Summary
-It has been several weeks since I’ve been off chemo and other medication
-Had good appointments at both City of Hope and UCLA to figure out clinical trial options
-Am applying for clinical trial at UCLA
-Either via clinical trial or just doing the next step, will begin “Second Line” chemotherapy in the next few weeks
Prayer Requests
-Reduction or elimination of this cancer
-Acceptance into UCLA clinical trial and into the randomized group to receive the research drug, of course, if that is what God wants
-Or if I am not accepted, into another clinical trial according to God’s plan
-For my upcoming treatment to be effective and for minimal/tolerable side effects
Longer Version
For the last few weeks, I have been trying to find a suitable clinical trial for the next steps in my treatment.
Both City of Hope (COH) and UCLA were encouraging and helpful meetings…
City of Hope:
I was impressed with the organization and staff at COH. It’s both encouraging and a little bittersweet that there is such a large campus focused on cancer research.
We met with an oncologist who runs many of their trials. He compassionately and clearly explained a few studies that I might be a candidate for.
UCLA and PanCan Walk:
Last weekend, I attended the PanCan walk and made a lot of connections. It was surprisingly encouraging to meet and share experiences with a number of survivors and supporters.
The crazy thing is that before I went, I was praying for a way to find a UCLA Navigator to help make sense of this whole process and to make connections to doctors there. And while walking the booths at the event, I met one! She was very nice and got back to me within 2 days with an appointment with my friend’s oncologist for a consultation! I don’t think I could have gotten an appointment that quickly without her help.
On Thursday we met with the UCLA oncologist who was a wonderful resource. He was very thorough and had already reviewed my records before I walked in. He shared the details of several options at UCLA as well as other studies offered elsewhere. I was very appreciative of his time and generosity.
After considering the options, I decided to apply for a study at UCLA. I’m in the process of undergoing tests including a CT scan and am awaiting approval. If I’m accepted, I should be starting treatment in the next couple of weeks, hopefully sooner.
This clinical trial will include the “second line” chemotherapy and a 50/50 chance I will also receive the research drug. However, if I’m not accepted, I will still start “second line” chemotherapy.
Either way, I’ll still keep my eyes open for another clinical trial just in case it’s needed (not accepted, trial proves ineffective, etc.).
Long and Winding Road
Throughout this whole cancer journey since September, there have been many timings and events that lined up nicely, including the prayerful and sometimes tangible support from friends. You could look at them all as nice coincidences, but I think that would be understating how things fall in place through God’s answered prayers.
I’m well aware that often in the middle of situations, it doesn’t feel like things make sense until later, when you look back and say, “Oh, that’s why that happened.” I’m strongly encouraged by people responding to their either regular or spontaneous prayers. I’ve received a number of messages that people are praying for me, and the timing is often significant. So, thanks again for being sensitive to God’s prompting. I can verify it is frequently timely.
During this time, my need for God, friends, a functioning body, and faith have never been more apparent. Thanks for being part of that support!
P
