Chemo - Week 7 (Monday, 11/15/2010)

This week "mom" was escorted to chemo treatment by "Grandpa Gary", "Grandma Sue", and "Aunty Jen".   Treatment went well, and the doctors continue to be happy with the progress.  Dr. Tolaney confirmed several soft spots in the tumor and indicated that the overall size has not increased.  Furthermore, the color of the skin surrounding the tumor continues to improve.  Below is "mom" sitting on "Aunty Jen's" lap in the treatment chair.

Aunty Jen "Twin Power"

Family Time

This week "mom" headed back to Dana Farber on Tuesday morning to meet with another surgeon. One of the requirements of a clinical trial that "mom" has the option to participate is that the surgery would have to be done at Bringham & Womens's hospital.  Thus, at 5:00 AM "mom" and "dad" headed off to Boston to meet with Dr. Dominici.  The visit was very successful and both "mom" and "dad" indicated that Dr. Dominici was awesome and was able to answer many questions.  "Mom" was very pleased with her attention to detail and would feel very comfortable in her care should she choose to be part of the clinical trial.  The clinical trial would include creating a vaccine from the tumor cells post surgery.  The basic idea behind the vaccine is to create a response from "mom's" immune system to recognize and attack the tumor cells if they were to re-surface.  The tumor cells would undergo radiation prior to creating the vaccine to kill all the tumor cells, similar to a flu vaccine.  As part of this trial, at least two centimeters of usable tumor would be required at the time of surgery.  "Mom" will not have to make any decision until closer to surgery.  We are all hoping that the tumor is smaller than 2cm at the time of surgery as this would provide better margins.  We will keep you posted.

"Mom" may also be able to participate in a second clinic trial.  This trial would include four test groups.  The first group participating in a diet program, the second group participating in a diet and exercise  program, and the last two groups would include diet and exercise and additional post-op chemo.  The chemo drugs would include pill forms of Methotrexate and Cytoxan and Avastin.  The trial would last approximately 3 years.   Again "mom" will not have to make an decision until closer to surgery.

We are happy to announce that the date for the Valentine's Day - Fur Ball has been set for Saturday, February 12,  2011 at the Wachusett Country Club in West Boylston, MA.   The menu is being set and tickets are schedule to go on sale soon.  Please Save the Date.

Love the puppers and kitty,

Team Charlene.

Ginger, Liz, and Baby (Meowwww)