Results of MRI/CT

This morning we met with the doctor to discuss the results of the MRI/CT. The good news is that the chemo is working on the cancers that we had originally planned to attack. They are "sick" and responding to the chemo which is good so we are going on with the fourth round. Most of you know that the PET revealed a suspicious spot on the 4th vertebra in his neck and a some suspicious spots in his chest so the CT/MRI tests were ordered. The results today revealed two new hurdles. First, since the first radiation effected his esophagus so much and the fact that he has to swallow soft foods has caused his esophagus to shrink, he is apparently aspirating food. That is what showed up on the PET. This is a huge concern because it will cause infection in the lungs which we DO NOT WANT! So, tomorrow (Tuesday) he has an appointment at Decatur General for a Barrium Swallow test to evaluate exactly what is going on and to "teach" him how to swallow. Hopefully this will work with a little determination or else a feeding tube may be required in order to reach full nutrition and keep infection away.

The second issue is with the suspicious spot on the vertebrae. It appears that the cancer has metastasized into the bone. We are not sure at this point whether or not it was there before we started treatment or has occurred since then. (We should have had CT/MRI scans before this point in order to accurately compare and somehow we didn't) Dr. Becdach sincerely believes it was there when we started treatment and the treatment is apparently working so he didn't change the plan at this point. Keep on as planned with treatment number 4. It is not good news to have it in the bone and it wasn't what we wanted to hear. However, our plan is to attack it with chemo followed by radiation treatment and pray that it doesn't appear anywhere else. This spot can be cured by radiation and he hasn't been radiated there before so that is all good. The BIG PLAN at this point is to treat what is there now and keep it away for a long time! Please be in prayer for this.

As far as the re-radiation of the areas that have had radiation already, that will be up for discussion after the next PET scan that follows this round of treatment. Dr. Becdach will discuss with Dr. Spencer in Birmingham as well as Dr. Hardacre here in Decatur. He started round 4 of chemo today and I will put the schedule below of what we know so far. Thanks for your concern and constant prayer!

"Show me your ways O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, For you are God my saviour, and my HOPE is in you all day long." Psalm 25 4-5

June 8 Barrium Swallow Test at Decatur General
June 7-11 Pump infusion (treatment 4)
June 10 Neulasta shot
June 14 Appointment to review the Swallow Test
Erbitux infusion
June 21 Erbitux infusion

June 23 PET SCAN
June 24 Bone Scan

June 28 Appointment with Dr. Becdach to review scan results and PLAN!!

Please be in prayer for these appointments and SCANS! Thank you!!!!