# 5 chemo cycle and some more success

Pictures: Dave lighting celebratory "roman candle"; the fireworks- really they're there- we just can't see them

A wonderful day. At Dave's oncology appt there were several discussions. His hgb was 10.8 and platelets were 78,000. Our oncologist does not give chemo if the platelets are 75,000 or less, so there was discussion before he went forward. Dave did get chemo and tolerated it well (so far).

1- CT scan results.

Let me start by saying no growth is success. And we had a 73% decrease the first CT scan and were told it is normal not to have the same % decrease the next time. Okay, not trying to be a downer, just setting the situation up for all. There was another 5% decrease compared to the original films, for a total 77% decrease in tumor size. YEAH! There is a small section of scar tissue where the original tumor was Lt lung (one reason for roman candle).

2- The study

The study continues and our MD feels that the success we have seen is due to the study drug (CP-751,871) . They have added some precautions and extra testing. Extra fluid 2 days before and 2 days after chemo, an EKG before each chemo, and some required labs (including glucose monitoring) which our oncologist already was monitoring. Bottom line, we can continue and Dave happens to have had minimal amounts to none of these issues.

3- The plan

The oncologist wants and feels Dave can get through the next chemo #6 the day before Thanksgiving. Dave will have more doses of the medication to increase his platelets and I'm crossing my fingers. After that, we'll get another PET scan to see what's going on. It's possible that lesions remaining are "dead". Dave will get another 6 doses of the study drug which hopefully won't be as difficult when stopping the 2 other drugs. Dave has had some decrease hearing and numbness in his fingers and toes, but not enough to stop. It's awesome if he can get the total 6 doses of all 3 medications in.

We remain positive and strong in our fight. CW is the best fighter in the world! He told the MD- I'm ready, let's go for it. I'm in awe of his commitment and will be by his side through it all. We will win.