Starting Chemo...

After many phone calls & discussions with various medical professionals, Ken will be starting Chemotherapy tomorrow. We traveled back to Dana Farber, whose doctors concur with the surgeon's decision not to operate. Apparently, the tumor has grown quite a bit (especially between February and March) and is too "fluffy"...meaning ill-defined and invasive, so they won't be able to remove a significant enough amount to justify the risk of surgery. There are no clinical trials available at either Sloan-Kettering or Dana Farber at this time - or anywhere else within a reasonable distance from home. I have also checked several cancer centers, including M.D. Anderson and the Mayo Clinic (all locations), both of whom offer some interesting trials, none of which Ken seems to qualify for - either due to tumor grade, size, or operability. Due to the agressive nature of the tumor, Dr. M. Does not want to delay treatment any further, so Ken begins Avastin tomorrow, to be combined with a second drug at some point (I think tomorrow is only the Avastin). We met with a local oncologist today - because the Avastin is a "protocol" drug, he can eventually recieve his infusions here in CT and cut down on our commute to NYC. That's all I know for now...he has an MRI scheduled for Tuesday, and a visit with Dr. M. The following week.