Wow. It's been a WHILE since I've updated this. I'll try to be as brief as possible, but there has been a lot going on. So in case you didn't know, I've been participating in a clinical trial at U of M. John and I were really excited about this trial because the drug specifically targets my type of cancerous mutation. Unfortunately, I got placed in the standard arm of the trial, and have only been given standard treatment. Within the past month, my breathing has been progressively gotten worse. Initially, they thought I was having a reaction to one of the chemos. I was taken off of it and put on steroids. Initially, that helped my breathing, but eventually, my breathing continued to digress. After several scans and a pulmonology consult, the consensus is that the cancer has continued to spread in my lungs. Unfortunately, my pulse ox has been dropping with minimal excretion and they are trying to get me approved for oxygen in case of emergencies. In the meantime, I now qualify for the trial arm of the trial and have started the trial drug, which will target my mutation. John and I are trying to stay hopeful and positive that this new chemo will help shrink the tumors in my lungs and my symptoms will improve. Right now, it's too early to tell. Initially, I was a bit upset, because it seems that all I've received from the standard chemo is a ton of horrible side effects. However, after having several serious talks with my oncologist and John and my family and friends, I'm trying to stay positive and hopeful that this trial drug will help! I should also add, that the colon tumor has not returned, which is good news. I am asking for continued prayers and positive thoughts!
Love and prayers,
Holly
