We have a game plan . . . well, almost.

Ken and I met with Dr. Khushalani this afternoon.  Surprisingly, he had just gotten off the phone with Dr. Deshpande.  They FINALLY connected!  Woohoo!!

We discussed several different options.  He feels that I would benefit most by continuing to go the clinical trial route, while perhaps using the Adrimycin as a possible 2nd line of defense.  There are two clinical trials here at Roswell that may be beneficial for me.  One of the trials has only one slot left and another patient is being considered for that slot. If for some reason this other patient turns out not to be eligible, I might have a shot. The other trial doesn't begin for 2 weeks and he's not sure how many slots will be available for that one.  I'm scheduled to meet with Dr. Dy (dee) in the Clinical Trial Dept next week.  She will be able to give us a better idea of what may be available.  If it turns out I have to wait a longer period of time than 2 or 3 weeks to get started on something, Dr. Khushalani suggested a couple of rounds of Adrimycin with the heart protectorant could be an option for the interim.  He would not suggest using Adrimycin as our first line of defense because while I did have a total response to it the first time, the tumors were back within 3 months.  He said if I had gone 6 months or a year without any regrowth, it might make sense to try it again.  Since that wasn't the case, the risk to my heart would most likely outweigh the benefit, even with the protectorant.  However, he seemed to feel all right about a couple of rounds in the interim, if need be.

We felt pretty good after the appointment.  We have met Dr. Dy and feel very comfortable with her.  I hope she'll have some good news for us next week in the way of available clinical trials. In the meantime, I feel good. Ken is becoming proficient at helping me with my catheter.  Hopefully, it will be able to come out soon.  Although, it could be a fun Halloween prop.  Hmmm.  I'll have to give that some thought.