December 2015 CT Scan Results, New Treatment, Prognosis
Happy holidays! Had a CT scan yesterday and got the results minutes ago:
CT Scan: Unfortunately, again there was growth in the liver; enough to have the doctor rethink the strategy of the current regime of FOLFIRI and change it up. The largest legions on the liver grew from 2.5 to 3.5cm, and the doctor told me I would start seeing the side effects of the liver tumors around 7cm. There was overall growth in the liver, but minimal growth in the lungs which is good. Based on this information, the doctor suggested we change up the strategy as described below.
New Treatment: Currently I'm on FOLFIRI which is a cocktail of several chemo agents and several more antimetics to combat the side effects of the chemo. Because growth was found, it indicates that the tumors have become resistant to the standard drugs used for colon cancer.
The next step recommended by the doctor is called liver radioembalization, in which radioactive beads are implanted in the blood vessels that feed my liver. This should cause the tumors in the liver to shrink due to the radiation that is flowing in my blood. This outpatient procedure requires a mapping of the blood vessels several weeks before the implantation of the beads to ensure the placement is correct.
After the radioembalization, Dr. Harris suggested that I start a new regime that just received its FDA approval with a drug called TAS-102. These pills should have less side effects than I am receiving now, and is the best bet now that the primary drugs have been deemed insufficient due to the tumors resistance.
Prognosis: Based on the best information we have today, realistic worse case is 9 months left on my clock if the radioembalization is unsuccessful, realistic best case is a couple years. Overall, I'm feeling fine, still no side effects from the actual tumors. I'll definitely be enjoying Christmas and New Years as much as possible with the family.
Thanks so much for all your continued support, and I hope you all have happy holidays and a great new year!
Comments (16)
Don't let up, keep kicking ass! We love you!
Thank you for the update, I agree - keep kicking ass.
keep fighting man!
You got it Jerome! We're here for ya!
Love you dearly, son... Prayers for continued healing and blessings... --- Mommy
Stay strong, dear nephew! The new treatment combined with the newly-approved pills sound promising. Much love to you, Sam & Caleb!!!
Jerome, you are absolutely amazing and inspiring with your positive attitude and courage! I will continue praying for you and your family. Wish you and your family have a great holiday!
You've got this Jerome! We're praying for continued healing.
Jerome and family, I'm sorry to hear about the continued growth and treatment resistant tumors. I am praying this new regimen will work better for you. As to the worst case/best case prognoses, I don't like either of those numbers. I love your outlook and know that your faith and positivity will help you through and also assist in your healing. My best friend was given a prognosis of 6 months to live over 6 years ago. We do not have expiration dates stamped on our feet and while I respect the medical field and doctors tremendously they are human and cannot know such things with certainly. This is scary especially with your age and the impacts on your beautiful family but I am hopeful you too will prove the doctors wrong. Here's to healing and a long, long life. Merry Christmas Jimenez family. Love to you all.
I'm praying for you!!!!! Kick cancers ass!
Jerome, teenpinoy, ... keep up the good fight! We are sending you love and prayers from SJ! We wish you, Sam & Caleb a memorable and aweeeesome holiday!! God Bless the three of you always :)
Keep on keepin' on brotha! Praying the new regimen will be more effective. Love u and praying for u always ❤️
Thank you for the update, Jerome! Have a blessed Christmas - continuing to pray and send positive thoughts your way!
We're sending positive thoughts your way (with our lazer gun). *pew pew pew* We love ya Jerome! <3<3<3
We are praying for your fight to good health and beat the odds. Our positive thoughts are always with you always. Love, The Gomes Family.
Stay strong and positive Jerome! God is with you always, and He will help heal you. We are all praying for your complete healing. Blessings and love to you, Sam and Caleb! Best regards!