Good News Today!

Jim and I took Pop to his appointment today and we received some very good news. After reviewing the results of the CT scan (that Pop had last Friday), it appears as though the chemo drug, erbitux, seems to be shrinking the tumors. The plan now is to continue with this chemo agent for another 8 weeks, once a week (assuming Pop tolerates it well) and then repeat the CT scan again to determine the progression of the lung cancer.

Pop generally, has been feeling well. As I stated before, he as an acne-like rash on his face, neck and back. The doctor confirmed that this is normal and actually confirms that the medication is indeed working. Pop’s only complaint really is the itching that goes along with the rash. They prescribed some acne medication for him which we hope will alleviate some of his discomfort.

Pop hated to miss our family Memorial Day picnic yesterday but felt it was best to stay home. The doctors actually told us that he should limit his exposure to the sun anyway due to his skin rash.

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers. A special thanks to those who call Pop to give him words of encouragement.

CT Scan Today-No results yet

I took Pop for his CT scan this morning. All went well. We’ll get the results on Tuesday when we see the oncologist.

Pop has been feeling well. He broke out with a mild rash and some ache-like spots on his upper back. This was expected and is quite normal (on this new medication)according to the doctor and the medication literature. Otherwise, he feels good. He’s looking forward to getting together with everyone on Monday at the Memorials Day picnic.

I’ll keep you all updated once we get the results. Have a great holiday weekend. I hope you all take advantage of the time you spend with family and those you love.

So far so good!

Jim and I took Pop to his appointment today. He received erbitux again. Last week when he had this treatment, he felt fairly well. He had some tiredness and a headache that keep him in bed for a few days, but compared to his last chemo (when he ended up in the hospital) it was tolerable. He was home by 2 pm today. He ate some lunch, we watched a corny Mexican western movie that he likes and felt well overall.

He is scheduled for his CT scan this Friday. We’ll get the results (of his CT scan) next Tuesday, when we see the oncologist (cancer specialist). Of course, our hope is that this new medication is shrinking his lung tumors.

Pop remains in good spirits. He doesn’t go out very often, mostly because of his hair loss. He’s been wearing a du-rag and actually looks pretty trendy. He’s got that “cool thug” look going on.

Thanks to everyone for their continued support. A very special thanks to Janelle Gonzalez (in Cincinnati) for the video greeting and well wishes that she and her boyfriend made for Pop on DVD. We all saw it at Jim’s house, when we gathered for Mother’s Day. It was sweet, sincere and brought Pop (as well as all of us) to tears. Thanks, Janelle. I’m sure you know that you are very special to our dad.

Erbitux- "The Martha Stewart Drug"

Today, Pop received a new chemo therapy agent called, cetuximab (erbitux) also know as the “Martha Steward drug”. This is because it’s the drug (produced by ImClone Systems) that Martha Steward was doing illegal stock practices that eventually sent her to jail. Anyway, it turned out to be a great drug for Pop. Pop had no side effects at all. They said that if he were to have an allergic reaction it would have happen within the hour after receiving the medication. The only other side effect that it may cause is a rash and some ache in a few days. Other than that, they expect everything to go well. Pop is feeling great and ate a great meal, prepared by mom, as soon as he got home.

I’m sure many are wondering, “If this is such a great drug, why didn’t they give it to him from the very beginning?” The reality is, since it’s a new and obviously expensive drug, it’s considered a “second line drug”. This means that you give this after the standard and “normal” course of chemotherapy have failed. Since Pop had such severe toxicity to the other chemo, he certainly became a candidate for this new medication.

The plan is to repeat this new chemo treatment again next Tuesday and then repeat the CT scan next Friday to see if the drug is shrinking his lung lesions. Pop continues to feel good and is surrounded by support from his family.

This weeks chemo therapy postponed

Tom took Pop to see his oncologist on Tuesday. The doctor thought that Pop should wait a week and regain some strength before resuming chemotherapy so they postponed his scheduled chemo for this week. They will be using a different chemo therapy medication. He will receive this medication twice (one week apart). He is scheduled to begin this on Tuesday, May 16th and then again on the 23rd. They will then repeat his CT scan on Friday, May 26th to determine if the medication is being effective in shrinking his lung tumors. I’ll keep you all posted.

Pop remains in great spirits through it all.

Upcoming second round of chemotherapy

It's been a while since we posted an update on Pop. So here's the latest: Pop has been doing very well at home. He's been eating well, walking, driving, watching the Phillies and feeling good. He gets tired quickly but considering all he's been through I think that's OK.

Pop is scheduled to meet with the oncologist this Tuesday. On Wednesday, he's scheduled to begin his second round of chemo. I'm not sure if they are going to change the chemotherapy medication or give him the same stuff at a lower dose. Either way, Pop is ready and willing to proceed. He's been great through it all and has felt the support of his family. I'll let you all know how he makes out on Wednesday after his chemotherapy infusion.

Thanks to everyone for your prayers and concern for our father.

Pop’s Home

The doctor’s told us it was safe to take Pop home to regain is strength from the chemotherapy. I was a bit hesitant of that decision until I went to visit him. There he was sitting on the sofa with Jimmy & Ron watching TV and eating some Puerto Rican Soul Food. We laughed a lot, quizzed Pop on some Phillies trivia and left him to rest so he could get back to business.
He’ll be going back to Fox Chase next Wednesday to start his Chemo treatment again (at a lesser strength).
For those of you who are interested in sending in him a card or a letter, please do so. It really means a lot to him.

As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. James 5:11