Want To Share The Good News....

So the latest update with my dad who was diagnosed with a 10cm tumor and mets to liver and lymph nodes (stage IV with no cure) in December of this past year 2007.....just finished 6 rounds of chemo (oxaliplatin, xeloda and epirubicin) and had a CT scan that showed the tumor in the stomach now measuring 1.2cm and the tumors in the liver have shrunk too.  The doctor told my dad that they are not going to do the gastrectomy because it's a risky surgery, there is a very high rate of return of the cancer as well as questionable quality of life issues after this type of surgery, and that there isn't enough left to even do the surgery on at this time.  The doctor has told my father that he is in "high-grade partial remission" and that he is going to give him 2 more rounds of the chemo and then they will do another CT scan and they are hoping that the tumor might even disappear!!!!  As far as the ones in his liver, after the next CT scan to take place sometime in July, they plan to shoot chemo directly into the liver to kill these tumors.  So considering the original diagnosis I think that my dad is doing great!!!!  I share this good news with all on this website because I think that it is important for people to know what's working on this terrible disease.  It seems that this combination works really well as Elliot had recently shared about Rick in his recent message.  I only hope and pray that others are seeking this same success.  I don't know how long my dad really has but we've really learned to live in the moment and we're going to savour this good news for now!  God bless to everyone reading this and to all who are suffering with this dreadful cancer........Lila.

Lila, what wonderful news!  Please keep us posted as to your dad's progress.

Diane

Lila,

That is absolutely terrific news.  May your dad have complete remission after the next go round.  Please keep us posted.  We love good news like this. 

Chessie

Dearest Lila,

NOW THAT IS HOW I LIKE TO START MY MONDAY MORNINGS, LOL.  Nothing like getting GREAT NEWS to go with your Wheaties in the morning.

How wonderful to hear the news about your Dad. I am so glad you are also having results with that cocktail of drugs. Your Dad must be so proud of you, you are one supportive daughter. My hat is off to you. Keep up the great work.

Prayers for continued good health,   Scott 

I am so happy for you and your dad.  We need wonderful stories like this to keep us going through all the challenges.  I was wondering if you could explain how they look at the lymph nodes and the tumors for comparison purposes.  My dad's ct scans always show the lymph nodes affected by the stomach cancer, however the tumor in his stomach only showed up with an endoscopy it was about the size of a quarter.  His last ct scan showed no change in the lymph nodes with slightly less fluid in the lung cavity - but it has not spread to the lungs, even though it is in the lymph system.  He did have a metastasis to the lymph nodes on the side of his neck which has shrunk considerably since he began treatment in January.  Everyone just keeps telling us he is doing well, but this is very serious.  Is the only way to tell if his tumor has shrunk to go through another endoscopy? I wish your dad continued success with this thing.

You raise an interesting point because the doctor did address the size of the tumor in his stomach reducing substantially as well as the tumors in his liver but he didn't really address the lymph nodes.  I will have to follow up on that one.  As far as how they compare it, they did it by way of a CT scan but as the surgeon did tell my dad no one can really know for sure how much spread there really is unless they cut you open and the decision has been made that surgery for him is too risky as far as quality of life matters are concerned.  What chemo regimen is your dad on?

Thanks for your response. My dad has had a few different types of chemo.  His most recent was the irinotichan to which they later added cisplatinum.  A little over a week later he ended up in the hospital with severe diarrhea.  They needed to re-hydrate him.  His oncologist is going to be changing his regimen.  They want to give him a couple of weeks off to rebuild his strength.  He is currently enjoying the break by working in his garden.  His appetite is really healthy at this point and aside from some swelling in one ankle, he appears to be doing okay.  This is such a tough thing to figure out - but I guess there are no easy answers.  I'll let you know if I learn anything more about the lymph node question when we meet with the oncologist.  Thanks again.

CONGRATULATIONS!!  YOUR NEWS IS SO WONDERFUL!! 

WOOOHOOOOOOO!!!!!!

~Christine

Thanks Christine....: )