PET Scan Results

Okay, we are home from the hospital.. He did not have an infection, he was severely dehydrated. He seems to be doing better, he is not having any nausea or vomiting anymore, just abdominal pain now.

Now, the PET scan.

Here is the summary:
Overall, there is a mixed response with findings consistent with therapy response and disease progression. Evidence of progression is seen within the pulmonary parenchyma (lungs) with numerous new sub centimeter pulmonary (lung) nodules (tumors) as well as enlargement and increased metabolic activity of previously identified nodules (tumors). In addition there is new mildly metabolically active abdominal ascites with areas of possible peritoneal spread of disease. (Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity. The abdominal cavity is located below the chest cavity, separated from it by the diaphragm.)

Extensive metabolically active porta hepatis, inguinal, retroperitoneal and mediastinal adenopathy as well as hepatic lesions are decreased from the prior study.

I will scan a copy of the actual PET scan report for those who are interested.

So, from here, since the cancer is both shrinking on some places, and growing in others, it looks like they are going to change his chemo regimen. It looks like they are going to go with a treatment called Folfiri with Erbitux

Folfiri is a combination of:

• 5-fluorouracil (5FU), (five-flure-oh-YOOR-a-sill)
• leucovorin (loo-koe-VOR-in)
• irinotecan (eye-ri-noe-TEE-kan) or Camptosar® (CAMP-toe-zar)

5FU and irinotecan prevent cancer cells from dividing and growing, and can eventually cause cancer cells to shrink and die. Leucovorin is used to increase the activity of 5FU.

Curtis has been on both 5FU and Leucovorin with his prior treatment with Folfox.

The side effects are different with the addition of Camptosar and Erbitux such as hair loss, rash and dehydration due to diarrhea.

We meet with the doctors on Wednesday to discuss the new plan and when his next treatment will be.

Here are a few pics from the Survivors at the Summit Hike! Thanks to my sister Tawni for getting everyone involved and all her hard work :)

Curtis, Dave and Landen made it all the way to the top!