Change in direction

Sorry for the lack of updates but we have been doing alot of researching and consulting with "experts". It gets more challenging the higher you go in this game.

Yesterday's CEA showed an increase to 244 from 171 so it is time to move forward.

After discussions with University of Pittsburgh,Duke University,University of Miami and Jackson North in Miami Dennis has decided to go forward with SIRT treatment with Dr.Seza Gulec in Miami.He is not part of the University of Miami Sylvester Cancer center but Dr.Ardalan will work together with Dr. Gulec in this new effort. Dr Gulec has a impressive resume:

www.southfloridahospitalnews.com/specialfocus/default.asp?articleID=3823 - 20k

Information on this treatment is well explained on the following 2 websites:
http://www.sirtex.com/
http://www.y90support.org/yes/index.html

We are finishing up chemotherapy in Miami today and Dennis will need at least a 2 week break from chemotherapy prior to this Internal Radiation Treatment.
Dennis plans to take advantage of this time to drive his truck out to Wyoming after his April 2 appointment with Dr.Aron Berkman,the Oncologist working with Dr. Gulec. Dave Thompson and John Molenar enthusiastically offered to fly to Florida and drive out with Denny.
It's a 3 day drive and sure to be fun for them. We will be in Wyoming until 13 April and fly home to begin tests and treatment 14 April. The actual radiation treatment will be during the later part of the week of April 20th.

Thank you for all your prayers and support!

I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have trouble with me! -Dr Seuss

Hopefully heading in the right direction

Sorry for the lack of updates...it's been quite the rollercoaster ride here!
After switching to the new "chemo cocktail" Dennis's markers continue up to 237. Not the result we had hoped for. Second round of therapy the marker went down to 232,a slight decrease but at least not rising. This week after treatment #3 we got the break we had hoped for...178! This is such a relief! This chemotherapy is LONG and quite toxic and is kicking Dennis and hopefully the cancer as well. Dr. has ordered a week break due to toxicty so we will be off now until 19 March! We are looking forward to Natalie and Brian coming home for spring break on 13 March and heading to Key West and the Dry Tortugas for a few days.
Dr. Ardalan has discussed that we have run through all applicable drugs for Dennis and from here we will be looking at radiation therapies and clinical trials once these drugs become ineffective. He is referring us to a Dr.here in Miami for an Interventional Radiology consultation.I have been researching options,gathering records and making appointments for opinions at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center,PA, Duke University in NC, H Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa,U of Florida Shands Hospital in Gainesville,and Wake Radiology in NC. All those expert opinions should help decide what should be our next move if these drugs don't do the trick. Dennis should be taking scans in a few weeks and that will tell what is really going on in his liver.

Thanks again for all your prayers and support.