Test Results & Treatment --- 11-07-2010

It has been a wild ride for the last few weeks. Robin (FINALLY) finished all of her tests and met with her oncologist at M.D.Anderson. The test results were both positive and negative, as might be expected.

The good news is the scans showed that the radiation treatments on her femur and pelvic area were effective in beating back the cancer. Her femur didn't show now any significant cancer (not sure what "significant" means) so it has a chance to repair itself. The metastasis (spreading cancer) within the right posterior acetabulum (where the head of the femur meets with the pelvis, forming the hip joint) has slightly decreased. In general, the radiation was very helpful. Also on the positive side, there were no signs of metastasis in Robin's soft tissues (like liver, spleen, adrenal glands, kidneys, pancreas, bowel, or lungs). You might remember that Robin had several cancer nodules in her lungs at the first of the year, but she took some aggressive (and expensive) chemo to knock it back.

On the down side, there has been progression of bone metastases outside of the radiation field, predominantly within the thoracic spine. New lesions were seen in T3, T4, and T9, and existing lesions of the spine grew larger. The cancer in Robin's ribs did not seem to change much (I guess that's a positive thing). Also, a metastasis in the C2 vertebral body has increased in size. Another new problem that surfaced is with Robin's right shoulder, where the humeral head appears to be dying. Unfortunately, we did not get the report early enough to ask the doctor, so Robin is trying to follow up on this.

We had a long discussion regarding the study in which Robin was hoping to participate. As it turned out, Robin was not eligible, and although she might become eligible, the next month she might be ineligible again, and get thrown out. The doctor prescribed a hormonal therapy that is almost the same, since Robin already takes metformin. Although it was a disappointment, it was also a relief, I think, because the study required Robin to travel to MDAnderson more frequently, and Robin was concerned about possible heart implications of the trial. Unless she has problems, Robin doesn't need to go back to MDA until her next tests in January.

Since the tests and the doctor visit, we have been through quite a rollercoaster ride. Robin was nauseated at the doctor's office, so she couldn't get her planned Zometa treatment. As the week went on, she got sicker and sicker, not being able to keep anything down. Of course, with the vomiting comes more blindness from eye bleeds. After a couple of days, Connie and I finally got it under control, and Robin started getting better. At this point, she is feeling pretty good. The new hormone therapy seems to have few side effects. I, on the other hand, came down with a sinus infection on Friday, and have felt like crap all weekend. The antibiotics seem to be kicking in, and I am starting to feel better tonight.

Once more, we thank God and we thank YOU for the support Robin receives each day. Whether you send cards, call her on the phone, visit with her, bring food, or pray for her, every action helps her carry on and helps to keep her "connected." They are affirmations that she is loved and that people care about her. Please continue to keep Robin in your thoughts and prayers. Many people are affected by cancer or another debilitating disease. Please join us in prayer for them, as well. And please remember Robin's mother, Johnnie, too. She is planning to visit with us soon and is staying through Thanksgiving.

Finally, we want you to know that we pray for all of you each day, and we thank God for the gift you have been to us. Robin could not fight this without the love and support she feels from you.

Love,

                  --- Larry, Robin, & John