John's New Chemotherapy

John was scheduled to start chemotherapy on Tuesday, Jan 6.  However, he had a new CAT scan done on Tuesday, December 30.  The scan showed that the tumor has pinched off the blood supply to the spleen.  Thus, the blood is backing up through the veins in order to alleviate the blockage.  This puts a lot of pressure on the veins and they are not designed for that.  Since the original trial had a risk of causing John to "bleed out,"  the doctor's felt it would be too much of a risk.

 

So, on Tuesday, Jan 6, we signed on for a different study of Triapine (the experimental) in combination with Gem (the standard treatment.)  According to the study, only 50 people in the world will be involved with this trial.  Three hospitals in the U.S., two in

Switzerland, and two in the U.K. are participating.  With so few patients, we are not sure what the results will be.  The goal is to stop the tumor from growing and possibly shrink it.  This trial is more cutting edge than the original.  The toxicity is lower.  The complications are fewer.  The infusion time is about 4 hours plus another hour for Gem.  That means all day attached to an IV.  John will get his first infusion on Thursday, Jan 8.  BRING IT ON!

 

The new CAT scan also indicated no new remarkable measurable growth!  This is fantastic that there has been relatively little change since Thanksgiving!  The doctors feel positive about the new trial and John and I are excited to begin fighting.  We have nothing to loose and everything to gain!!  Keep those prayers coming!!