The Consultation...

...or the 24 hour whirlwind trip to San Antonio to see the sights and sounds of a possible clinical trial.

We flew out on Sunday evening and arrived in San Antonio after midnight CST. We flew back Monday night and arrived home after midnight.
We did manage to go for a walk prior to the consult on the famous Riverwalk. We also ate dinner prior to our departure at Boudro's Texas Bistro. Needless to say, I can eat. This boy has quite an appetite.

The true highlight of our trip!

This is the lobby of the START Center (link is active)

The Consult

Dr. Papadopoulos (see Profile HERE) examined me, reviewed my records and scans, and discussed possible treatments for me. Here is a synopsis:

• My condition has no cure although targeted therapies are in development. No miracles...yet!
• He wants me to remain on Sutent for as long as it remains effective and I tolerate the drug (so far, so good!).
• He wants to see my next scan results, scheduled for February.
• He gave us information on two clinical trials he believes would be good fits for me. If we decide to participate in a clinical trial, I would need to be off current treatment for 4 weeks. 
• He wants to examine tissue from one of my tumors, possibly from my initial liver biopsy from July 2011 if any tissue samples remain. If not, he suggested that another biopsy might provide him with a closer look at the genetic makeup of the tumors which will help him narrow possible treatment options.
• He proposed that, should the tumors outside the liver (pancreas and pelvic area) remain stable, a therapy specific targeting the tumors in my liver might be considered. 
• He is going to consult with Dr. Zu and together develop a course of action that will factor in contingencies (i.e., possible next steps). 

It is reassuring to know that Dr. Zu has been spot on with his treatment and the possible therapies out there for us to consider as possible next steps. And it is exciting to know that Dr. Zu will now have a direct line to Dr. Papadopoulos who is on the Clinical Front Lines. My treatment team has now grown!

We wanted to thank everyone for their unwavering love, support, and encouragement. 

I want to leave you with a quotation from Malcolm Gladwell's David and Goliath, which I devoured on the flights to and from San Antonio:

"Courage is not something that you already have. Courage is what you earn when you've been through the tough times and you discover they aren't so tough after all" (149).

Here's to love, life, friendship! Happy Holidays and a Joyous New Year to all! One step, one moment at a time!

With love, respect, and admiration,

Andrew