Tipping Point

Well, I have reached a tipping point in my cancer treatment. In short, my health has deteriorated rapidly over the past month. My jaundice continues to worsen as my liver function declines. The drugs I was taking no longer work and the location of my bile duct obstruction relative to the tumors rules out both potential surgical options. Last Tuesday, we stopped my FOLFOX chemo protocol and switched to a drug called Vectibix. It is my final option. If Vectibix cannot shrink the tumors enough to relieve the obstruction, I will be done with the treatment phase of my disease. On the other hand, if it works, the obstruction will clear and that will make me eligible to use a second drug that I have never taken before (but cannot in my current condition.) If that happens, I should have the opportunity to get some effective chemo and (hopefully) a new extension of life. So, there is still a path out of this mess, if I can catch a break. If not, I am uncertain how long it will be before my liver fails. It probably won’t be a lot of time.

So, hope is not lost, but I’m right at the edge of the chasm with one last chance to pull myself back. As a result, the Onc suggested that I prepare my family with the news since any breakdown, fever, failure or other complication may occur on very short notice and have dire consequences. We’ve done that and we are all ready for whatever comes.

I really hope it works. I really want to believe that this will all be a near miss we can laugh about later. But, I have to be practical and so I’m letting you all know as well. And I look forward to the opportunity to write a new entry sometime soon to say “Nevermind!”

On the good news front, after dropping 20 pounds in the last month, my appetite is re-emerging and with a lot of prompting and doting by Rob, I think I’ve got it leveled off. I’m going to work on gaining some of it back. Also, the last two days have been much better in the energy department - probably because of the high calorie food - so I feel much better. The uptick in energy is also very encouraging in that I think, maybe, it’s a sign that I have seen the worst of it.

In any event, the next 2 to 4 weeks are make-or-break. If the Vectibix works, I’m told I should break out in a big acne-like rash over my head, face and torso. So unlike my teenage years, I check desperately every day in hope of finding some pimples! Other than that – and barring any new, unexpected downward event – I just need to be patient and give this stuff a chance to work some magic for me. I meet weekly with the Onc now, with treatment every other visit, and just blood work to monitor my progress on the off weeks.

So that’s my story – any good vibes or pull you have with the Gods of Biochemistry are much appreciated. I hope to write again in coming weeks to let you know its working and this episode was just a scary, near miss. Thanks again for all your support and good wishes.