Today (Monday 7/26) Anne returned to the hospital to start another round of chemo, She was in high spirits following the almost restful week at home and bolstered by the outpouring of love and support that has been coming her way. She was also given some very promising news regarding the next round of therapy. Her doctors have determined that she has a particular type of cancer cell that has a specific "marker" connected to it. Having this marker allows them to use a drug,which I believe is called Myotarg. This drug attacks and kills only the cells with the marker. It is part of a new class of chemo therapy (often called "designer drugs") that become active only in the presence of cancer and are not harmful to normal cells, as are most chemo drugs. She will still be using some of the traditional chemo as well, as they don't know what percentage of the cancer has this marker. They did say the percentage was very high if not all.
If it is in fact so, then this is the miracle we have all been praying for. The drug, even though it does not harm the normal cells, is still extremely toxic. She will be feeling very sick from it for a number of weeks while it is working. We have no idea what this will look like yet but Anne is asking for your prayers and your patience. She will not be taking phone calls during this period because she will be focusing all her energies on the work that is being done internally. I will do my best to keep the blog up to date and respond to whatever questions you have.
When I left her tonight she looked radiant and ready. She said she was glad to be back in the hospital because she wants to get on with the work of getting better. And for her the sooner the better.
Bless all of you for your continued support. We have much to be grateful for.
Much Love,
Dennis
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
Mylotarg will make a good addition to the regimen, I think. Cancer drugs usually work better in combination--hit em from the right, hit 'em from the left.
Do you know what other drugs Anne will be getting? How long will this round take?
I hope to get the kit from UCSF today so they can type my blood cells for a possible transplant.
Brother Steve in NC
Hi Steve
There are 2 or 3 other drugs they are using in combination and the combo does have a specific nick name. I'll find out what it is and what the drugs are.
She gets one hit of the mylotarg today and the rest of the drugs for 6 days starting tomorrow.
She is hoping that you will be able to be the donor. She will not be able to use her own marrow.
Dennis
Go Anne! Go Myotarg!
KO those crummy cancer cells!
You are one tough cookie Anne, I'm awed at your strength.
Watching from the sidelines and jumping up and down and rooting for you in that ring you're fighting in,
Love,
Barbara
Bless you, Dennis, for keeping us up to date, and for this marvelous news about the mylotarg!
Anne, you go and get those cancer cells! You can definitely do this. You are a warrior goddess!
Of course I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, and sending you love and light.
All my love,
Ruthann
Post a Comment