Nov 18, 2022

Had another CT scan completed on November 14^th and consultation with my oncologist on November 17^th. As a result, I think it’s now appropriate to put out another update. If you recall, the scan completed in August did not look so good. Due to lack of treatment, the cancer was enlarging and growing again. Even though the opdivo/yervoy treatment that I had gotten in the past negatively affected some of my internal organs, that same treatment was initiated once again.  Standard operating procedure is for 4 treatments over a period of 12 weeks. I received two treatments before my liver enzymes began to spike. As a result, the treatment was stopped and I started taking steroids to get the enzymes back in line. In addition, another scan was ordered that took place on November 14^th to see where things stood. The two treatments that I had since September 1^st seemed to be very effective on cancer growth in my airways and stabilized the tumor / thrombus growth in my heart. However, my liver has now taken center stage. New growth on the healthy side of my liver was observed.  Since it appears that the opdivo/yervoy treatment is not containing the cancer growth on my liver and is causing enzymes to spike, it is not an option to continue this treatment, at least for now. The next step being discussed is to bring me in for a Y-90 procedure (Google it). Step 1 is to meet the radiologist that will perform the procedure to determine if I am even a candidate. That meeting has not yet been set. As long as my Amazon fishing trip remains intact and I get to hold my new grandson (courtesy of Caitlin and Ryan) in February, I say let’s get er done! Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.