Monday, November 15, 2010

Some Encouraging News

Excerpts taken from the final radiology reports of last week's scans:

Chest CT: Stable left upper lobe nodule, consistent with known treated metastatic disease. Other small peripheral branching nodules are no longer seen, and may represent treated metastasis.

Cervical Spine MRI: There are minimal changes compared to prior study.

Lumbar Spine / Sacrum MRI: Redemonstrated is a pathologic compression fracture of the L5 vertebral body with epidural soft tissue tumor extension that is still present, but decreased in size when compared to the prior examination. No new pathologic fracture is identified in the lumbar spine or sacrum. No new metastatic lesions are identified within the lumbar spine.

Left Lower Leg MRI: The mass demonstrates decreased size compared to prior study, now measuring 13.1 cm compared to 14.7 cm in longitudinal dimension, and 5.6 cm compared to 7 cm in axial dimension.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The nature of the quantitative data from the left lower leg MRI allowed me to crunch some numbers:
  • Longitudinally there was an 11% decrease in length.
  • Axially there was a 20% decrease in diameter.
  • If we put these two dimensions together and assume a cylindrical shape (πR2 x H), then we can calculate a 43% decrease in the primary tumor volume!!!
This last value was so high that I had to go back to my engineering books and make sure my percent decrease formula was correct!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The oncologist we saw today was extremely pleased with the results telling us that he had never seen such a positive response after only two rounds of Yondelis. We'll take it!

And I started my treatment today! My liver functions were the lowest they've been since I started this new clinical trial, dropping into the double digits :)

24 comments:

  1. WOW! Fabulous news. We are all so thankful and can only imagine your joy. KEEP THE FAITH!

    Jill Efrussy

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am so excited!!!! What great news :o)

    ReplyDelete
  3. amazing news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xoxox

    ReplyDelete
  4. WOW!! You have found a new dimension for your engineering degree!!! Fantastic numbers! Wonderful news!! Prayers continue daily for you, Jeff.

    ReplyDelete
  5. That is wonderful! Such great news!!! Truly something to be thankful for this holiday season! You are in our prayers. Much love to you and Autumn! -- Your Sarasota Fan Club :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. That's great news, Jeff!! Thinking of you and sending positive vibes!! =) P.S. Yesterday, I left a message for Juliana and said, "Here's the latest from the Chronicles of Akhgarnia, to quote Jeff." Haha that's still the best title anyone's ever come up with!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is fantastic news!! I love thinking about you pouring over your engineering books and maybe even drawing a comparative figure? Love you Cuz

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great news!! Always thinking about you and can't wait to hear more great news!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. That's amazing news, Goober. You're the one man in the world that wants to hear about his shrinkage.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Fist in the air, screaming YES! That's me being so happy to know your wonderful news!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Yay, such wonderful news, red snap!!! Let the good news keep rolling.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wonderful news!! I'm so happy to hear. I look forward to continuing to hear about the shrinkage!! xx

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hey Jeff,

    It was great to see you and Autumn at my birthday. Thank you for sharing the link to your blog--your positive attitude, courage, and good humor are truly an inspiration to all, not to mention you are an exceptional blogger! I am very glad to now be connected with you guys through the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead. We will have to do a game night soon when you're feeling up for it!

    With brotherly love,

    Adam

    ReplyDelete
  14. jeff
    This is fantastic news. You will KICK its butt. But serioulsy engineering books? Next time just call me, i will be happy to help with the calculations?!!*+?? lol

    Ali

    ReplyDelete
  15. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING NEWS JEFF!!!! Just MADE my day, as I am sure that wonderful news made yours :) Miss you tons!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Great news Jeff!!! Thinking of you.

    ReplyDelete
  17. What up Jeff! Happy 7th night of Hanukah. Athena is still chewing on her Boston lobster and her "mustache"...hehe. We all hope to see you soon!- The Blumbergs

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'm a little late to the party, but yay! This is wonderful news! I hope the past few weeks have seen even better progress! My love to you and Autumn! xoxo

    ReplyDelete