showed "Rearrangement". That is the key. That is the mutation that is causing the naughty stuff. She was very pleased that it showed up.

3. The drug used to treat this mutation is called Cabozantinib or Cometriq. It’s an oral medication. It’s supposed to be very effective. 

http://www.cancer.gov/drugdictionary?cdrid=461103

She advised that no changes should be made to my current protocol of Alimta and Avastin until such time as these drugs start failing me!

Carpe Diem………….

Busy week

Just to take my mind off the lousy post chemo days.

Tuesday massage. 

Wednesday sensory deprivation tank.

http://befreefloating.com

Friday driving exotic cars.

The Dream Car Sprint™ - A Driving Adventure by Gotham Dream Cars

Carpe Diem.

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.