Day 72

I can't tell you what a comfort it is to know that so many of you are out there reading this right now. You are each so essential to our lives and make them all the more meaningful with your continuous support.

Mom and I successfully got through out tests yesterday. I'm still awaiting my results, but we did meet with Dr. Pan this morning to discuss the results from mom's CAT Scan. As it turns out, the Folfirinox was not as effective as we had hoped. Although there are signs of improvement on the tumor in the Pancreas, the lesions on her liver have grown. She also has some accumulated fluid from the liver, which we'll need to keep an eye on.

So, our next step is to change her treatment from the Folfirinox to a combination of Gemcidabine and Tarceva. The Tarceva (a protein inhibitor) is a daily pill, which she's already begun taking. Gemcidabine (the chemo) will be given every week for one hour. She will have 3 weeks on, one week off and so on beginning next Tuesday. After 2 months, mom will have another scan to see if this new regimen is successfully halting the growth of the cancer.

The good news is that the side effects should be more manageable for mom. My hope is that she will find a renewed energy and appetite. Thanks to your support and encouragement we were successful in coping with the last treatment as I'm sure we will be in this. Please let me know if you have any questions, I'm here.

My love to you all.