Chemo preparation

Today, Dr. Grossman reviewed with us the tests that were done on the biopsy a while ago.  He showed us the various options, and concluded that he would use a collection of drugs that are approved and have been shown to be effective with this type of cancer.  There is another drug that has been effective with similar types of cancer, but since they have not been tested with mucoepidermoid carcinoma, he is not allowed to use it.  He spent a lot of time going over the results and trying to find the best solution for me.  This made him late for his next appointment.  I am glad we were the first in line this morning.  I should remember always to go for the first appointment of the day.
They do not want to start chemo until after the radiation is complete.  This will be on the 17th.  We requested a Wednesday appointment so as to avoid my Tuesday meetings with Elder Soares, and the Friday Temple assignment.  Therefore we will start chemo on the 23rd.  Prior to that, they wanted me to get another CT scan, this time "with contrast."  This means I get to drink a barium cocktail just before the scan.  The scan is set for the 18th.  Then we will see if there is anything to the garlic and essiac (read "nasty") tea, etc.

The plan for chemo is an infusion once a week for three weeks, a pill every day for the same three weeks, then a week off from both infusion and pill.  Then start again.  After the second such cycle, another CT scan and a re-evaluation of the process.

The nurse was aware of the research done in the field of nutrition to help kill or at least slow down cancer activity, and recommended the same books that Daughter-in-law Julie has already given me.

I asked the doctor if he wanted to restate his earlier prognosis, but he was not prepared to do so.  Although he did agree that the slower growth that we noticed between the CT scan and the PET scan (mentioned in an earlier blog) gives us more time that earlier anticipated.  He does not believe that this cancer can be completely eliminated, so his approach is to minimize tumor growth, and give me as much "quality" time as possible.

MJG