Update: No progress...

... is good progress - at least when it comes to my treatment!

As promised, here is an update on my progress (or, as far as my condition goes, no progress):

• I saw Dr. Zu on Monday, 6 April, when, in addition to my usual monthly injection of Sandostatin, he reviewed the results of my latest CT / MRI scans.
• To date, my latest scans show no change and "no progression" in my tumors. I remain progression free!
• My vitals look good - which really means they are stable: weight is good, BP, etc.

We did have a discussion about my treatment on Afinitor and why it has been effective in keeping me progression-free. [Please understand that I don't have a condition that will ever be in remission, so the goal all along has been to reduce the size of my tumors and then to limit both the size and movement of the tumors]. Dr. Zu believes that my treatment on Afinitor (and Sandostatin) has worked because - here goes my interpretation - the genetic expression of the malignancies on my pancreas and liver is dictated by my primary condition, Tuberous Sclerosis. Tuberous Sclerosis and Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors both function on the mTor pathway, a single pathway. Cancers that have a single pathway are easier to treat and manage. Aftinitor is an mTor inhibitor [note that both Tuberous Sclerosis and PNET are cited on this page], or simply a blocker of the genetic expression [I know I probably don't have this completely correct, but I think you get the idea].

So, no progress is good progress.

I do want to add that Dr. Zu stated that he expected me to have "progressed" by now. We both are pleased that this has not been the case, and hope that I will remain progression-free on Afinitor as long as possible. In the interim, more and more mTor inhibitors are in development. 

I also want to add that while I am thankful at my scan results, our discussion left me a little flat and increased my angst for a few days. Am I living on borrowed time here (see "Borrowed Time")? But aren't we all?  I am happy to report that I know that I am fortunate and blessed to have access to the treatment I am on, to have Dr. Zu as my oncologist, to do what I love every day, to surround myself with wonderful, family, friends, and colleagues, and to be married to the most beautiful, awesome wife, Christine.

All my love and gratitude to all!

Next up:

Appointment with Dr. Zu on May 4, 2015

Update

On Monday, March 30, I had a routine CT scan of my chest, abdomen, and pelvis as well as an MRI of my brain to assess the status of my treatment on Afinitor. Of course, while I provide a link to information on Afinitor, I avoid reading it because I don't want to crowd my mind with what is and what could be. I decided three years ago to determine what is and what could be by embracing a positive and joyous outlook each and every day.

What's up next:

• Routine blood work: Thursday, April 2 or Friday, April 3
• Monthly visit to see Dr. Zu: Monday, April 6.

I am healthy, happy, and thankful!

Love to all, especially Christine, who has to put up with me every day!

I will share results soon.