Minimal Growth ... is still growth

Well, what had become fairly routine (for me) trips to the oncologist every 3-6 months gave us a bit more news than we were used to today. As you may know, while Heidi's primary tumor was removed in Oct of 2007, there was spread to the liver of over 20 lesions. 4 of those are essentially measurable in terms of 1.5 x 2.0 cm each. These 4 lesions (tumors) have shown some growth with the results of the last CT scan (1-2 mm on each measure). This is the progression of the disease and while a bit disconcerting is not the end of the world. It does cause us to consider next steps like starting what is called Sandostatin Long Acting Release (LAR) which are monthly shots that Heidi would get to attempt to slow any progression of the cancer. There have recently been studies out of Germany which have clinically shown this to be the case. The hard part is that there has also be some evidence that over time the effectivness of this drug can diminish. So we don't want to start it too early. Which begs the question, is this the right time. We will do some more tests to see if there are chemical markers on the rise along with the tumor growth to help us with the decision.