Kelly is still doing well, but the last scan showed some tumor growth. We promised that no news was good news, so we realized it was time to update all of you and let you know. To some extent, this was expected. The plan of action all along has been that we will use a given treatment until it is no longer effective, and then try the next thing.
The next thing sounds like it may be a chemo drug that specifically works with Kelly's immune system to attack the cancer. This is a fairly new treatment that hasn't yet been used on large numbers of people. So, if this ends up being the best option for her, it will be overseen by Dana-Farber in Boston. The bad news is that because it is an experimental drug, insurance wasn't going to pay for it. However, the good news is that we just got word today that even if she doesn't get into the study, the company testing the drug will still sponsor the treatment. Basically, even if she isn't in the official study, they still want as much anecdotal evidence as possible of this drug's effectiveness, and we are all hoping that mom can be one of their success stories!
Kelly and Barry will be headed to Dana-Farber in the next few weeks to get more details about this treatment and have mom undergo initial screening to see if she can be part of the official study.
In the mean time, life is chugging along as usual. Between chemo and other medications, mom is napping a lot, but has been finding that getting outside still gives her a lot of energy, so she has been doing that as much as possible. The PT has been telling her that being active and doing as much as she can is really the best physical therapy, so she is working hard to stay active and keep strength and dexterity in both her hands. Barry is keeping busy with engineering projects at work and at home, and of course being a huge support for mom, whether it is taking her out to dinner or going with her to appointments. Elizabeth is the daytime chauffeur and medication manager. She has also been taking over some of the paperwork aspects of farmer's market and is treating us all to her excellent cooking. I'm enjoying living at home again, but the family keeps saying they can't remember what my face looks like because between teaching in Richford, dancing a lot, and fiddling, I'm hardly ever home. Ben is also at home and has almost completed his first full year working at Engelberth Construction. Last weekend he felled some trees in our woods, and this weekend he is in Potsdam visiting the lovely Melanie Cockrell. Noah is studying abroad in London (along with the lovely Aliza Kenney), and right now they are on a weekend trip to Dublin.
It is discouraging to see that the tumor has resumed its growth, but we are hopeful that this new drug will be effective. We are so thankful that this drug is under development and available for Kelly. Look for more updates as we get more information and details about what next steps will look like.
