Where to start on this update? Well, December was a frantic month for us. With the last PET Scan results being favorable, we moved forward with the consultations with surgeons for possible surgery. After consulting with six different surgeons in the early weeks of December we thought our game plan was coming together. Unfortunately, Vann's tumor marker numbers began to increase and we needed to get a PET Scan done to figure things out. The results were shocking due to Vann's cancer genetically altering itself to the FOL FOX Chemotherapy. The PET Scan showed the primary tumor and liver tumors as being metabolically active. In addition, it showed the cancer has now made its way into Vann's lungs.
After coming to terms with this news we discussed our options with our Oncologist and Vann is now on a different Chemotherapy regiment. Vann is currently on her second round of FOL FIRI along with a new Target Therapy drug called Erbitux. The side effects have proven to be a little tougher, along with the fact that this is now Vann's 15th round of Chemotherapy. The major side effect right now is a rash predominantly on her face and back. This is a common reaction from the Erbitux and actually is a reaction the Oncologist informed us that you want to see. Apparently, the rash is a indication that the Erbitux is achieving the desired results.
The tumor marker numbers have been going down during the first round of the FOL FIRI Chemotherapy. Right now we just need to pray and hope that this trend continues. We will be monitoring the tumor markers numbers for now and moving ahead with the new treatment plan. At some point, a PET Scan will be performed and will hopefully show some encouraging results.
On a side note, I would like everyone to know our family had a very nice Christmas Day. Ryley and Taylor had a great time opening gifts and playing all day. It was a great feeling to spend the day together as a family and see Vann so happy. There were numerous friends, co-workers, organizations, and family that made this possible. Without the efforts and generosity from all of you, we could not have made this happen. Thank you to everyone in our lives for helping us make this Holiday Season a special time.
Thank you all for the enormous amount of prayers, love, and support!
After coming to terms with this news we discussed our options with our Oncologist and Vann is now on a different Chemotherapy regiment. Vann is currently on her second round of FOL FIRI along with a new Target Therapy drug called Erbitux. The side effects have proven to be a little tougher, along with the fact that this is now Vann's 15th round of Chemotherapy. The major side effect right now is a rash predominantly on her face and back. This is a common reaction from the Erbitux and actually is a reaction the Oncologist informed us that you want to see. Apparently, the rash is a indication that the Erbitux is achieving the desired results.
The tumor marker numbers have been going down during the first round of the FOL FIRI Chemotherapy. Right now we just need to pray and hope that this trend continues. We will be monitoring the tumor markers numbers for now and moving ahead with the new treatment plan. At some point, a PET Scan will be performed and will hopefully show some encouraging results.
On a side note, I would like everyone to know our family had a very nice Christmas Day. Ryley and Taylor had a great time opening gifts and playing all day. It was a great feeling to spend the day together as a family and see Vann so happy. There were numerous friends, co-workers, organizations, and family that made this possible. Without the efforts and generosity from all of you, we could not have made this happen. Thank you to everyone in our lives for helping us make this Holiday Season a special time.
Thank you all for the enormous amount of prayers, love, and support!
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