NEW TREATMENT OPTIONS

Well, we just pulled in from M D Anderson, and we are not particularly happy with the news we got from Dr. Phan. The biopsy shows the lymph node in Judy's neck is positive for Neuroendocrine Carcinoma. We hoped for a negative result, but if it had to be cancer, we are glad it is at least the same kind we already have. But, the progression of the cancer indicates that the current treatment is no longer effective. We will need to add another element to our treatment regimin. Now. here's where our choice of treatment alternatives becomes tricky. The best choice for an addition to the Sandostaten shot is a drug called Everolimus. It has been effective in about 5% of the patients who are on it (that in itself, is disapointing to us). Even at that, the drug has not been approved for Carcinoma. So, there is a 50/50 chance that Medicare will not approve payment for the perscription. The cost is $30,000.00 per month. So, if Medicare dosen't cover it, we certainly can't afford that. Another possibility is to take a drug called Interfuron. The results are not much better, but the side effects are much more severe, causing fatigue, constant flu-like symptoms, and a good possibility of causing Judy to become a diabetic. Finally, there are a couple of Clinical Trials using the Everolimus drug, but the one has half the participants on the drug and the other half on a placebo. The other two trials are just in Phase 1 or 2, which means they have very little data to start with. Additionally, the trials will be administered at MDA, and will mean going to Houston every 2 to 3 weeks. Our prayer is that Medicare will approve the Everolimus, and we can start that treatment right away, here in Dallas. Please pray with us to that end. If God has a different idea, we are ready to follow, no matter where it may take us. His way is always the best way. Your Brother and Sister in Christ, Ronnie and Judy