CT Scan Today

Had a CT scan of my chest, abdomen, and pelvis today to assess the progress of my treatment. The scan itself takes about ten minutes, but I have to drink an iodine solution an hour before to enhance the imaging which takes longer than the test itself.

I will have results on Monday when I see Dr. Zu for my monthly appointment.

Please send positive thoughts my way.

Thank you.

Monthly Appointment with Dr. Zu

Saw Dr. Zu on Monday, June 4, for my monthly appointment and infusion of Sandostatin.
While my weight is slightly down (3 lbs.) from last month, Dr. Zu says my numbers look good. WBC is still low, but important number is within normal range.

We discussed the possibility of running the Silver Strand Half Marathon together in November. Now I have something to train for.

Up next: CT Scan of chest, abdomen, and pelvis on June 27 to assess treatment progress.

Thanks for the support and encouragement. I am feeling great!

Monthly Infusion (Injection)

Had my monthly infusion (injection) of Sandostatin on Monday.

I have tolerated this treatment fairly well, with the usual soreness at injection site as well as stomach-related issues.

I feel good!

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement.

Next scheduled appointment with Dr. Zu is June 4.

Monthly Appointment with Dr. Zu - Friday, May 4, 2012

Saw Dr. Zu yesterday, Friday, May 4, for my monthly appointment. WBC is good although still lower than normal. My sister, Lisa, who is out for a visit, accompanied me to see the Zu Man. He talked about upcoming changes in record keeping and other medical-related issues with my sister for about 15 minutes. When I went to the treatment center after my meeting with Zu, all the nurses had left for the day so I will have to return Monday for my monthly infusion of Sandostatin.

All is good!

Hanging in there

Since my Sandostatin injection, I have settled down quite nicely physically. Don't seem to have the same degree of side effects that I have had in the past, which is nice.

Must admit to being a little flat this week emotionally. Must remember to think and live for today and not get too wrapped up in forward thinking.

Thanks to all for the continued support and encouragement!

Monthly Appointment with Dr. Zu

Good appointment with Dr. Zu today.

Zu reviewed scan results from two weeks ago, and reiterated that latest scan shows no tumor growth which is a good thing.

White blood cell count still a bit low, but higher than last month.

Dr. Zu thinks I am doing great.

Had my monthly infusion of Sandostatin as well.

Next appointment is set for May 4th.

Again, thank you for your continued support and encouragement.

Scan Results

Got a message from Dr. Zu today re: my latest CT scan results.

He indicated that my scan showed no change in tumor size which he said is "fine."

The Afinitor / Sandostatin combination is intended to shrink or limit tumor growth, and for my scan to show no change in tumor size is a good sign.

Will find out more when I see Dr. Zu next week for my regular monthly appointment.

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement.

No News on Latest Scan

Hi All,

As of today, Wednesday, March 28, 2012, at noon, I have still not received any news regarding my latest CT scan.

I will keep you posted.

I am feeling great! I anticipate good news!

CT Scan - Assessing Progress of Treatment

Wednesday, March 21: Had CT Scan of my thoracic cavity and abdomen to assess the progress of my treatment. Dr. Zu orders these scans every three months to ascertain the effectiveness of the Afinitor / Sandostatin combination on tumor size and movement. My last scan, in December, showed a 30% reduction in tumor size over the first three months of the treatment.

Procedure is quite simple. I drink about 1000 ml of iodine solution, wait an hour, and then have a scan. An injection is also administered during the scan to show contrast to enhance the image.

Results are read by a radiologist, transcribed, and then sent to Dr. Zu. I should know the results pretty soon.

Think positive thoughts, pray positive prayers.

Isn't it ironic? Don't you think?

My brother, Stephen, who has advocated on my behalf to ensure that I receive the best medical care possible for my condition, informed me that Mass General, the hospital from which we were hoping initially to receive treatment, inquired about my welfare.

The irony, however, is that the Mass General wanted to use a radical surgical intervention to treat me that involved the removal of my pancreas!

Thank God my insurance company rejected my request to be seen at Mass General!

Dr. Zu has me on the most current, up-to-date, and least invasive treatment I can be on!

I am fortunate, for sure!