Just a quick update from me—and the question is: Can growing a tumor be a good thing?
As I reach this crossroads in my treatment and in my life, there’s a few options. One of those options is to participate in a novel clinical trial. However, there’s a caveat: to qualify for most clinical trials, you need to have at least one tumor that measures one centimeter or more in diameter, which I don’t typically grow.
There are several interesting trials currently underway at Dana-Farber, but I won’t be eligible unless I meet that specific criterion. The other challenge is that if I choose to pursue a traditional chemo treatment now—something that might buy me a few more months—I will no longer qualify for clinical trials down the road.
I have an appointment at Dana-Farber on August 11th. On that day, I’ll be getting both chest and abdominal scans, followed by a meeting with my oncologist. That’s when we’ll determine whether I qualify for a trial. If I do, I’ll start the trial—which may take another couple of weeks to get going. If I don’t qualify, I may begin a traditional chemotherapy maintenance treatment instead.
It’s still a little too early to know how this will unfold.
Thanks to my cousin Ali for sitting in on my last two appointments. Here we are with her husband Gene at the lobster pound Currents.
Shout out to Selina too!!!
Wish me luck.
with love,
lynn
