July 7, 2011
People who have undergone cancer treatment warned us that we would have good days and bad but that you have to continue to put one foot in front of the other and move forward. Today was like that.
This morning we met with Ernie's radiological oncologist to get his opinion on the clinical trial. (Ernie is allowed to back out at any time.) We are now three for three meaning all three of the luminary docs from different specialties believe that this trial makes sense for Ernie. The radiological oncologist also told us that HPV+ tumors have lower recurrence rates--a concern as the trial includes lower doses of radiation--which helped put our minds at ease.
Feeling reassured, we went out to run some errands. While we were out the research assistant for the clinical trial called. In the course of conversation, Ernie learned that his biopsy tissue sample had not yet been sent to Ohio for HPV confirmation. This must happen before he can start treatment. Because of this, it looks unlikely that he will start treatment next week.
We were both devastated. We don't want to risk the cancer spreading and we are anxious to have this behind us and to come home. A call to the Medical Oncologist heading the trial revealed that she was gone today and her (brand new this week) research assistant was gone yesterday--so no one was insuring Ernie's tissue sample was sent out as planned. This means it could be the week of July 18 before he gets his first treatment.
We are trying to put this behind us. Technically, as long as he has his first treatment before July22 he won't have to requalify for the study. But, it will be difficult to be here next week and to feel like we are not moving forward.
Luckily we are having our first visitors tomorrow. Gil and Penny just happened to be in the neighborhood (Montana) and are taking a detour here on their way back to California. We are truly fortunate to have so many good friends like these to bolster our spirits.
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