Visit With Dr. Senzer

No, this is not some weird chemo side effect. Nor is it the illustrious Dr. Senzer. Just a good picture for a much needed smile. Sorry for the delay in getting the update posted. I was traveling yesterday, and today was a down day. It's harder not being with Mom and Dad or having to be strong (keeping the old chin up) for anyone. I kind of fall apart for a day or two after coming home. But on to the news ... we met with Dr. Senzer after the group of doctors determined that surgery was out of the question for right now. We went with a load of questions and skepticism as to the wisdom of this decision. Dr. Senzer is the Scientific Director of Mary Crowley Research. He is very blunt, and is the definite realist (a/k/a wet blanket) in the group. So here is the factual data that was the basis for their decision to postpone surgery.

1. In order for surgery to be of any benefit at all, they MUST have clear margins (no cancer beyond they incision site). No microscopic cancer cells can be left. At this point, they only have a 15% chance of achieving clear margins. Radiating the pancreas will increase this percentage to 75% (pretty good odds). The reason clear margins are so critical is that the increased blood flow and growh factors that the body produces as part of the healing process rapidly facilitate the regrowth and soon, the cancer is further and more aggressive than before.

2. They must make sure there are no additional, very small cancer growths other than the one large currently present. If there are small cancerous areas, they will attempt radiating and other options. The problem is that while they perform the radiation, they will have to reduce the strength of the chemo. Typically, chemo is maximally effective for 3-4 rounds (4 weeks per round). Dad is on his third round with wonderful results. The reason the efficacy slows is that the weaker cancer cells respond fairly quickly and die, resulting in good initial results. Unfortunately, the weaker cells compete with the more resistent cells for growth factors, basically supressing their growth. Once they are killed off, the resistent cells grow unimpeded, usually at an exponential rate. We are fighting against time to complete 5 1/2 weeks of radiation, 5 days a week. Then healing for 3-5 weeks. Then, if no new cancerous areas emerge, surgery to remove all cancerous areas.

3. Major problem is that the lab for producing both the Genetic Vaccine and Genomic Characterization medications will not be complete for 4-6 months. This is contrary to the information we recevied from Dr. Nemunaitis during our initial visits. He indicated we could have the vaccine cultured while we were waiting the 4-9 months (this was back in February) for the genomic characterization. Dr. Senzer made it very clear that with typical pancreatic cancer, it is a race with time. Most pancreatic cancers don't last 6-9 months to have the genetic precedures that don't have a proven track record (since they are experimental) of legitimately offiering curative measures. He said the FDA takes a dim view of cutting on patients for experimental protocols that may not have any benefit, even if the patient wants it.

This was a very sobering visit, but here are a few things to remember. First, and most important, Dr. Senzer isn't factoring God into the equation. This visit was a very real reality check for us. Had we shifted our hope to Mary Crowly, the place and people God had provided for us? He will have no other gods (or hopes) before Him. We must be firmly anchored at the cross and the healing that was provided for Dad there. Second, we still very mucsh need your prayers. The storm is definitely raging around us.

Specific prayers: that there will be NO MORE growth areas in the liver; that the radiation is dramatically effective; that God will supernaturally and completely heal Dad before the doctors can get their shot at him.

While you're at it, I have two personal prayer requests. Dad's illness has thrown his grandson Sam for a loop (he is shown here getting baptised by Uncle Robert in Hawaii this past summer). He is questioning his faith and his belief in Christ. At first he questioned God's existence, but then came to terms with that and is doubting the diety of Christ. This has been agonizing and we covet your prayers that Sam's eyes would be opened to the truth.
Second, Rachel is having heart surgery on May 12. Please pray God's protection over this procedure. It is done through the arteries, and they don't have to open her up (unless they have to put in a pace maker (10-15% chance). Lots going on in the middle of this storm.