The next step...

Tomorrow, like last week, is a fairly important day, and as usual, we request any and all prayers that you have time for:)

Tomorrow, Bob and Kathie will meet the doctor at Wake Forest (I would tell you his name, but I haven't the faintest at how it's spelled). Bob and Kathie have been preparing a list of questions in order to make the best decision for Kathie's next step in treatment. They are preparing a smaller list about alternative treatments as well (non-traditional) to ask the Wake Forest doctor for a suggestion of someone who has expertise in the area. At the moment, we have no intention of replacing standard treatment with an alternative, but would like to consider ones with reasonable evidence for supplement treatment or general lifestyle change. It is important, however, that they do not interfere with the primary treatment.

There are about three options remaining with a lower overall success rate than the last two Kathie has done. However, it is important to remember that Kathie has been the freak in most of these areas... i.e. she was part of the 10% that couldn't metabolize the first one - meaning that there is a good chance that she will respond to the drugs that the lower amount of the cancer population doesn't (*disclaimer* there is no scientific evidence supporting such statements - just the hopeful ramblings of a daughter).

The decision will also be based on the results from the tests started last week. They are actually testing some of the drugs on some of Kathie's biopsies taken earlier. That can't be clarified much further, 1) because I'm trying not to think of cancerous lumps sitting in a jar waiting for something like this - eeew and 2) because I'm not even sure I understood the testing procedure correctly in the first place... and though I am Kathie's daughter, it seems wrong to make up stories here;)

So, we're all praying Bob and Kathie can get all of the information they need to make the best decision for Kathie, and for the family. Though the last blog was very positive, it is necessary to keep the reality that time and cancer do not go well together, and we need positive results soon or miracle - pray for whichever you'd like (or maybe it should be both?)... we'd be happy with either.

Some of you have requested Kathie's new address... aka, Eddie and Melissa's address. Being the internet, open to all, we respectfully decline posting that information on the worldwide web, but if you leave a note or e-mail Lauren (laducharme@bsu.edu)... someone will get back to you. Bob will still be in Lafayette a "majority" of the time, so if it is not urgent - mail will get to her eventually through him.

Posted by Lauren