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