Plan C Version VI

From Jan's Sunday Punch blog.

I'm happy to say we finally have a plan for now. Plan C version six. Yes, version six (embolization, study, surgery, chemo-embolization, transplant, oops no surgery—microspheres). I leave for Kenner, LA on Monday to have a procedure that will inject radiation in the form of microspheres into the arteries/veins that carry blood to the tumor. The spheres will hopefully create shrinkage havoc for the tumor. One similar to the Wicked Witch's demise in the Oz movie. The ideal result would be enough shrinkage that would allow a surgeon to consider resection. Most likely, this treatment will occur in two phases, six weeks apart.

Here's a little bit about microspheres: SIR-Spheres (brand name) are tiny polymer beads (about one third the diameter of a strand of hair) that are combined with yttrium-90, a radioisotope that emits pure beta radiation. Y90 (yttrium-90) has a “half life” of about 64 hours, that is, every 64 hours the level of radiation falls by one half until it is effectively gone after 2 weeks. The radiation from Y90 penetrates an average of only 2.5 mm (approximately 1/16 of an inch) in tissue. After injection into the artery supplying blood to the tumors, the spheres are trapped in the tumor’s vascular bed, where they destroy the tumor cells by delivering the beta radiation. The radiation is targeted to the tumor and after 14 days the majority of the radiation effect has occurred. SIR-Spheres are considered a regional treatment as the radiation is directed to the liver and does not affect other organs in the body (hopefully). Since the SIR-Spheres are biocompatible they can remain in the liver without posing any danger to the patient.

Unlike conventional external beam radiation, which can only be applied to limited areas of the body, SIR-Spheres selectively irradiate the tumors and therefore have the ability to deliver more potent doses of radiation directly to the cancer cells over a longer period of time.

So we, Cousin Julie, Dad, Bev and I, head to the Big Easy (Kenner is a suburb of NOLA) on Monday, August 16. The whole treatment process is a two-day outpatient experience (Aug. 17-18). We should be back in Winnie for recuperation by the 19th. If you're in the neighborhood, I'd be happy to whip you in a game of cards. But call first in case I'm in a crabby mood.

That's the plan. I'm excited about focusing on this strategy. I'm glad I learned tons this summer about my options, especially understanding what Plans D and E might be. I'm hoping for the best, again. Thanks for the support and the great notes.

I'll keep you posted and will publish photos. It ought to be an interesting adventure.

smack, jan