Update...{March 31, 2014}

Jane met with her doctors at MD Anderson on Monday March 31st.  The doctors have concluded that the Avastin drug has run its course as it appears that Jane's cancer is no longer responding to the drug.  The fact that there has been a significant build up of abdomen fluids (which is often a side effect of the growing presence of cancer cells) supports this observation.  Jane's doctors performed a procedure last week to remove some of the abdomen fluids in an attempt to alleviate some of Jane's constant pain.

After talking with Jane's doctors, Jane is really not a candidate for another Phase I clinical drug trial as she has already been through two experimental treatment protocols over the past thirty months.  The plan now is for Jane to try a traditional chemotherapy drug called "Gemzar", which has been in use since 1996 and has been successful in ovarian cancer applications.  The characteristics of Jane's tumors and ovarian cancer tumors appear to be similar and the doctors believe this application has potential.  Gemzar will be administered in IV doses once a week over a three week period and then Jane will take a week off to allow her body to build up strength and energy.  The doctors are not expecting any significant side effects other than flu like systems for the first 48 hours or so after each dosage and Jane's white blood cell count will have to be monitored.

As the MD Anderson doctors advised us at the beginning of this journey, Jane's battle with cancer has been a little like a rollercoaster ride - - - with highs and lows. Today's news was not great news as Jane's cancer is still growing and not responding fully to the drugs.  However, she has beaten the odds thus far, we do have a plan and we continue to be hopeful.  Jane continues to have a strong fighting spirit and an amazing faith.  We sincerely appreciate everyone's prayers, Masses, rosaries, etc. and please know that we pray for you too.  Thank you again for your incredible support.

Update...{March 10, 2014}

Jane met with her doctors at MD Anderson on Monday March 10th.  The tests reveal that although the Avastin drug has likely slowed the cancer growth, the cancer is growing.  A major side effect from the cancer cells is a build up of fluids in Jane's abdomen  which is causing a number of complications and regular pain.  The present plan is to keep Jane on the Avastin and manage the side effects with medications as best as possible.  Jane will continue to receive the Avastin in three week cycles and then have a major test review in about two and a half months.

It has been over thirty months since Jane was diagnosed with a recurrent, metastasized adenocarcinoma cancer.  Jane has continued to receive terrific, professional medical care from M. D. Anderson's staff of caring professionals.  We sincerely appreciate everyone's prayers, Masses, rosaries, etc. and please know that we pray for you too.  Thank you again for your faithful support.