Today [Monday] I went to see my doctor and could not resist having a picture with Mr. Sylvester, the gentleman who donated some money to start things happening at the Center. Of course he is all bronze, as he passed away a while back, but I understand his family still supports the Center.
Well, my lab numbers are good and I am good to go for chemo at home tomorrow early at 7am. We spoke with the doctor and these are the plans: I will have a set of 3 chemos (one each week starting tomorrow), that will be 24-hr. chemo sessions at home and after the end of chemo 3, on week 4 I will have a CT to compare one more time size of tumor and overall analysis from CT #1 (done February 2nd) to CT #2 (done April 22nd). That will happen if there are no interruptions due to low lab numbers and that will mean we go in during the week of June 7 for CT #3. Then it's possible we go in for an evaluation with both the oncologist and surgeon the week of June 14. From there we can make plans for the next step.
I was told by my doctor that the tumor is about 3cm x 3cm and have I read that the size for successful surgery is better at 2 cm or smaller. That does not account for the tumor location--in my case it is interfering with some artery or vessels and that is why we need to have it smaller and away from vessels so as not to compromise area. You don't want to do this kind of surgery more than once as it is a major surgery. Keep the prayers up for complete zapping of the tumor--wouldn't that be awesome?!
There has been good progress so far. Stay well and keep out of trouble. I told Ruben that the first part of 2010 has been quite a challenge in many levels for our family and friends, but God willing there will be great things happening the second part of the year. Keep the Faith!There you have it, friends. Keep the faith and keep on praying. In other family news, my sister Rocio has organized a group of my siblings, nieces, and nephews (called Mimi's Milers) to walk in the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's (PANCAN) PurpleStride in Tampa Bay where families walk/run to bring awareness and raise funds for pancreatic cancer research. Here's what Rocio had to say about why Mimi's Milers are walking:
Our wonderful mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January of this year and is currently undergoing chemotherapy at the University of Miami. She is an inspiration to her family and friends as she maintains such a positive outlook and spirit. We are walking and running in support of my mom's fight and all the families who have been affected by this cancer.
It sounds like it's going to be a great event and I wish I was there with them to walk in solidarity. Instead, I plan on sponsoring Mimi's Milers for their walk on May 22nd. Do you want to donate to the cause, too? Check out her fund-raising page here!
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