Last update from Houston (for now)

Carrie met with Dr. Naing today and the last treatment that Carrie had (last Wednesday) was her last treatment for this trial since the tumors are still growing. We found out today that Carrie has been accepted into the new trial that just started at MD Anderson. We also mentioned to the doctor about a trial that is currently going on at Vanderbilt( Thanks LeAnne). He said that it would be a good idea to look into that trial. I will discuss the two trials in a second but first, Carrie and I will be driving back to Auburn tomorrow and will be there for at least 3 weeks. The three weeks will allow her body to get rid of the current chemotherapy.

So now for the trials:

Vanderbilt - Phase 3 trial double blind placebo controlled and is given orally. It is targeted specifically for ACC. That is all we know about it at this time. We will be getting more information about it in the next couple of days and I will update the blog when get the details of the trial.

MD Anderson - Another phase 1 trial. It will be given through IV. Drug is not targeted toward a certain cancer. We do know that one patient at MD Anderson had ACC and after the first cycle showed that the cancer cells appeared to be dying. They were taken off of the trial due to a side effect that may or may not be related to the chemo. So far there have not been any side effects that are usually associated with chemotherapy (hair loss, nausea, vomiting). The drug will be given once a week for six weeks and then Carrie will get a CT scan. If we decide to do this trial, Carrie would start treatment no earlier than the first week of May.

Side notes - Carrie has had elevated blood pressure for the last couple of weeks and was perscribed high blood pressure medicine (Norvasc) to help stablize it. They were not TOO concerned but want to keep it under control. Carrie experienced some pain in the right side of her abdomen starting yesterday (Tuesday) and lasted through the night. She felt better this morning and the doctor thinks that it caused from the tumor being up against a nerve. They gave her a perscription for a high dose of Lortab.

That is all of the information that we have right now and will let everyone know once we get more info. Thanks for everyone's thoughts and prayers through this trial.

Stay tuned......