Update.. and Hernia :(

So, we met with the oncologist today at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Since the treatment is working, they would like to continue his current treatment. We are trying to figure out if we can do some treatments here and some in Salt Lake at Huntsman. If we leave Huntsman, then Curtis will have to be taken off the trial drug, and it may be working. But, we like the nutritional support they offer here. His iron and Vitamin D levels are low, so they started him on supplements for that as well as fish oil. Statistics show that 40% of cancer patients actually die from malnutrition rather than cancer itself. But we are not sure yet if he can have treatment here every other treatment and still participate in the trial..

Also, we were changing Curtis' ileostomy bag this morning and noticed a bulge behind his ostomy. We had a ostomy nurse look at it today and it is a hernia which will eventually require surgery. How soon he will need surgery, we don't know. He will have to stop his chemo for 6 weeks and 4 weeks after the surgery.. We will have a consult with a surgeon when we get back to Salt Lake about the hernia..

On a good note, we found out that the lesions on his liver are essentially undetectable now :)

Phoenix and PET scan

So we arrived to Phoenix Sunday. It is warm and sunny everyday! I love it! The Center here is nice too. We got the results of the PET scan that was done yesterday and it showed "overall improvement." His tumors are shrinking and he is responding to treatment!! We are super excited! We saw the gastroenterologist today and we see the oncologist tomorrow. We are trying to decide if we should do his treatment here Friday and try and get back to Salt Lake in time for treatment Friday at Huntsman. We don't know if they will recommend any change in treatment here until our appt tomorrow. Curtis has had a good week. He even went to the pool with me yesterday and enjoyed some sunshine. I will update tomorrow after our appt (as long as the wireless at the hotel cooperates).. I think they may be running off dial up or something :) super slow.. It's a good day :)

Happy Birthday Mom!!

We wanted to wish my mom a Happy Birthday today! My parents have been incredible during this journey with us! We love you guys!

Phoenix

Tomorrow is the big day... We are going to Phoenix's Cancer Treatment Center of America to see if there are any other options that are not available at Huntsman. We will be there 3-4 days depending on what options they have for us. I will keep the blog updated during the visit. Wish us luck!!

PS We celebrated our 2 year Anniversary on Monday. Curtis made me an amazing collage on the back of a quilt I have been wanting. It was absolutely perfect!!