Medical Developments this Week

Where to begin? It's been quite a week in the medical department, and I haven't posted because I wanted to have something more concrete to say.

It started Tuesday, when Patty called Dr J, the oncologist's, office to see about my latest CA 19-9 numbers; they always take a few days more than the other bloodwork. So, here's the bad news; my numbers had tripled! From around 768 on March 6, my numbers had climbed to 2,099. Ouch! So, we were worried, and the doctor was concerned about getting a fuller picture. He and I hadn't met face to face since February, and he wanted me to come into the office this week. I made an appointment for this morning, and his nurse, Sue, also let us know that they would cancel the port appointment until we had a plan for moving ahead.

We met with Dr J this morning, and I told him I'd done okay since the infusion last week. My biggest complaints are still lack of appetite, nausea, fatigue, and this week, constipation. The implant - spot - in my side has been sore, and feels bigger and harder, which is really, really worrisome. If that tumor is growing, what's happening inside? As we talked about my side effects, and our vacation, Dr. J commented that I'm very positive about everything . . . He also said that he's concerned that the current chemo regimen is not working. (I share that concern.)

He presented us with a few options. The first was to try a pill that's a biologic agent, called sorafanib. Some folks get good results, but it can take a few weeks to kick in. The second was to shift chemo drugs to a combination of gemcitabine (Gemzar) and cisplatin. They are both delivered by infusion, so no pills. There have been more studies of these two drugs with
gallbladder cancer, and some folks have had good response to them. The third option was a less aggressive chemo drug, taxotere.

Because I've been concerned about the tumor growing, I wanted to go for the most aggressive treatment, which is the two-drug chemo combination. So, we're going to do an infusion next Wednesday (both drugs), and then again the following week (just cisplatin), then a week off. Somewhere in there, I'll have the port put in, since the Gemzar is difficult for veins to tolerate. I just have to wait to get a new appointment. Have I mentioned that I am powerfully tired of doctor and hospital visits?

My head is spinning a bit tonight with the intensity and all of the changes in plan over the last few days, but the new treatment feels right. I don't want to give either of the tumors any more time to grow than they've already had! Thanks for your continued prayers, good wishes, and, from some of you close by, soup deliveries! It means so much to feel that ongoing support and love as we continue this cancer ride.