We met with Dr Lao today to review the results of the routine CT scans after three courses of immunotherapy. The scans show that the tumors in my liver on average have doubled in size and a new one has been identified. The tumor in my chest has shrunk and presents a few questions that need to be answered. Dr Lao wants to try the procedure called Trans-arterial Chemo-embolization. Essentially they will enter the arteries of the two lobes of my liver through the artery in my groin and introduce radioactive/chemotherapy drugs to the enclosed liver in an effort to kill or shrink the tumors. He has had some success with this procedure with other patients having metastatic ocular melanomas and he believes I am a good candidate. Again no cure here but hopefully the slowing of growth and some shrinkage for a longer life expectancy.
The whole process takes three trips to the hospital. The first one is with injected dyes to map out the vascular system of each lobe. Then a separate infusion for each lobe. Each takes a day in the hospital and a day of observation before I can come home. It also appears that if I get good results the procedure can be repeated several times to try to get further shrinkage in the future. We are currently waiting to see what the doctors' schedules are like to get started. I suspect I will have the immunotherapy session this Wednesday and then they will be suspended for the TACE procedure and then be resumed afterwards. Sounds like my summer medical schedule is getting booked up...
Had a great time in Cleveland this last week with the kids from Chris;' Youth Group at St John Neumann. Wonderful kids who are excited about their faith and the good works their faith calls them to do.
Peace, Don
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