New Territory

So since my last post, a lot has been going on.  I did get to Detroit, or more specifically, Karmanos Cancer Center, where my doctor here at home wanted me to go.  As it turns out this is a very cool place with many more than just a few phase I studies going on.  I'm told that if the one I'm on doesn't work, there are plenty more for me to try.  That's good news. 

My 1st trip consisted of an interview with one of the doctors heading the study and lab work all to get an idea if I qualified for something.  The doctor talked a long time with me.  I liked him a lot right out of the shoot.  He seemed very smart, but also easy to talk to and even had a sense of humor.  He made me feel pretty good about myself as he told me that I was still very strong and in fact, "A fantastic prospect for a study."  Everything looked good for my being accepted, but there were still more tests to do so I was scheduled for a follow-up visit about a week later.  That appointment consisted pretty much of the same with some added tests like EKG, ECHO, CT scan and more lab work. After that I waited to hear if there was anything that would keep me from being accepted.  Fortunately, there wasn't and I was scheduled to come in and start on February 23rd.  I came in that day, got started, but had to turn around and come back 2 days later for some special follow up lab work.  Most of this lab work can be done here in Cleveland, but unfortunately, some has to be done there.  I just got back from being there the 9th and 10th of March for some routine study tests.  Mike went with me and we stayed at the Motor City Casino-Hotel.  We don't gamble, but the hotel is fabulous so it was very comfortable to say the least.  Fortunately, the drug company for the study drug picks up the tab for the hotel.  I'm not complaining. 

I take 2 pills every day.  One is an already FDA approved drug for pancreas cancer and the other is the study drug.  The hope is that the 2 drugs together have a synergistic affect meaning that when the 2 are combined, they work even harder.  They are supposed to work together to reduce the size of tumors. They will test me to find out how it's working at the end of the 3rd cycle.  Each cycle is 21 days long.  I will finish the 1st cycle on March 16th and start the 2nd cycle on March 23rd. 

The 2 more common side effects from the drugs are diarrhea, and an acne like rash.  I've had the 1st, but no sign of a rash yet.  I'm not complaining. 

Other things going on.... well, my pain has been a challenge to get under control. Since being on the study, I haven't been allowed to take Allieve or Advil which I was taking along with my standard Oxycontin for pain.  Just that change alone sent my pain back into a real crisis.  They've changed my pain medication completely so now it shouldn't be a problem anymore. 

The girls are all doing well.  Jaime went back to work, but the baby is doing fine.  Matt watches her when Jaime is working so they haven't needed to go outside for childcare at all.  Right now their work schedules have provided them this luxury and hopefully it will continue. 

Well, that should pretty much update everyone for now.  I thank you for your continued prayers and support.  Without it, I don't think I'd be here as long as I have.  Thank you for everything :)

Love,
Sharon