Update...{October 10, 2013}

Jane started the second cycle of the new drug Avastin on Monday, October 7^th.  Jane has handled this drug fairly well with very few side effects and Jane’s blood work and kidney functions all appear to be headed in the right direction.  Jane’s energy levels are very high and spirits are positive.  Jane will take another cycle of the Avastin drug in three weeks (on or about October 28^th) and then Jane’s cancer will be restaged in mid-November.  At that time, the doctors will review Jane’s CT scan and related test results to determine the path forward. 

 

As the summer weather gives way to slightly cooler temperatures in Houston, we offer prayers of gratitude and thanksgiving to so many of you who have been so helpful, supportive and loving over the past twenty four months.  There is no doubt that we could not have pushed forward without so much help and love.  Please know that we are humbled and thankful for all of you.

Update...{September 5, 2013}

Jane completed the procedure at MD Anderson to relieve pressure on her right kidney and she came thought it without any complications.  She spent the night at the hospital to be monitored and returned home on Thursday September 5th.  The doctors present plan is to start Jane on a new chemotherapy drug called Avastin on Friday Sept. 6th.  The theory behind this drug is to slow the growth of new blood vessels that allow the cancer tumor to grow.  This drug is not expected to have any major negative side effects for Jane.

We want to thank everyone for their continued prayers and support as we feel them.

Update...{September 1, 2013}

After further evaluation, the doctors believe there is a tumor pressing against Jane's kidney, colon and ureter.  This tumor is significant enough that it is interrupting the proper functioning of Jane's kidneys.  The doctors want to attempt to stabilize Jane's kidney functions so she can continue to take chemotherapy drugs to fight the cancer.  The procedure on Jane's right kidney is scheduled for Wednesday September 4th.  Once the doctors assess the procedure's results, the doctors expect to continue with a new chemotherapy drug. 

We express our continued thankfulness and gratitude to everyone for their support, concern and prayers.

Update...{August 25, 2013}

After updating the blog on Friday, we talked further with Jane's team of M D Anderson doctors who are deeply concerned about the state of Jane's kidneys. A review of the test results indicate the right kidney is functioning well below what the doctors expected. Both kidneys need to be functioning well for Jane to proceed to the next round of chemotherapy.  The doctors want to perform an operation in the next week or so to improve both kidneys' functions. Therefore, the chemotherapy session scheduled for this weekend has been postponed until after the operation is performed. 
 

We are still processing this unexpected turn of events and want everyone to know we appreciate their concern and prayers. Jane has a strong fighting spirit, and we will get through the next step of this journey.  We will let you know when Jane's operation is scheduled.  

Update...{August 23, 2013}

The M. D. Anderson test results show that Jane's disease is generally unchanged compared to the test results from two and a half months ago, which is good news.  We'd obviously prefer for the disease to be totally gone, but the first step is to stop it from growing and keep fighting the good fight.  As such, Jane starts Cycle 4 of the chemotherapy program tomorrow where she will take three chemotherapy doses on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, and then off for three weeks to recover from the side effects and then undergo a re-dosing of the drugs. The doctors continue to monitor the chemotherapy drugs' side effects on Jane's urinary tract where she has had two new stints recently installed.

Although Jane's spirits and outlook remain positive, she still takes daily pain medications to regulate her pain levels and other medications to address other side effects from the disease.  We continue to be amazed at the level of professional care from the entire M. D. Anderson organization. We also want to thank everyone for their incredible support and help.  We know we are not walking alone as we feel the prayers, Masses and rosaries every day.

Update...{August 8, 2013}

Jane completed Cycle 3 of of the combination of the cisplatin and topotecan chemotherapy on Monday July 29th (sorry for the late post) at M D Anderson.  The side effects from this cycle were not nearly as bad as from Cycle 1 although Jane is, frankly, still suffering.  Jane's spirits and outlook, however, remain bright and positive.  As the type, and degree, of the side effects vary from patient to patient just as each cancer is unique to each individual, Jane and her team of doctors are doing a better job of attempting to stay ahead of the potential side effects and managing them via medications.  There are many variables that are being addressed  and Jane is receiving first rate patient care at MD Anderson.  On Friday, August 23rd, Jane will go to M D Anderson to be "restaged" at which time she will undergo a battery of tests to assess the status of the disease and then the doctors will recommend a way forward.  We ask that you pray for good results.

Additionally, we sincerely appreciate all the prayers and assistance over the past 21 months during this long journey.  We know we are not alone and we have come to rely on your kindness and help.

Update...{July 1, 2013}

Jane completed Cycle 2 this past weekend at M D Anderson with the combination of the cisplatin and topotecan chemotherapy drugs.  Jane got off to a slow start on Cycle 2 as her white blood cell count was too low initially so she was put on a drug regime to increase her white blood cell count which delayed the start of Cycle 2 by a few days.  Low white blood cell count is a fairly common side effect and the doctors will continue to monitor Jane's situation.  

The side effects from Cycle 1 were pretty rough on Jane as this was the first time Jane received this drug combination.  Jane managed through it, she feels a lot better at this point and we should be in a better position to handle Cycle 2.  Jane will start Cycle 3 in three weeks or about July 19th.  We continue to be very thankful and grateful for all the prayers, rosaries, Masses and help & support over the past 20 months.