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So I've been studying the PET scan results and reading up on radiofrequency ablation. A couple of pieces of good news...When Jon had his first PET scan the largest tumors were almost 14cm at the widest part and had an SUV(intensity of tumor activity) of 8.9. In the most recent report it measures 9.6cm at its widest part and an SUV of 2.7. The reduction in the SUV is as significant as the reduction in size. It measures the tumor dying rather than growing. If you recall, all the small tumors are gone and that makes him a possible candidate for radiofrequency ablation. This procedure is done under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. It would be very similar to the liver biopsy where they would penetrate the skin with the needle, guided by an ultrasound or CT scan. Once they made contact with the tumor they would "burn it out" with radio waves. They can cover and area of 3cm by 7cm in one burn, however, larger tumors have been ablated with two burns. This procedure would be much less invasive then a liver resection which is major surgery, wherein they remove your liver, cut out all the tumors and put it back. They could also take the affected lymph nodes during that procedure. As the lymph nodes are "stable" and the pancreas looks normal we are strongly leaning toward the ablation. The question will be if the surgeon feels he can ablate the tumor that is somewhat larger than the optimum candidate and if the lymph nodes and pancreas stable enough to not need removing. I would expect that one more round of chemo would ensure that the cancer is dead in those parts.

Jon told me today that there is no way he will take Oxyplatin again. That was the main chemotherapy agent in his last cocktail. Dr. Chue was somewhat reluctant to use Gemzar again so soon but that may be our best option, incorporating the one week breaks every four weeks to give Jon some recovery time.

Jon's feeling better every day. He was up and about all day and is just resting on the couch without a nap this evening. He won't let me give him any Interferon yet. I'll give him until Monday, then he gets it whether he wants it or not :)

We are also researching a pancreatic cancer vaccine developed at the University of Pittsburgh. My piano instructor sent us an article about it that we will give to Dr. Chue for his opinion.

We are excited to see the surgeon on Tuesday!

Kelsey and Jon found the cutest baby bunny in our yard today. Its about 4 inches long by 5 inches high. Kelsey is feeding it kitten formula with an eyedropper. We are going to try to rescue it and set it free when its big enough to survive on its own.