February 17, 2023

Since my last update on November 18,2022 several events have taken place that seem to be newsworthy. Hence this update.  I had a chemo embolization procedure completed on Dec 13, 2022.  A Y-90 procedure was mentioned as a possibility in my last report.  However, the chemo embolization was ultimately chosen as the preferred alternative.  I was told that during the normal course of a Y-90, a portion of healthy liver cells would be damaged and that I did not have enough healthy liver cells to spare.  Chemo and Y-90 are very similar.  In the chemo procedure, the glass beads are coated with chemo medication, whereas the beads are coated with radioactive material for a Y-90.  This procedure was completed in an effort to stop the growth of 2 new tumors on the “healthy” side of my liver that showed up during my last scan.  It does not affect (positive or negative) the cancer in other areas in my body.  I had another CT scan on Feb 7 and an appointment with my oncologist on Feb 14  to review the results of the scan and plan the way forward.  The 2 tumors on the healthy side show to be enlarged but the Doc seems to think it is inflammation from the procedure.  All the other cancer growth in my body seems to be somewhat stable for now even though I have had no treatment since Sept of 2022.  The primary cancer tumor on the “unhealthy” side of my liver has shown a small increase in size but not enough to aggressively treat.  As a result, the treatment plan going forward is no treatment, at least for now.  I will continue to have blood work completed every week to check things like “tumor marker”, etc.  Unless the blood work indicates something is out of whack, the next milestone will be another scan in a couple of months. Be strong and courageous.  Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you.  He will not leave you or forsake you.  Deuteronomy 31:6