Just returned from the doctor. The scan showed marginal evidence of cancer still in her liver. Uptake values for several lesions were 3.6 and the point at which scans definitively identify cancer is 3.5. So that basically means that there is a minimal amount of cancer still in her liver. It is not significant enough for new treatment so we will do another PET scan in 8 weeks to see how much it has developed. If it continues to develop she can go back on Cisplatin which took it out before [providing it hasn't mutated into a strain that resists that].
There is a gene test that MIT has developed that can identify certain cancer genes. When those are present there is specific drugs that can eliminate those so Deb will probably have her cancer cells tested as they continue to grow to see if there is something else that can also be used.
We're going to always be in this Wack-A-Mole process, but good news is that she will have more time without treatment to spend on things that she wants to accomplish.
Her blood counts were still below normal and Dr. Reddy indicated that they will likely not ever be normal again, since chemo kills off needed stem cells in the bone marrow. She will still need to be careful what she gets exposed to in order to keep healthier.
The NEWS IS GOOD, and we are blessed to have a longer earthly journey to spend with those we love and on things that matter.
Bart
There is a gene test that MIT has developed that can identify certain cancer genes. When those are present there is specific drugs that can eliminate those so Deb will probably have her cancer cells tested as they continue to grow to see if there is something else that can also be used.
We're going to always be in this Wack-A-Mole process, but good news is that she will have more time without treatment to spend on things that she wants to accomplish.
Her blood counts were still below normal and Dr. Reddy indicated that they will likely not ever be normal again, since chemo kills off needed stem cells in the bone marrow. She will still need to be careful what she gets exposed to in order to keep healthier.
The NEWS IS GOOD, and we are blessed to have a longer earthly journey to spend with those we love and on things that matter.
Bart