The Cat Scan Results

Well, I won't beat around the bush, we did not get good news yesterday. The scan showed that the tumor has grown, and it has grown through and around the stint they put in several months ago. The doctor showed us the cat scan pictures and you could see that at one point in Bob's esophagus there is only a very narrow opening left. I would estimate that there is only about 10-20 percent of his esophagus remaining clear. The doctor was amazed that Bob has not had any trouble swallowing recently, but he hasn't. The doctor explained that the esophagus can expand, so that is probably the reason he has been able to swallow without any problems.

Because the tumor has grown so much and is growing so fast, the doctor doesn't think any more chemo will help. He said that we could try some other chemo drugs, but that there was only a 5-10% chance they would help, and it was much more likely they would make him sick, because he is so weakened now. So Bob decided against additional chemotherapy. The doctor suggested that we speak with the radiation oncologist about the possibility of radiation. He didn't give us much hope, however, of this producing any significant help either. He said it could make it easier for Bob to eat for a while, but that it would also make him very uncomfortable and while he was getting it, sore and unable to take in anything other than liquids. We have an appointment with the radiation doctor tomorrow to get his opinion. After that we'll make a decision about how to proceed.

I also have a bad Walter update. Just about an hour ago, he seemed to have what might be another stroke. He dropped to the floor and didn't move, and hasn't moved since. I have him resting comfortably in his bed. He's still breathing, but my gut instinct says he won't recover from this.

Thank you so much for all the kind wishes everyone, I wish I had better news to report.

Carol