Apologies for not posting over the last month, but we have learned throughout this journey that it is like a roller coaster ride. Sometimes you are feeling very high when receiving good news and obviously sometimes you are feeling very low when receiving bad news. For this reason we waited to post on what is going on until we really knew and understood what is occurring.
Vann was able to start the 12th Round of Chemo yesterday and will possibly be going for the 13th Round in a couple weeks. The 11th Round proved to be the hardest Round for Vann. During the infusion, Vann had a reaction with hives, shortness of breath and slight chest tightness. After the administration of medications to counteract the allergic reaction she was able to receive the rest of the infusion. During the 11th Round Vann was much more fatigued than the previous rounds.
During the 11th Round Vann's tumor marker numbers were not responding how the Oncologist expected them to. At this point the Oncologist ordered a CAT Scan to get a better idea of what was occurring. The results from the CAT Scan were suspicious and questionable to both the Radiologist and Oncologist so a PET Scan was ordered. Okay, now to the good news-the results from the PET Scan showed remarkable improvements in the primary tumor and the tumors within the Liver. When compared to the PET Scan when Vann was diagnosed, it was obvious even to us how much the tumors had shrunken. In addition, the PET Scan clearly showed how much less metabolic activity was occurring within the tumors.
Our Oncologist felt very comfortable with the results from the PET Scan and informed us we will continue with the FOLFOX Chemotherapy and the Avastin. During this appointment we discussed the next step was for Vann to be evaluated by several Liver Surgeons for possible surgery. We have gone to one appointment at St Johns Cancer Center in Santa Monica and will hopefully be making more appointments this week. After meeting with the different Dr's we will be making an informed decision with our Oncologist with how to proceed.
At this point the game plan sounds like surgery will be performed sometime in December. The first surgery would likely involve removing the primary tumor in the colon and performing the surgery on the liver. Vann is expected to be in the hospital for one week following the surgery. The dates for the surgery will depend on if Vann can continue with the Chemotherapy and also how long it takes Vann to regain her strength to endure the surgery. As you can all see, a lot of variables are involved in how this is all going to proceed.
Think that about brings everyone up to date. Please if anyone has any questions feel free to e-mail us. This has been a pretty tough time, but definitely could not have been done without all the help. It is very difficult to put into words how much it has assisted us through this time. We really appreciate all the sacrifices our family, friends, co-workers and neighbor's have done to assist our family. Thank you!
