Second opinion with oncologist in Pittsburgh

Barry and I went to see the doctor at UPMC in Pittsburgh this morning. Barry's type of cancer is rare and after looking over all of the documentation and results, the doctor will be presenting Barry's case to a panel of doctors this Wednesday for feedback. I am encouraged in the fact that this hospital deals specifically with cancer of the liver. Unlike my breast cancer and other cancers, surgery is not an option for us since the cancer was located near the lungs also. The focus for us are the tumors in the liver area, two of which are large with other small ones. This doctor is leaning towards the following treatment: here is a website to explain the treatment:

http://www.radiologyinfo.org/content/interventional/chemoembol.htm

The procedure would require Barry to be hospitalized overnight. It is done by interventional radioligists. Our local hospitals do not do this, done in Pittsburgh. He would then come home the next day. Usually sick for that first week. Repeated treatment every 8 weeks. Direct the chemo into the tumor through cathetar and shoot some kind of beeds to stop the blood flow to tumor.

He also had another CT scan today just to be right up to date. By Friday we will hear from this doctor with a course of treatment. Before doing anything, we will talk to our present doctor.

We've absorbed a lot of information today, and you know it does make sense. Just what the thalidomide would do, stop blood flow. Barry and I continue to be positive, know this is not a cure but a treatment. And he has desire to continue to work through all of this. He's got such a work ethic which I do believe is theraputic.

Thanks to all for your continued support and prayers. And thank you Lisa for taking such good care of Tim today while we were in the city.