Dr Nicholas Visit at UCMC

07/24/2009: trip to University of Chicago medical center to see Dr. Nicholas (neuro-oncologist)

• We saw Dr Nicholas yesterday for follow-up since last brain treatments (the gamma-knife to rear of brain and the IMRT radiation to the mid-brain area).
• Dr. Kelly Nicholas was amazing (as usual) and provided us with promising and insightful ideas
• Dr. Nicholas suggested we try Avastin which one of the few FDA approved chemo therapies that breaks the blood/brain barrier. It was explained that since the brain is such a complex and highly evolved organ that very few things an pass the blood/brain barrier and target the brain specifically.
• Dr. Nicholas also told us that the Avastin would also be able to help with all the radiation done to Gina's brain and aid in healing/swelling.
• Dr. Nicholas and a colleague both examined Gina to see what they could to do to help with the head tremors. They decided the current medication she takes for it should be increased slightly as it seemed to help at initial dosage. The good news is that Gina seemed pleased and/or relieved (like the rest of us) after seeing Dr. Nicholas.
• Dr. Nicholas had spoke with Dr. Olopade about the Herceptin trial in Indianapolis and said they were very good doctors there and would give us straight answers about questions or concerns we have about the trial.(Gina would have to stop all chemo/radiation for around 3-6 weeks before doing the trial so we are undecided what to do until August 5th, 2009 when we go to Indianapolis for the clinical trial consultation.
• Dr. Nicholas also spoke to Dr. Sipahi and is keeping in touch with him and even did some research on the new chemotherapy Gina started yesterday called Ixempra. the Ixempra seems to be very strong so far to Gina and is supposed to help with all metastatic breast cancer in the body, including the kidney that has the tumor that had grown significantly. Gina is scheduled to take the Ixempra every three weeks by IV.
• Gina will have Herceptin next week with Dr. Sipahi and his wonderful staff.

Keep you posted on the clinical trial coming up in August and other appointments.

Radiation Over

07/19/2009 Updates and News

• Radiation to both lungs and the liver are finished. Special Thanks to UCMC and Dr Salama and his staff for their work. Follow-up in two months to see what progress was made. The radiation still continues to work after the radiation is done being given.
• We see Dr. Nicholas (neurology oncologist) at UCMC this Friday (07/24/09) to figure out what is going on since IMRT radiation to mid-brain and the Gamma-knife surgery to spot on rear of brain. Gina's been having speech issues, problems with her vision, and "tremors" (what we refer to when her head shakes back and forth continuously). Hopefully good news is coming and solutions to tremors, speech and vision.
• Gina saw Dr Byhani later referred to him by Dr Sipahi for pains in her right side. The results were very good to hear - no problems with urethra, or bladder. Issued with side pains may be caused from kidney tumor.
• Bad News - Kidney tumor has "grown significantly" and waiting to see what we need to do to fix that and what our options are. KEEP FINGERS CROSSED AND PRAYERS COMING.
• We also go to Indianapolis, Indiana for a consultation on August 5th, 2009. There is a new Herecptin and chemotherapy combination trial going on nationwide and Gina seems to be a good candidate for this new treatment. It sounds like it is a stronger type of Herceptin BUT has chemotherapy attached to it. Was explained the new treatment is the car, the Herceptin is the driver of the car, and the chemotherapy attached is the passengers. When the car gets to the tumor cells, the Herceptin drives into the cell and the chemotherapy "passengers" then get out of the car and attack the tumors right on the spot. A lot more advanced and faster than traditional methods used. We will keep you posted as we know more. The clinic tells us if we can start, when we can start and all the other details.

A special thanks to David, Renee and their family for their generosity. It is so hard for us to be humble and accept anything from our friends but wanted all to know that we appreciate all the prayers, thoughts and acts of kindness that are given to us throughout this struggle. GOD is truly an amazing 'person' who seems to put the right people in your path in life when you need them most. We LOVE and thank you all for your support. GOD BLESS! 8)

-- Bob, Gina and Family