. . .but not discouraged .

(Monday evening)

Our oncologist just called (5:45 p.m.). The surgeon has not yet called, but the oncologist wanted us to know what the report said. The report is not good. The tumor has not responded to the chemo. Rather than shrinking, it has grown (from 4.3 cm to 5.3 cm). There is slight necrosis in the center of the tumor, which might mean that the tumor is dying, but most likely it is because the tumor has reached the size where the blood vessels can no longer supply sufficient blood. There is no sign that the tumor has spread to the liver (which is the only surrounding organ the MRI scanned).

There was a slight chance that if the tumor has shrunk, I would be a candidate for resection, but the oncologist said that, in his opinion, that is not the case and surgery is not an option.

Our plans are to go to MD Anderson next Sunday for a Monday appointment with the radiologist. He will do tests to see if I am a candidate for proton therapy.

Continue your prayers. We are disappointed, but not discouraged.

Jack