Today we met with Dr. Bowers to get the results of Ed's CT scan. As expected the tumors have grown--but we (unofficially) already knew this. Words like "slightly larger" and "very slightly larger" were used. With the liver, "a definite significant progression of disease". Nodes that previously measured 14x9mm now measures 24x15mm. A 37x42mm lesion previously measured 26x33mm. Definite progression of metastatic adenopathy; definite progression of metastatic disease to the liver.
Which all of this means is time to hit this darn cancer and the tumors with another mix of chemotheraphy. Dr. Bowers gave us several options which we will weigh over the weekend and get back to him with a decision on Monday.
Dr. Bowers recommends continuing the Xeloda but adding Oxaliplatin (since we can't use the Avastin due to possible kidney damage). Unfortunately, the Oxaliplatin side effects are neuropathy and cold sensitivity--serious stuff that can't be taken lightly. He also recommended either adding now or in the near future Cetuximab (Erbitux) which has the side effect of a rash. Ed could choose to try the Irinotecean again, but this wasn't Dr. Bowers first choice.
So time to do more research and make some decisions. The neuropathy associated with Oxaliplatin is kinda scary with possible permanent numbness and having to deal with the cold sensitivity is troubling (use gloves to get things out of the frig, can only drink things at room temperature, even need to be careful when going from warm/hot air to A/C).
Damn this disease...
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