X-mas Update - December 10, 2007

Greetings!

Well, on Monday (12/10/07), I got the results of my CT Scan taken last week. Kidney Cancer is a strange beast. The only way they can confirm the status of this cancer is by taking a CT (CAT) scan and looking for tumors or swollen lymph nodes. A Radiologist has to review the CT Scan and determine the size and shape of any suspected cancer sites. Sometimes the radiologists are very detailed, measuring each site (in Millimeters or Centimeters). Usually, they are lazy (per my oncologist!) and just report on changes from the last CT scan. I think it is an inexact science, and a bit of an art.

Last report ( on 09/20/07), the scan showed that I had reduction in the lymph nodes in my abdominal lining, but a new lymph node increase in my chest. This time, the CT scan showed absolutely no change in anything in the past two months. My oncologist is very please with this report. Of course, I was hoping to hear him say there was more reduction. (I have the optimist perspective, and he has the pessimist perspective, naturally.)

All in all, I consider it a good report. During this cycle, the pharmacy was late in delivering my pill based chemo, so I had a lower dose of the Chemo drug Xeloda for 3-4 days. My side effects were not quite as severe as the previous round. Also, due to recent increases in my blood pressure, I was not able to take one of the IV based Chemo drugs on time (Avastin), so no reduction is okay, and no increase is very good news. I will have justified higher expectations on the next scan (in late January), as I hope to be able to take a full dose of the pill based Chemo, and a full course of the Avastin, since I have my BP in check with some new meds.

I recently read that the two year survival rate for metastatic Kidney Cancer is 18%. I appear to be beating the odds, and I fully expect to beat the heck out them!

Thank you for your prayers and support. It is of great help to me, and I truly appreciate it. Merry Christmas !

D. J.