Vacation is over...back to work...

Dennis had a great time in Wyoming playing in the snow!
We resumed treatment on Tuesday January 20th. We will attempt another 11-12 consecutive treatments and then a follow up scan to see where we are. CEA is now 96 and is still a decrease but a slower rate. I asked Dr. Ardalan if we could increase the dose to get a better result but his reply was "you don't want to kill him do you"? It made sense to me to up the dose...wrong!
I sent a copy of Dennis's scans and reports to Dr. David Geller in Pittsburgh. He is a liver cancer surgeon and is willing to take a look and see where we stand. He has an amazing reputation.
Dennis has a BIG birthday ahead...60...on February 6th. I guess we need to celebrate this milestone.
Thanks again for all your prayers!

Test Results

A review of Dennis's PET and CT scans shows less activity in the liver and no new cancers. A new term was discussed "SUV" (Standardized Uptake Value) of his tumors and they decreased from 11 to 6 since his last scan at the end of October. CEA is at 100 from 12/31 blood work and we pray for this continued downward trend. Dr.Ardalan has planned to continue current chemotherapy treatment to reduce tumors. Dennis had chemotherapy yesterday #11 of this regiment and will take a 1 week chemotherapy break to give his body a break. He will resume on January 22.
Dennis's bloodwork continues to be strong so he is able to withstand this toxic mix. Dennis is flying out to Wyoming today to enjoy the mountains and snow. A most deserving vacation after 2 months of treatment. Keep praying for continued progress.
"2009 is going to be fine".