PET results and New Treatment Plan

We went in on Monday for the results of the PET scan. I think we were both nervous because there was the possibility that the PET could show that I had mets that we didn't know about, for instance in my lungs. Usually I think it's better to know than not know, but it would have been quite a blow to find out that the disease is more extensive than we thought. Fortunately, the PET did not show anything in my lungs. It did show the one large tumor in my liver, the spots on my spine and one lymph node just above my collarbone. The lymph node is "new" (maybe not new, but it's the first time we've seen it), but it looks small on the scan and my doctor could not feel it when he examined me. So for now, we're not going to worry too much about it. We need to work on this big tumor in my liver.

My doctor recommended a procedure called chemoembolization. It is performed by an interventional radiologist, who threads a catheter up the femoral artery from the groin to the liver, then into the arteries feeding the tumor. Once he determines the catheter is positioned correctly, he'll inject three different chemo drugs mixed with an oil directly into the tumor. This mixture will essentially soak the tumor in a high concentration of chemo, while sparing the rest of the body from the effects of the chemo. Hopefully, this will at least "stun" the tumor and stop it from growing. It could also shrink the tumor, though they are careful to say that they don't expect to eradicate the whole tumor. Just getting it to stop growing would be considered a success.

We met with the interventional radiologist today, and after he explained the procedure to us and answered all of our questions, we scheduled it for next Wednesday. I will stay in the hospital overnight Wednesday night and hopefully come home on Thursday. Alan's parents are coming up on Tuesday to help us out while I'm in the hospital and recovering. I can expect to feel "under the weather" for 2-7 days after the procedure. I have read about side effects including pain, nausea, vomiting and fever, but the doctor didn't think I would have too much trouble with it (they are always so optimistic about side effects!).

One good thing about this procedure is that it can be repeated over and over again, as long as the artery feeding the tumor stays open. So if it is successful and shrinks the tumor, we could repeat it again in a few months and try to shrink it more. For now, though, the plan is to start a new chemo in a few weeks after I've recovered. The new chemo is an oral chemo called Xeloda. I'll have to take several pills every day, but I won't have to sit for hours getting an infusion. I have read of many people having success with Xeloda, so I'm hopeful the chemoembolization and Xeloda will work well for me.

Although I am a little worried about the possibility of pain and nausea from the chemoembolization, I am eager to get moving on a new treatment that could stop the growth of this stubborn liver tumor. And I'll take this over brain surgery any day!