The Third Time’s A Charm

“We consider you a ‘Hot Match’…Dr. Paula Pohlmann

MDAnderson doctors always seem to know how to make a patient feel special!  I had a video meeting with Dr. Pohlmann in mid-January to review a possible new clinical trial for my participation  I was so anxious to hear about a new trial that I missed the opportunity to say something smart-aleck like, “you’re not so bad yourself Doc!”

Diane and I had gone a full month waiting to hear what the team of doctors found for my next treatment.   This trial is in the same Targeted Therapy category as my second trial.  I am taking an oral pill once a day but rather than taking the pill two weeks on and two weeks off I will be taking a pill every day.  There are lots of positive things about this trial.  Foremost, is that everyone tells us this drug is well tolerated with minimal side effects.  The Phase 1/2 trial is in the dosing stage, meaning they are still figuring out how much medicine humans can handle.

This trial is not exclusive to MDAnderson.  It’s actually an international trial being conducted in 20 U.S. locations and France and Spain.  The goal is similar to my previous trial…to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and the preliminary anti-tumor activity in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors.  This medicine also follows a genetic pathway directly to the tumors to stop the cancer cells from growing.  Unlike trial #2, which followed a specific biomarker pathway, this new trial requires the absence of a certain designated biomarker.  It just amazes us to think about these scientists and researchers developing new ways to attack cancer.  

We have been to Houston 4 of the last 5 weeks for baseline testing and initial procedures to start the trial.  We are now on 28 day cycles with a trip to Houston every 14 days.  We start Cycle2 Day1 this week.  Things should be a little more predictable from here on out.  Some more great news is this week we are transitioning back to Dr. Yap as his patient on this trial.  During 2023 we have developed great rapport with Dr. Yap.  Our first CT Scan to check for progress with be March 19th and then every other cycle after that.  A good scan is the only thing I want for my 70th birthday on March 21st!

That’s a lot of good news…but, wait!  There’s more!  We were initially disappointed about the every two weeks to Houston.  It would likely limit our ability to spend time in Alaska like we did last summer.  However, we were recently informed that beginning with Cycle 5 our frequency to Houston would shift to once every 28 days!  So, after the May treatment date we will head to Alaska for as many months as we can.  That truly means a lot to us.  We get homesick for Alaska.

Like many of my blogs, this one is quite overdue.  I’ve actually experienced writer’s block in recent weeks.  I usually have ideas that I want to share but sometimes all I need is a good opening theme.

I am reminded of the Billy Crystal/Danny DeVito movie, Throw Mama From The Train.  Throughout the movie Crystal can’t settle on the opening line of his book, “The night was humid”, “The night was moist”. Mama finally barked out, “The Night Was Sultry” and the writer’s block was over!

For me, I woke up in the early morning and as I went back to bed I couldn’t get Perseverance out of my head.  It wasn’t until the next morning that I realized God put that thought in my head.  That morning was Sunday and we hadn’t been to church for several weeks.  For some reason I was very determined that we would make it to the morning service.  Wouldn’t you know it?  The pastor’s message was all about perseverance and what he called Godly Grit.  

We all go through trials during our lives, relationship problems, financial matters, employment issues, and, yes, medical concerns.  How we view those difficult times can determine how we overcome trials.  We have a God who hears our every cry.  He is just waiting for us to reach for Him.  Diane and I are in a season of trials (that ironically happen to be called “trials”). We have grown spiritually and have come to rely on God’s love to give us strength.  His love is available to everyone who calls on Him.

                    “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has

                      stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised 

                        to those who love him.”  

                                                            James 1:1-2

If you’ve followed this blog you are aware that 2023 was a joyous year for Diane and I.  It might seem odd to say that following a year battling a cancer with no cure.  But, the trial I was on was productive at shrinking the cancer for nearly 10 months.  Side effects were minimal and I didn’t experience any cancer symptoms.  I think that’s part of perseverance, combining a good attitude with hope.  This scripture gives me strength:

                        “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering

                          produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character 

                                        produces hope.”      

                                                                Romans 5:3-4         

Not all examples of perseverance are painful.  Here are some examples of good perseverance that we are grateful for:

My good friend Kevin gave us VIP tickets to watch the Arizona Coyotes hockey game to celebrate our 43rd wedding anniversary a few days ago!

Melissa was in town at the beginning of the month to celebrate Mom’s 93rd birthday.  That takes some real perseverance!

                                                                                 

After 52 years of playing Men’s softball I still get to play on a tournament team that just won the 70+ division at the Gold Glove Classic in Phoenix.

   As always, we appreciate those of you who are patient enough to keep following our journey.  We are in this for the long haul and realize we have a long way to go.  Knowing we have your thoughts and prayers makes our road smooth.  Please pray that this new drug is doing what it is intended and that the research and this trial lead to long lives for many dealing with cancer.  God is good!