David had another 12 week appt including bloodwork, scans, and a Dr. visit.
We drove over on Tuesday afternoon. The drive was one of the longer trips we have had and included 40 extra minutes to travel 2 miles for roadwork in Columbus. And a torrential downpour just as we got into the heaviest Houston traffic. Fun times.
We were right on time for bloodwork and a bit early to check in for scans. That was the last early of this trip. A 5:30 check-in for scans turned into a 3 hour wait. Out just in time for a quick trip to IHOP and then to the hotel. The Rotary House is newly renovated. And they evidently spared every expense when it came to wall insulation. I finally banged on the adjoining wall around midnight, put in ear plugs and went to sleep. We were not amused to see our loud neighbors front door sporting a Do Not Disturb sign as we left our room at 10:00 am. Ugh.
In the waiting room we were greeted by the wait board, insuring us the wait was less than 30 minutes. Lol. I watched what must have been a newbie couple enter the waiting area. As the wife looked at the board she exclaimed to her husband her delight at the short wait time. Amateur!
We were called in for the 10:30 appt at 12:15. By this time they had already posted the radiologist report to David's online acct, so we knew there was no progression of the disease, but no shrinkage either. So the Dr. came in and shared that with us again. And then the nurse gave David his vaccine. They are very happy with these results and feel that David should be able to continue on this treatment for many years. So we stay the course. I did ask about new medications. They said there are always new medications being tested and approved. They assured me that in the event of a better drug (a cure), they would pull David out of the study and give him the new treatment. Okay good. I also asked about the study and when they would have the results. Hopefully another year. I don't know how many were in this study nationwide, but MDAnderson had 40. 2/3 received vaccine and a medication, 1/3 just the medication. Each patient is allowed one progression, and switched to a different medication. If there is another progression of the disease, they are out of the study. David has had one progression, changed medications and had many regressions since then. The last 2 visits he has remained stable. There are currently 9 people still in the study at MDA, 2 are only receiving medication. 7 receiving the vaccine and the medication. Idk but that doesn't seem like great results. But I guess it's great for those 7? And for us.
Anyway, we were out of there about 1:15.
Grabbed a sandwich and got on the road just as the HOV lane opened at 2pm. So yay.
Poor east bound travelers on I10 suffered same traffic in Columbus as we did the day before. Thankfully the construction was not on the west bound side. And the weather was good the whole way home. We rolled into SM about 4:30. I went to Wednesdays at church so that's why no blog last night. Sorry if anyone was worried I was not reporting bad news. All is well and we will press on.
Thank you for your continued prayers, I will not stop asking for a cure or a miracle. Please join me in that prayer. For us and so many others. I hate cancer. And that's a strong word. I. Hate. It.
Thank you for loving us!
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