As you recall, I completed my Proton radiation back on January 9, 2023. Fast forward 6 weeks to February 21, I had my first post radiation scans. Though the radiology report for that was encouraging, I had no idea just how well things had gone. Fast forward again to March 10 when I had my first follow-up visit with Dr. Mark McDonald, Medical Director at the Emory Proton Therapy Center. In our discussion and his patient portal notes, my "tumor appears notably more necrotic and the tumor volume has decreased by approximately 30%". See it for yourself in these before and after scans:
As encouraging as this is, I am by no means out of the woods as there are other areas of disease, including a right renal mass, which fortunately remain stable for the time being. Long story short: this all means that I will have to continue some sort of systemic treatment. Exactly what regimen remains to be determined.
In other news, Holly and I are moving this coming Tuesday (March 14) to Del Webb Nocatee, located in Ponte Vedra, Florida. (Think south of Jacksonville but north of St Augustine and you'll be in the ballpark.) This is all part of a larger master-planned community called Nocatee, which includes families of all ages. The best part? I get to drive a golf cart to the clubhouse, grocery store, and nearby restaurants! I'm so excited!
As part of my transition to the Jacksonville area, my ongoing cancer treatment is going to be done at Mayo Clinic. I've already met with my new oncologist and plan to see him shortly after we get down there.
Here's to save travels and new adventures in Florida!
Hi Dave,
ReplyDeletewhy not to hit the other areas of disease with proton therapy?
Dario
Hi Dario -- I suspect that proton elsewhere could be an option in the future, though the typical thinking of most doctors here in the US for my case has been 1) Chemo, 2) Surgery, 3) Radiation as backup for first two. I will add that the large tumor in the pelvis that was just zapped with proton radiation is the *ONLY* area that is "proven" to be cancerous (through biopsy). The one on my right kidney is quite suspicious for sarcoma, as are a number of small lung nodules, but those have (thankfully) remained stable. The fear though is they may not remain stable though without some sort of systemic treatment. I'll keep you posted as to what Mayo Clinic says once I meet with the doctors there. Thanks!
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