Today was Jon's visit with Dr. Chen who is our other option for an oncologist at SCTWC while Dr. Chue is on leave. This appointment went much better than Monday's visit with Dr. Cunningham. Dr. Chen is definitely in closer communication and practice style with Dr. Chue. After reviewing Jon's scans he agreed that a more aggressive approach was in order and Jon should proceed with intravenous chemo asap. He planned on calling Dr. Chue tonight to perfect the next "cocktail" but it will be along the lines of the oxyplatin/5FU/taxol regime. Dr. Chen told Jon he wanted to make sure that the treatment didn't kill him instead of the cancer. Jon responded that he'd rather "go down fighting."

The schedule will be arterial mapping on Dec 2, most likely Y90 embolization the 4th and the first IV chemo Dec 9. He will have 12 metronomic chemotherapies and a second embolization in early January. It's going to be a tough road ahead. As I witness Jon going through this I have come to understand why some people give up but that is still not either of our styles. We don't always agree on treatment protocols (and lots of other things!) but I have some sense of peace in knowing that we both feel strongly about moving forward with these therapies. I guess our mutual stubbornness, persistence and tenacity are some of the things that bond us together.

It's strange to think about 2 years ago on Thanksgiving Eve when I spent the evening reviewing MRIs, CT scans and treatment plans with the radiologists and oncologist. The next day we had the family over to celebrate the holiday and Jon asked me not to tell them the news until we had more information. It felt nearly impossible to get through that day. So much has happened in the past two years and I am thankful Jon has had the opportunity to watch his children marry and have two beautiful grandchildren. Tomorrow we celebrate with my Mom and Dad who are still visiting from Pennsylvania (they are an entire blessing all to themselves!), Elizabeth, Kelsey, Levi, Ericka, Maelie and Wyatt. The family keeps growing and life continues to move on.

Thank you to everyone for all of your positive thoughts, words, and prayers.