Scan results Feb. 20, 2014

I know that there are people waiting for the update, so I am just going to give the report as best as I can….

Ron's Kidney which measured at 2.6 x 1.5 cm last scan now is at 2.7 x 2.4 cm.  The large mass within the posterior lower pose now measures 4.6 x 3.9 cm which at last scan was 3.9 x 3.6 another increase in size.  Also Interval increase in soft tissue component of the left iliac bone metastatic lesion.  They find a mixed pattern of response to the therapy.  Also his adrenal gland has increased in size from 2.6 x 2.1 cm to 3.6 x 2.3 cm.  So what does this all mean? Basically that although he did respond in that the lungs and places that have been radiated have not increased, everything else has not responded in fact they have grown!  Not excatly what we wanted to hear. But also not too surprising to Ron as he has felt some pain in these areas lately.  So what to do now???? A new drug this time its called Everolimus (Afinitor) it is again an oral chemotherapy for metastatic kidney cancer.  Side effects well the list is about the same as last time…

• Nausea
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea
• Mouth discomfort or sores
• Edman
• High cholesterol 
• High blood sugars
• High blood pressure
• Feeling tired or weak
• Respiratory symptoms (cough or shortness of breath)
• Infections
• Low blood count

Just to name a few. It will take a few weeks as always to get insurance approval, drugs ordered and get started again.  

As we are sitting in the infusion room Dr. Agarwal came in to see Ron.  Can I just say he is the best doctor ever!!! He came to check on Ron. He had heard that it took them 6 tries to get the IV in his arm and was not happy that it had been so difficult, he came to let Ron know that he did not have to be restricted to just using his right arm for IV (which is what we were told at the very beginning of the journey) that it would not be a problem to use the other arm where there was lymph nodes involved.  What great news his right arm has just been drained! All the veins that they try are so hard that it has been really stressful on Ron.  

He went on to explain that the reason for the iron is that he has been talking to another expert doc here at the HCH and was told that low iron helps cancer to grow.  He told him to check Rons iron, and he did, only to find out that Ron's iron is low sooooooo they are going to give Ron lots of iron!!! 

I am continued to be amazed that as I am sitting in my little chair wanting to scream or cry or anything thinking what more do we have to do, and in walks Rons doctor to give us more information and literally comfort!! He said you are doing all the right things and we are not giving up on you! We will keep looking for answers and doing all we can for you.  Although you don't qualify for any trials we will keep fighting and doing all we can for you.  And I know that is the truth!! 

So I'm not screaming or even crying ok maybe a little tear.  But it's because I do know that we are on a wonderful journey together! We have the blessing of knowing that we are an eternal partnership and that the Lord is the key to all thats taking place in this journey! He set the path and led the way.  And he will give us direction in all we need!  So we will enjoy the day together and go home together and that is my favorite place to be!! With Ron no matter what we are doing!!! 

And we will be prepared for the next step in this journey.  

FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT