Clayton, Paege and Jennifer went to meet with the Radiologist Dr. David Brizel today. Dr. Ghafoori, who is Dr. Brizel’s resident, did a thorough exam and questioning first. We also met Dr. Brizel’s assistant, Eileen Duffy, who I might add is a HOOT! She is from Ireland and has a great sense of humor. It was a lot of fun to hear her talk and cut up with Clayton. She can definitely hold her own with him.
Dr. Brizel explained to us that the tumor on his tongue is approx. 5cm (almost 2″) making it a T3. The lymph nodes are approx. 5cm making it a L2. He diagnosed it as an overall stage 4 cancer. The good thing is that he doesn’t have it showing up anywhere else. All the doctors that we have seen have all said that his age, size, and overall good health is a huge plus for him.
He explained about the 2 new drugs that they were using in their new case study. Tarceva is an investigational drug that blocks the activity of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGFR is a protein found on the surface of many tumor cells that may control tumor growth and tumor cell survival. In other words, it blocks the receptor that feeds the cell and in return the cell starves and dies.
Bavacizumab is and investigational, humanized monoclonal antibody produced by Genentech, Inc. using DNA technology. It is an antibody (protein) directed against vascular endothelial growth factor. (VEGF) which stops the growth of blood vessels that brings nutrients to tumor cells.
The two drugs used together have proven to shrink the tumor before they even start the chemo and radiation. We had a thorough explanation of how a case study is invented, approved, and then administered. This treatment would be in addition to the treatment designed best for Clayton using chemo and radiation. The downfalls of using this with the normal treatment are that it could make him sicker and could take longer for him to re-coop. We are studying and praying about this decision to participate in this study.
The type of radiology technique is called IMRT which actually has beams coming from 6 to 8 different angles to be more precise and to have less damage to the good cells around. We gave them the go ahead to start the process there and they are lining everything up for all the preliminary test and preparations. We are waiting to hear the dates and times and the chemo oncologist. They said that it would take 7 to 10 days to get all the details worked out and design the full treatment plan for Clayton’s CURE!!
We all 3 felt very good and know that after this meeting that this is where he needs to be for the best treatment possible. I feel like God has placed us in very good hands with people who truly care about Clayton and the rest of his family. We are pushing full steam ahead and with the most positive outlook. I know you all are behind us 100%.
We can’t thank you enough for all the calls, cards, memos and prayers. They have truly lifted us and every day that I read all the comments on this website, you have to know this is what inspires me to keep my head up. Even though this has been one of the most difficult paths we’ve ever walked down, I know with your continued support and prayers we will always be able to see God’s light at the end of the tunnel. I just keep telling myself that this is just a small part of our lives to endure to save the rest of my husband’s life. That’s the MOST IMPORTANT THING!!!
God Bless all of you,
Paege
