July 13, 2011 Update

Chris here with an update in regards to the previous update. Further results from the CT scan show that the cancer has spread to parts of the spine and brain. What this means is that the plan to start Topotecan and AVE0005 is on hold. Instead, radiation is set to start either Friday or Monday at the latest. The radiation will be for parts of the brain, and we are waiting to hear if the doctors will also be targeting the chest in their treatments. The treatments will be Monday through Friday for three weeks and then the doctors will regroup. Dad is feeling very tired and is sleeping as much as possible. We appreciate all of the support we have been receiving from all of you.

Went to the doctor this morning for the results of the CT scan & the news was not so good. Despite all the chemo, the cancer has been growing so I'm officially out of the Mayo study. I will be starting a new treatment with Topotecan which is a second-line chemo agent which has been shown to prolong survival and improve symptoms. I will be getting this drug with another randomized drug AVE0005. I get a brain scan on Monday to make sure no cancer has spread there sine my last scan. If I'm good to go, we start the Topotecan immediately.
How do I feel about this? Mayo was a 50/50 chance of getting a placebo. God didn't like the odds either!
Still looking for the miracle. Thanks for your continued prayer.
Tom

A short update today. Should be lots more info after my doctor appointment next week. Chemo #6 went very well. No nausea at all but I did spend most of the next day in bed. It just drained all my strength. Fortunately I rebound quickly. Thursday was my CT scan to see what effect the chemo has had. That darn barium contrast had me on my knees in front of the precelain princess over a span of 9 hours later in the evening. Nasty stuff! I'll have the results of the scan on the 7th. Right now I'm scheduled to have the Mayo Clinic infusion on the 17th. Will keep you posted.
Blessings,
Tom