Thank you all so much for your patience.  Your support gets us through this difficult time.

Houston, Texas

The week of April 8th, the whole Simons family was together in Houston.  This was such a blessing.  Tony, Theo, Mom, Dad, and myself all together.

While I was working, my mom, dad, brother, and nephew were able to enjoy the Houston Zoo.  Between my mom and dad using electric scooters to get around, and Theo in a stroller, the only one who got their steps in was Tony!

At night we would go out to eat at some of Houston’s famous restaurants.  The family favorite was a Tex Mex location called El Tiempo.  They’re famous for their fajitas but our favorite was the extra strong Margaritas!

My brother and nephew had to leave on Friday.  After mass and brunch on Sunday, my parents flew back to Kansas City.  But it was a productive trip.  While we had fun, most of the time was spent at MD Anderson Cancer Hospital meeting with the best of the best.  And Mom and Dad were coming back to Kansas City with a plan.

Texas Medical Center

About 5 miles outside of downtown Houston is a 2.1 square mile area that contains 54 medical institutions including 21 hospitals, 8 specialty institutions, 8 academic research facilities, 4 medical schools, 7 nursing schools, 3 public health organizations, 2 pharmacy schools, and a dental school.  This is the Texas Medical Center.  Everything is bigger in Texas!

Among these institutions is MD Anderson, the world's best dedicated cancer hospital.  This is where my dad went for an appointment with Dr. Brandon Smaglo.  Dr. Smaglo is not just an oncologist but he specializes in Pancreatic Cancer.  His resume speaks for itself.  He met with our whole family and patiently answered the many questions we all had.  If MD Anderson is the Top Gun of Cancer Hospitals, then Dr. Smaglo is Iceman.

Dr. Smaglo ordered some key tests for my dad including a unique CT Scan using the Pancreatic Protocol.  This is an advanced CT protocol that modifies the traditional scan to focus on imaging the pancreas in very high detail.

We also met with a surgeon.  They were able to confirm that my dad’s continued GI issues would still be a part of his ongoing recovery.  Unfortunately, when it came to the cancer, my dad was not a candidate for the Whipple procedure.

Dad is still on his TPN (IV Nutrition) and getting off that is a priority.  The chance of infection while on TPN and doing chemotherapy is very high.

Then we met with an MD Anderson clinical dietician who specialized in pancreatic cancer patients.  She put together a diet plan to help my dad ween himself off the TPN while minimizing the continued GI complications.

We then met one last time with Dr. Smaglo. The CT scan had shown that the cancer had spread.  It has taken root on the abdominal wall.  However, it was just locally spreading.  This was good!

While starting the chemotherapy, at a slightly reduced dosage, we will work to get off TPN following the recommendations of the dietician.

The two-week treatment cycle will involve one full day of chemotherapy in the cancer center followed by 46 hours of infusions at home.

As for the administration of the drugs, this can happen anywhere that is willing to coordinate with MD Anderson.  Dad wants to be back in Kansas City.  He wants to be around his family and around you all.  As such, he has elected to receive treatment at Advent Health in Shawnee Mission, KS because they are on board with coordinating with Dr. Smaglo at MD Anderson.

This is our plan for now.  In the meantime, the team at MD Anderson will be watching for any available clinical trials that Dad may qualify for.  He will also be returning to Houston every 2-3 months for check-ins with Dr. Smaglo.

First Round of Treatment

Finally, last Wednesday, April 17th, was the first treatment at Advent Health.  Side effects hit on Friday this past week but the worst of it has been exhaustion.

Right now, Dad needs food, rest, and your prayers!  We will continue to share updates as they come.  We read all your comments with Dad.  Thank you and God bless.