Monday, November 23, 2009

Back in Treatment

It's probably about time for an update. 

I am writing this as I sit at HCI waiting for them to prep the drugs fom my next round of treatment.  The surgical incisions from the surgery in Houston have healed up well and I'm starting my next round of treatment today.  I'm sitting looking out the east side of HCI enjoying the view of the fresh snow that fell last night.  It's great to have snow again in the valley and the mountains.

The next treatment is a Carboplatin/Paclitaxel chemotherapy.  This regimen is considered moderate in its toxicity and the potential side-effects.  The chemo is delivered via an IV (that they just put in) for a couple of hours as an outpatient procedure.  The regimen is not terribly demanding.  I have to come to HCI once every 21 days for the infusion.  So I'll get an infusion today, and another one 21 days later, and then another one 21 days after that.  Following the third infusion we will likely do new scans to see if the treatment is being effective or not.  At that point we will reevaluate treatment.  If this chemo is working, it is likely that we'll continue with this treatment, otherwise we may resort to the TIL in Houston. 

We are looking forward to Thanksgiving and having a chance to be with family.  We do have much to be grateful for. Not the least of which is great support and prayers extended to from great friends and family.  We hope you all have a great Thanksgiving.

5 comments:

ghd3 said...

Thanks for the update Ben. I hope the Carboplatin/Paclitaxel infustion today goes well. We're thinking of you. I appreciate -- and admire -- your expression of gratitude and thanksgiving. I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday.

Anne said...

Good luck with this new treatment! Have a great Thanksgiving, and I'll be wishing for snow in Victor for you.

Anne said...

P.S. My dad stopped by your parents' house the other day and saw your little Cameron. He couldn't get over how cute he was helping Grandma rake the leaves. :)

Katy said...

I continue to marvel at your positive attitude and strength during all of this, Ben. You are one amazing guy and your family is awesome too. Allison if you ever need anything, we're just down the street. Anna is loving having Sarah as her 3rd grade reading buddy at school- what a sweetheart! We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers and hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family.
Love,
The Smiths

Unknown said...

I hope the first infusion went well. We continue to keep you and your family in our prayers and hope that this treatement will kick cancer's butt! I hope you guys had fun up in Idaho for Thanksgiving spending time with all the family.