Unfortunately, the resuts of the MRI on Wednesday were not all that good, there was some regrowth in the upper part of the tumour cavity, an indication that the current temozolomide chemotherapy has become ineffective. A new approach to the treatment was called for. So on Friday, I made use of my built-in IV-catheder – the portacath – for the first time. During a 3-hour session I got infused with Bevacizumab (trade name Avastin). This is not a chemotherapy drug as such, but it inhibits tumor growth by blocking the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). It is one of Roche’s most successful and expensive products. I will now go for three rounds of treatment at 3-week intervals after which we will re-examine my poor head again. The whole thing has made me extremely tired, I practically slept all weekend, but no other ill side-effects so far.
Of course I am quite disappointed that the chemo didn’t work as well and as long as expected, but I am looking forward to some good results from the new treatment. I’ll keep you posted on the progress.
Good night and cheers,
Tom
Keep the faith Tom. This new treatment sounds promising. Best wishes to you. Sending a prayer along too.
Dear Tom,
wishing you all the best – I am sure, that we will all start buying Roche shares soon because it will work!
Cheers and all the best,
Thomas & Family
Hi Tom
maybe this will help:
http://www.thetahealing.com/index.html
Take care
Stefania
Hi Tom,
Yes, best of luck with the new treatment! I have my fingers crossed for you! Big hug!!!
Kim
Dear Tom,
Happy belated St Paddy’s Day to you all, it’s 14 years since you all celebrated it with us here in Dublin.
Keep the faith.
Warmest regards,
Hi
We wish you all the best and hope that the treatment will help. We admire your strenght to go through all this!
The first sunny and warmer days of this spring – and the gorgeous view from your home – may support you, too.
Take care,
Guy
Dear Thomas and Milena
Derek and I met Geraldine recently on one of our rare social trips to Dublin together without our children. We hadn’t met since the MBA class reunion so it was great to see her and catch up on all the news and share stories.
We were deeply shocked and saddened to hear what you are going through. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we will be sending you lots of positive energy from County Clare.
Take care and fingers crossed for your current set of treatment. (I love the recipes by the way and plan to try the scallops, chorizo and chillis this week!)
Love and hugs – MAria
Tom,
We really are all praying for you, and all the positive thinking certainly helps. Thank goodness there is another treatment. Best wishes & a happy spring to you, Milena, Laura and Stella.
Deb & the boys
Tom
Great seeing you again, and if you really do have a tumor, I wouldn’t have guessed. Same old jolly Tom. And frankly, if anything is going to keep you going, it’s your sense of humor (and possibly a good glass of wine – just every now and then
I’m with you.
Richard
just checking in to say hello from savannah! glad to read richard’s comment!
hi to milena and girls!
xxoo
kim