Jon came home with some information on a new supplement recommended by Dr. Chue and Darren Bunch (acupunturist). He had actually tried it for a few days early in our cancer project but abandoned it for some reason neither of us can remember (is chemo brain contagious?) It is called Sho-saiko-to or "Xaio Chai Hu Tang" and has been used extensively in Japan to treat hepatitis and primary liver cancer. The studies report a 40% improvement in long term survival rates for liver cancer over a five year period. Apparantly this came up during a recent staff meeting at SCTWC while reviewing Jon's case. Darren tells us that he and Dr. Chue believe that this herb can help reduce Jon's current cancer cells to a point where the radiofrequency ablation may be possible. It is a stretch in the sense that there is no information regarding metastatic pancratic cancer but like everything else it is worth the try.
Jon slept well last nigh (unusual for chemo day due to steroids) and is in good spirits today. Friday still looks like "crash day" so we just plan our weeks around him sleeping all day on Friday and being better through the weekend. No reportable side effects with Doxil other than the usual chemo fatigue.
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