Round 4 Completed AND, Again, Good News

Kanik had a successful round of chemo this afternoon, after an examination by Dr. Abou-Alfa.  The actual headline from today, however, is Kanik received his third CT scan (since he started treatment) and most of his tumors have remained stable while some may have shrunk.  This news definitely seems to indicate that the clinical trial Kanik has been participating in for the past three months is attacking the cancer with no mercy.

Due to this amazing progress, Kanik plans to continue the same regimen of drugs and chemotherapy for the foreseeable future.  However, since this latest treatment was delayed by more than three weeks, due to Kanik's blood loss before the last round, he will no longer officially be part of the clinical trial.  (There's a strict protocol for this trial and a long delay between treatments means patients cannot continue to be a part of it.)  Again, this doesn't affect Kanik's plan of action--he will have access to the drugs he's been taking and will continue to receive chemo every three weeks.

Kanik had a lot of energy tonight; ate well; and will now concentrate on keeping strong for the next few days, while the side effects of the chemo kick in.  All in all, a very good day.

Looks Like Chemo Is A Go For Tomorrow

Kanik had the endoscopy on his esophagus early this morning and the doctor who performed it said he is in good shape to receive his fourth round of chemo tomorrow, which is great news.  Kanik did have to get the banding procedure done, once again, on the varices in his esophagus but there were fewer bands placed on the varices this time around.  

(For those who would like more detailed information on what was done, CLICK HERE for details on esophageal varices.)


Kanik was in some pain this afternoon, but he was able to eventually eat and try to fortify himself for tomorrow.  For now, Kanik is back on track and ready to take on Round #4.  Let's go, Kanik!   More tomorrow...

This Week's Schedule

Due to the banding procedure Kanik had done to his esophagus a few weeks ago, his fourth round of chemo was postponed.  While Kanik has been healing, he's proven one can work hard AND be a Lady Who Lunches. The two activities are not mutually exclusive. 

This Monday morning, however, Kanik has an appointment for an endoscopy to check out his esophagus and make sure he's ready for this next chemo session.  Assuming all looks good, Kanik will receive chemo the following day, Tuesday.  Ling-Fong arrives in NYC tomorrow and will be here for the week to help support Kanik.  We'll keep you posted on the schedule and let you know if there's anything you can do to help out this week. 

Tea Time! Pinkies Up!

Kanik's childhood friend, Paul, flew in from Colorado this past weekend to visit Kanik.  They spent the last few days eating, watching Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, catching up, and eating some more.  Oh, and there was a gnocchi-making class thrown in there, as well, which led to...apparently, more eating.  Kanik and Paul joined Adam, Amanda and her brother, Drew, for tea at Lady Mendl's.  They had a great time being oh-so-proper and eating tiny sandwiches with the crusts cut off.  The only awkward moment was when Kanik ordered a large pizza to be delivered to the table from Domino's.  (Just kidding!  He's a New Yorker.  He would NEVER order from Domino's!)  

Good times were had by all.