CT scans are interesting in that they provide a measure of progress. I kinda’ think that how I’m feeling should be the definitive metric, but I have little say in the matter as I am only the patient. And because the clinical protocol for the trial of this drug calls for a CT scan every other cycle, I submit. Never mind that these scans dose me with enough radiation to power a small space ship, or that even low level radiation can cause cancer . . . after all, the patients in the study already have cancer so who cares?
Anyway, the most recent scan was performed last Thursday and I just received the report today. Rather than post a couple more unreadable charts, I’ll just stick to the salient facts:
Weeks on Trabectedin: 39
Mean reduction in largest cross-sectional lineal dimension for five largest tumors: 31%
Mean reduction in volume for five largest tumors: 80%
So the volume of these buggers is being reduced by about 2% per week. What you can’t tell from the above data (but what I can see from the latest graph) is that the rate of shrinkage is slowing somewhat. And the tumor in the heart is “grossly stable” in the parlance of the reviewing radiologists. (This is not unexpected as its metabolic rate appears to be exceeding low.) So taken all together, I’m pretty sure the data suggests that I still have more than ten weeks of chemotherapy remaining. But with any luck I’ll kick the habit sometime in 2010 . . . and that occasion will be celebrated with a party fit for a rock star.
For the record, Cecily predicted early in this process that I would be on Trabectedin for 100 weeks. Looking at the above numbers, I wouldn’t bet against her.
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6 comments:
Soooo...you are going to party like a rock star sometime in 2010- Wonderful!! Count me in on the celebration-just tell me where and when and with any luck I'll be celebrating, too(my retirement,that is). Sure looking forward to one heck of a party and can I request your awesome pizza as part of the celebration??!! Fantastic, spectacular, stupendous news, Paul! Love you, Jan
You are a Rock Star and deserve a rock star party. I would like to be on that guest list. Your blog has made me laugh, made me cry, but mostly laugh. I am so glad you are feeling better. And you are gaining weight. (Me too, not good). Must be Cecily's cooking. Keep the good news coming.. Rox
May I be considered a faithful groupie and be included in your celebration???
I've kept up with your blogs. Always afraid to check but each time thankful that I did and found good news.
You're an awesome rock star!! Know that you have that "special" talent to speak to those patients. Always giving, Paul that's what I saw in you.
:D
~Emma
I'm looking forward to the party! I don't know much about medicine, but from the girl view, you're looking more than fine. Very good to see you. Hey to your sisters and mom and dad. Hope I see all of you guys soon. Sue M
Awesome news my brother! I never thought the phrase "grossly stable" could make me smile so wide, and "your mileage may vary" is proof of what courage, determination and hope can accomplish. Tracey and I are so happy for you. Love always, Karen
I want to come. Can I bring my NYC rock star entourage? Will you play your guitar? Acoustic or electric? Will there be pizza? How about that good Griffith wine? So many questions...I plan to ask most of them in person in 2010! Congratulations on FANTASTIC progress!!
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