So yesterday we met with the oncologist for Cathy. The night before they had brought her case before the cancer Board of oncologists and devised a plan to hopefully shrink the tumor a bit before we revisit removal of the tumor, and a portion of her lung.
We are going to try monthly injections of Lanreotide. This is a growth hormone inhibitor which basically blocks the tumor receptors and prevents it from getting what it needs to grow; essentially starving the tumor in hopes that with it’s growth source cut off, it will begin to shrink. Cathy will have a monthly injection for three months and then we’ll scan the lung again to see how it’s working. Then we’ll determine if we continue with more injections, or if we revisit surgery at that time.
On an even better note, Cathy’s PET scan came back confirming the cancer is localized to just her lung and nowhere else in her body. What a relief. If this were a metastatic site, that would have certainly compounded things.
So grateful for good news along the way.
The side effects seem to be minimal for this injection/medication. Uneven blood sugars (she’s already diabetic, so she already tests her sugars daily) and gallstones seem to be the number 1 issues associated with it. But some patients stay on this medication for years without any issues and it keeps the tumor growth at bay. In the end, that might be the answer.
Thank you again for all the care and the prayers sent Cathy’s (and my) way. We appreciate it all more than words can express. More to come…
Shrinking Shay 