We have a plan!!

After two exhausting days of tests and doctors' visits, we have put together, in my opinion, a very optimistic treatment plan.

The scans showed some new subcutaneous tumors and growth in the existing tumors. I knew that the tumor near my spine is larger as it is now pressing on my spinal column and causing a lot of pain. BUT the good news is that there are no tumors in my brain or vital organs...a good time according to my oncologist to attack this disease before it gets into my organs.

I will first have radiation to the tumor near my spine and the tumor on my hip. There was a small trial at my hospital which showed that radiation to the tumors right before IL-2 improved the effectiveness of the IL-2 therapy.

Then on Monday the 14th, I enter Providence Hospital Cancer Center, to begin IL-2 therapy. This center is the second largest IL-2 treatment center in the country and they have a higher success rate than other programs with this therapy. This could be because the nurses are very experienced (they have been doing this since 1997) and the facility is new with large private, homey rooms where they do the treatment instead of in the hospital ICU. They encourage you to bring your own things..clothes, pillow, blanket etc. All very positive in the mental healing department. I will be in the hospital for 6 to 7 days, spend 3 days with Becca and then be home for the rest of the two weeks between cycles. The second cycle will begin on March 7th.

Becca, I or the person staying with me will try to make daily updates to the blog so that you all can keep track of how I am doing. I am not sure that I will be up to visitors or calls but would love cards and emails (they have WiFi in the rooms). Of course, keep sending those prayers and healing thoughts my way.