The clinical trial runs in 42-day (6-week) cycles. Each cycle includes 2 treatments days, 3 weeks apart. At the end of each cycle there is a CT scan to see what the cancer is doing, and a decision is made about whether to proceed with the next cycle.
The scan was last Friday. Tomorrow morning we'll hear what the doctor has to say about the scan. But due to the wonders of modern technology, we've already read the radiologist's report. In fact, we figured out how to see the scans themselves and had some fun scrolling through the images watching various blobs grow and shrink. It's pretty easy to identify the big, familiar stuff (heart, ribs, hip socket, etc.). It's less easy to figure out which little blobs are not supposed to be there. I guess that's why we have radiologists.
Our interpretation of the report is that the cancer is mostly unchanged, with a couple of places showing a bit of growth. The word "stable" appeared frequently. Each radiologist has his or her favorite words. One of the radiologists likes the word "unremarkable". Anyway, words like "unremarkable" and "stable" are usually good.
We expect this means that cycle 2 will proceed as scheduled tomorrow. We're basing this on our reading of the radiologist's report and two things we've been told: (1) It can take some time before the immunotherapy begins to work, so even if there is some growth of the cancer, that doesn't mean that treatment should stop; and (2) stable is considered success.
Meanwhile, Penny has been feeling pretty good the last few weeks.
It has been roughly 6 months since she stopped the biweekly chemotherapy she had been having for 18 months, and a bit over 4 months since the surgery in July. The immunotherapy is much easier to live with than perpetual chemotherapy. You might even see her out and about without a hat these days since her hair is beginning to recover a bit. (Then again, the weather has turned suddenly colder, so maybe not.) Her energy level is up a bit, and yesterday Penny started physical therapy to regain some strength and work out some remaining issues related to a third major abdominal surgery.
So we're thankful to be living in a post-chemo world for awhile, and mostly focusing our attention on other things.
Comments
Susan Norman: Unremarkable and stable are GREAT words! I'll keep praying for more boring reports.
Susan Langeland: It’s great to wake up and read this promising report on your dear Penny, Randy.
Marie VanderLinde : So glad for this! Praying this next cycle goes as well!
Mia Hunefeld: So good to hear of this bit of reprieve from exhausting chemo treatments, and just resting in a feel better mode. We are thinking of and praying for you often.
Herm De Vries: This is an encouraging report. Thanks for sharing the positive signs and the ongoing challenges that we can pray for.
Stacey Wieland: I am so glad for the relief that the post-chemo world has offered to you both. Praying for continued strength, patience, and courage. Sending so much love to you!