Drug-free summer - NOT

First of all, many thanks for all your concern, good wishes, and words/prayers of support. It has been something of a trying time, to say the least.

Good new is that my oncologist was back at work last week and, after hearing my latest news via Dr Wadge, contacted me to set up a meeting. We discussed various treatment options. It was decided that since the cancer continues to spread in more than one part of my body, there will be only limited results in a very restricted area should radiation treatment be resumed. (Thank goodness!! Was not looking forward to another round of skin decomposition and 2nd degree burns!) Thankfully, there are a couple of chemo options that will work on multiple locations at the same time.

The first option is the investigative drug from a trial I was on last year. Unfortunately the drug isn't yet available, but should be in the very near future. It performed wonderfully re reducing/stabalizing tumours during the trial, but the study team is still collecting data regarding the drug's ability to prolong patient survival - preliminary results suggest the drug performs well in that regard, too. That data should be compiled by the end of July, but there is no word re how long it will take to calculate the results nor is there any guarantee there will be enough information to offer any definitive answer to related questions. More data may be needed before the research team is satisfied that extended life expectancy is probable for those taking that drug. Given that there is no way of telling how long any of this follow-up research will take, my oncologist has suggested opting for other treatments in the meantime.

As a result of all of this, I've signed on to another study (my third, if anyone is counting). The nurses in charge of the study were on holiday last week, but will be back at work tomorrow. They will undertake the randomization process (a computerized coin toss that determines whether I get the investigative drug or am in the control group). They will also co-ordinate baseline testing such as CT scan, blood work, and so forth. Once all that is completed, I start the trial.

Since this is a study, I will have to go to Vancouver for treatment. Treatment will be every 21 days.

If I am given the investigative drug, I can expect some nasty diarrhea activity. In fact, severe diarrhea is the most common side effect. And they do mean severe. Apparently six people died as a result because they did not address the issue soon enough. Trust me, I won't be one of those. Other meds I've taken have had similar warnings and I haven't hesitated to seek medical assistance to both stem the loss of bodily fluids and to keep sufficiently hydrated. All of the other side effects appear to be comparatively minor and far less debilitating - fatigue, hair loss, etc. Feel I can easily live with all of this.

It is the "control" option that has me far less enthused. In this case, my oncologist has the option of choosing from a list of possible drugs. I've had most of these before and several, including capecitabine, vinoralbine, and gemcitabine are no longer effective or I've already ingested my life-time limit. That leaves taxol, one of the least favourite drugs I've encountered thus far. It's the one that left my hands and feet numb - couldn't stand for any length of time, and couldn't pick up things like needles or pins - and ensured that Tylenol 3 was a regular part of my diet. My oncologist assures me that, should I be randomized into the control group, she will prescribe a reduced dose of taxol and provide a number of other medications that will help offset those nastier side effects.

So for now I'm waiting to hear from the study nurses regarding the outcome of the randomization and dates for the CT scan and baseline blood work. The oncologist hopes everything will be in place so I can start treatment by the second week in August at the latest.

Must say that I am feeling pretty optimistic about all of this. First of all, I don't have to wait another month before having any treatment. Also the mere thought that I continue to have options - and apparently there are still a couple of other drugs to try that I haven't mentioned above - keeps my spirits on an upward trajectory. In addition, aside from the discomfort in my neck and lower back/hip and occasional wheezing, I feel pretty dang good. No, I don't feel like running off on another travel adventure, but I do look forward to a variety of diversions closer to home.

In summary, I believe this is all very good news. I many not have the drug-free summer I envisioned, but I will certainly be around to enjoy another autumn (my favourite season) or two or six.

Many thanks again for all your love and concern. Your good wishes and healing vibes do much to help sustain me, and for that I humbly offer my sincere appreciation.