Phil with son, David during Labor Day weekend
Phil with Chaim over Labor Day, 2009
After the "downer" from my last visit in Chicago, this week turned out to be much better. First off, our son, David, flew up from Atlanta to be with us over Labor Day weekend. It's always great to see our distant kids (David & Nathan) as we don't see them very much because of the distance and expense of travel. We love seeing daughter Sarah with her husband, Thomas, but that's a bit easier because they live in Indianapolis.
Then to make the week even better, I was able to meet and have dinner with with my very good friends and former Lilly colleagues, Chad Ray and Bob Dean. We shared a shrimp cocktail at St. Elmo's and then had dinner at Palomino's. Thanks also goes to Kerry Oliver of Chad's new employer: Radix for picking up the tab. But that was secondary to seeing my good friends.
On Thursday, 9/10, just a day before our scheduled trip to Chicago for more Avastin, I received a phone call from my Oncologist, Dr. Nicholas. He told me that his team came up with a "new plan" for my brain cancer treatment. He told me that it would be detailed during our visit the next day, although, he would not be there, his associate, Dr. Lukas would spell it out.
So we rose bright and early on Friday, 9/11, and flew up on Southwest airlines to Midway Airport. We took a cab in to the University of Chicago Medical Center and told Dr. Nicholas' head nurse, Jean that we would stop back in after my Avastin infusion. The infusion went just fine with no problems and then, we went back to the 4th floor and met with Jean and Dr. Lukas. Dr. Lukas spelled it out and here it is: I will be going back on Temodar but at a different dose and timing schedule. Furthermore, I will begin treatment with a high dose of Accutane, a retinoic acid derivative. There is published evidence that there has been some efficacy in this 2-drug protocol. I begin the regimen on Monday, 9/14. It's a much higher dose of Accutane than is normally used for treatment of acne. In any event, it's a new plan and we hope that it helps.
Phil,
ReplyDeletethanks for the update. I have been thinking about you and Patty and all that you are going through. I have high hopes for your new treatment. Plus--the bucs are playing and it is Saturday night!
much love,
allison
You in my Prayers, Phil. I know the ups and downs you have to go through. My chemotherapy seems to have a greater effect on me physically a I after each treatment. But I thinke it has to do more with allergy than chemotherapy. Have a good one. Gary
ReplyDeletePhil,
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like an excellent week. It is great to have a new plan, especially one that has demonstrated some efficacy. Does this mean that you will also have perfect skin in addition to a shrinking tumor? Not a bad side effect. I know that this regime, like all others will be most effective if complemented with prayers. Rest assured there are bunches going your way, even from far away Maui. Best wishes and Aloha.
Rick Ludwig