Chemo 5 (Round 9)

Back to the "Spa" this morning for another poisoning.

I HAVE A Request if you will please read this

I am once again trying to raise funds for Zimkids and their vocational program. Over the next short while I am prepared to match any donation to Zimkids that any of you make up to US$2,000. NO, THIS IS NOT A SCAM. You can email me privately with your pledge and I will explain what I propose to do. If you are happy with what I am doing then you can go ahead and make the donation. If you want to remain anonymous then let me know as well. THANK YOU.

asuskin@hotmail.com

Carpe Diem.

Upcoming trips

Squeezed between chemo treatments.

Rio De Janeiro July 10th until July 14th. World Cup FINAL.

Zimbabwe August 7th until August 20th. Need I say more?

Carpe Diem.

This is what you do when you don't have a job

Or........you are on medical leave.

Carpe Diem.

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.