12/22- an amazing day for all (results and a party) YEAH CP-751,871.

Pictures: Chuck and Cookie Hartzell and Dave at Silver Beach Pizza; Clare Dine ; Kay and Emma Dine- it's not a pose.

Well, the day is here....finally. Went to the clinic at 10:30 am but didn't get to see anyone until close to noon (they were busy today). The good thing is when you have time with the NP/PA and MD, it is all your time. At first we didn't think Dave would get the study drug because his platelets had only gone up to 33,000 (normally they like it at 75,000 for chemo). And Dave's Magnesium is low, so time to replace that. But we're getting ahead of ourselves if we don't talk about the results. Here it goes:

Liver mass and abdominal wall mass- both were quite small and are gone, dead.

Adrenal gland mass- less than 1/3 of the size, no action on the PET scan. Probably dead and Dave just has a nodule on his adrenal gland. Will watch.

Kidney masses- appear to be gone, were pretty small.

Rt lung mass- much smaller and minimal activity on the PET scan.

Left lung mass- the original mass. Has been gone on CAT scans x 3. PET scan shows some continued activity which is a concern for the MD. He feels it's important to continue the study drug and kill as much as possible so Dave can have some real remission.

Because of the continued activity in the left lung, the MD really wanted Dave to get the study drug today and continue every 3 weeks, even with a low platelet count. Although the study drug can affect platelets, its not as much as Taxol and Carboplatin. He's also getting a reduced dose starting the last cycle because of the low platelets and the hope would be as his platelets return to normal they can increase the dose.

So, chemo and magnesium starting at 2 pm. Dave was all done around 5 pm....still a full day. I have to mention the brain tumor. Since there are no symptoms of increasing size, the plan is to continue the study drug and look at a MRI of the brain in 1 to 2 months. Bottom line is Dave's masses have decreased 80% since the beginning of August. These are unusually good results for this type of lung cancer.

Whew- then between 5:30 and 6 we met family and some friends at Silver Beach Pizza and celebrated Dave's birthday and the results. It was great fun to see everyone and eat about 8 different kinds of pizza. Thanks to everyone who came by! Love to all.

Again, we so appreciate the positive thoughts, vibes and prayers coming our way. Merry Christmas to all... and to all a good night.