[stanford_status] Disappointing results

[John R Larsen]

Hello Everyone,

As you know, Stanford went back to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) today for a CT scan 
to assess the effectiveness of his last two chemotherapy treatments.  The anticipated results were no 
growth in the size of the tumors and possibly shrinkage.  Unfortunately that was not the case.  The 
tumors have grown  larger.  There are no new visible ones, just the ones on the dome of the liver.

Stanford, Joyce and I spoke with Dr. Sara Chaffee on our speaker phone when she called this evening 
with the results.  Because of Stanford's age the treatment chosen assumed the tumor was a sarcoma 
because that is more common in children.  Stanford is on the line between child and adult.  After 
consulting with the adult oncologists they are now approaching the tumor like it is a carcenoma, which is 
more prevalent in adults.  This means the drugs used are different.  They use Docetaxel, Carboplatin, and 
Cisplatin.

After discussions with Dr. Chaffee a course of action was decided upon.  Next Friday, September 8th 
(also our 27th anniversary), Joyce, Stanford, and I will go back up to DHMC where he will start treatment 
with Cisplatin.  This is normally given on an outpatient basis, but Stanford will probably be admitted this 
first time.  One side effect of Cisplatin is extreme nausea.  Patients generally stay in the area overnight 
after treatment.  If they become very sick they come back for anti-nausea treatment.  If the patient is 
feeling okay they go home the next day.  It is very important to have lots of liquids during treatment 
because kidney damage is a possible side effect.  Blood counts aren't lowered as much with these 
treatments so typically there isn't a need for the Neulasta.  Treatment is every three weeks.  The current 
plan is that Stanford will have a couple of treatments and then have another CT scan to see what is 
happening.  

Stanford's attitude is good and upbeat.  He has put on more weight and is up to 144 pounds.  He knows 
that he is going to be around for a long time and has lots of work to do.  Joyce is having a very difficult 
time dealing with all this.  The stress is almost overwhelming for her.  I tend to compartmentalize it and 
try not to dwell on it, but of course I'm very concerned.  I'll probably cry in the shower tomorrow.  So, the 
journey continues!

Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers,

John
_______________________________________________________
John R Larsen <john at larsen-family.us>
http://larsen-family.us