A little more info...

Not much to report, but I just wanted to give a little more info about the next few upcoming weeks. We only have 2 more treatments of this cycle before I get scanned again. Treatment #3 will be this wednesday, March 30 and the last one will be the following wednesday, April 6. I will then get scanned the following Monday, April 11. Jason and I will be flying out to Texas the morning of the 11th and will be staying through Wednesday April 13, where we will meet with my doctor to get the results. If these last 4 treatments show continued growth, our understanding is I will no longer continue with this trial. We still don't have any information on the other trial they hope to involve me in, but hopefully we'll get some soon. As of right now, we are tentatively planning on returning to Auburn after the 13th for at least the 28 day "washout period" required between trials.

Also, we failed to mention after the results last time that the scan showed what appears to be a small blood clot in one of my blood vessels. If I remember correctly, I believe it was in my superior vena cava. The doctor said it was very small and doesn't appear to be causing any problems. He is, however, referring me to a hematologist there at MD Anderson to determine if they will put me on blood thinners to try and dissolve it. I will meet with that doctor tomorrow, Tuesday 3/29, and let everyone know what we find out.

We are doing pretty well overall and trying to keep our spirits up! We still aren't sure what we're going to do about this other clinical trial, but we're hoping to get some more information on it soon so we can figure everything out. In the mean time, I am REALLY looking forward to being able to spend 4 weeks at home in Auburn... there's no place like home :)

Cycle 6 results

We met with the doctor today and wish we could have gotten better news. The growth this cycle was 8% which brings the total to 16% since she started the trial. We were told the trial has only slowed the growth but that it is not stopping it. He suggested that we do one more cycle (4 weeks) and then we will do another scan and if nothing changes this will be the end of this trial. There is a possibility that there might be another trial opening up in a couple of months that Carrie might could get into but not to get our hopes up as it is a brand new trial. After this next cycle Carrie will be back in Auburn for at least 28 days and then we will decide whether or not to continue with the next trial (if it available).

Results Coming Soon

Well, we are nearing the end of this cycle. We took a week off from treatment this past wednesday and instead spent the week in the Smokey Mountains with Carrie's parents and brother. And it was such a great break from the usual routine of traveling back and forth to Texas. It was a much needed break and hopefully will rejuvenate us for a while.

Now it's back to the grind... Carrie will fly back to Texas this Tuesday and have her last treatment of this cycle on Wednesday, March 9. She will then have her CT scan done Thursday morning, March 10. I will then be flying out to Houston the following week on Tuesday, March 15. We will meet with Carrie's doctor for the results of the scan on Wednesday, March 16, and pending a good report, she will start the next cycle of 8 rounds that afternoon.

We have been doing this trial for 6 months now and it's really starting to take it's toll on us. We've been very fortunate that Carrie has been able to travel back and forth as much as she has. The only side effects she's had have been decreasing white blood counts. Thank you all for your continuous thoughts and prayers. Unless something happens, we will let everyone know the results next Wednesday, March 16.