Lance Holland: 01/19/2010

Yesterday we went to dad's first oncologist appointment at Dallas Presby. The people at Texas Oncology were very welcoming and comforting. I think that collectively (as a family) felt very comfortable with the team that they have assembled there to help dad through his recovery process. Dr. Barve asked dad a few routine questions and examined his scar which has "healed VERY well".

We talked with Dr. Barve about how the next six months are going to unfold. Dad has been accepted in a clinical trial for pancreatic cancer patients with the same stage and classification as dad. As a supplement to his Gemzar treatment, dad will be taking a vaccine shot with every treatment, which will be administered every week for the next six months. His first vaccine begins this Thursday. He will have three vaccines before the Gemzar starts on February 11th; which he'll receive both chemo and the vaccine. The Gemzar is to be administered every Thursday at Dallas Presby for the next six months. The vaccine will continue as long as dad is in remission.

Gemzar is a milder chemotherapy drug, which enables them to administer weekly. He is not expected to lose his hair or tastebuds. He will experience mild nausea which will be treated with an oral perscription. Overall, the appointment was VERY POSITIVE. We all felt good about it, the people were great, the atmosphere was upbeat, and really seemed like a great place to go every week to beat your cancer. On top of that, one of his nurses is a Tri-Delt sorority sister with my wife Neely. She's great and we feel like we have someone on the "inside".

Today, dad went in for a CT scan which will be the first of many in the near future. Early Thursday, we've scheduled a day-surgery to have his port put in, and then over to Texas Oncology for the first dose of vaccine for the clinical trial.

Yesterday, dad looked great. He has a fresh haircut, had great coloration, is getting around just like normal, lost some weight (but not too much weight), and basically looked like he was dressed for work. He's ready. Positive, Faithful, Trusting, and Ready.