Robin Update: Where are we going next? --- April 27, 2010

Another few weeks on the Cancer Rollercoaster!!! Wow.

Tuesday, April 6th, Robin started her fourth cycle of the GemCarbo Chemo. Everything seemed to be going well; that is, except for needing the transfusions. Last week was her "Off Week" with no Chemo. The plan was to get an MRI on Monday (4/19), blood test on Tuesday, see an infectious disease specialist on Thursday, and get CAT Scans and Bone Scans on Friday. As you may recall (see previous blog entry or email), it didn't go according to plan. The Tuesday blood test turned into an overnight stay in the hospital for a near-emergency transfusion of platelets (her platelet count was 7, but is supposed to be at least 130). The next morning, her platelet count was better, but her red blood count was too low, so she had to stay until midnight Wednesday to get two units of red blood.

Picking up from the last email and Blog entry, on Thursday (4/22), I took off work a little early to take Robin to the infectious disease specialist, but by the time I got home, his office called to cancel the appointment. Connie, Robin's excellent attendant, took Robin to get her scans on Friday, and they went well except for Robin losing her lunch (and some Barium, I assume) somewhere at Christus, St. John's Hospital. The weekend went well, as Robin seemed to be recovering from all the pokes and prods of the previous week. On Monday (4/26), on the way home from work, I picked up Robin's reports, so we could read them before the Tuesday Doctor's appointment. The news was both good and bad (of course). The GemCarbo Chemo, that has been wreaking havoc on Robin's blood levels, has been killing the Cancer in her lungs. In the left lung, there was only a slight residual "density" where the Cancer had been in January. In the right lung, the mass was gone! This was Good News! There also was no indication of cancer masses in other soft tissues. The bad news was that the most of the bone lesions had grown. It also indicated more cancer in the pelvic bones. Almost all the linear measures had doubled (indicating the volumes had grown by about 8 times). This seemed pretty significant to us. Fortunately, there appeared to be no protrusions and nothing affecting the spinal cord, which is surrounded by the vertebra.

On Tuesday, April 27, 2010, at the Deke Slayton Cancer Center, they tested Robin's blood and found everything relatively normal. After the blood tests, we met with Robin's oncologist to discuss the reports. She had not yet received a copy of the scan reports, so we let her read our copy. She indicated that our understanding of the reports was correct. We spent a fairly long time discussing what we should do next. The doctor said that Robin still needed to see the infectious disease specialist, and she also wanted Robin to see a urologist because of urinary problems Robin is experiencing. (These are a real limiting factor for Robin being able to leave the house for long periods). Robin's oncologist was clearly not ready to recommend a new chemo, or even to continue the GemCarbo chemo, on the spur of the moment. She said she needed time to review past chemo experiences and do some research before progressing with Robin's treatment. In the meantime, she wanted Robin to take care of the previously discussed specialists, AND she suggested that Robin go to MD Anderson to see about alternatives, including possible clinical trials, that might benefit Robin in her fight. She said that Robin's cancer is difficult because it is not receptive to hormone therapies, and MD Anderson has greater resources available.

So this is where we find ourselves. Robin is in-between therapies, not knowing who, what, or where the next treatment will be. We have concerns about infectious disease and about urinary problems. There is significant worry about the expansion of the cancer in the vertebral bones, due to the probable pain and loss of mobility, not to mention the other bones that are involved. This is not a comfortable place to be! It is hard to remember the good news about the reversal of the lung involvement; but then we worry that, without treatment or on a different chemo, it might come back.

Thank God for all you folks who are hoping and praying for Robin. Thanks for all the folks who have called to say, "Hello," who took time to send a card, who came to visit. Some of the calls (especially, from folks she hasn't seen in a long while) have really been a boost to Robin's spirits, giving her lots to tell me about. I hope you will continue to reach out to her. Be patient, though. If you call and there is no answer, DON'T leave a message the first time. Call right back. If there is no answer the second time, then it's okay to leave a message. Robin is slow to get to the phone sometimes, and she cannot reach the answering machine. So if she's slow, and you leave a message, she has to listen to it beep until I get home. I wish we could thank each and every person who has shown Robin their love and concern by reconnecting with her. These signs provide her with an affirmation that she is loved and appreciated. Please keep up the good work. (Send me an email if you need contact information).

AND of course, please continue to keep Robin in your prayers. Know that we pray for you, as well. We also ask God for mercy and healing for ALL those suffering from cancer, especially those for whom we have been personally asked to pray.

Our love to all, and Thanks Again,

                  --- Larry, Robin, & John