GENERAL UPDATE & CURRENT STATUS

Hi folks, I thought I'd try and use this blog to give folks an update on my situation. Between posts that I make and are made on my behalf, hopefully it will become an easier way to keep track of what's going on. Thank you all so much for your kind demonstration of support via letters, prayers, cards, notes and visits. I can't say how much that means to me.

CURRENT MEDICAL STATUS
The current challenge is managing the fluid buildup in my abdomen (ascites). This is caused by the cancer and, possibly, by a reaction to the initial anti-cancer drug I was on (Sutent).

At first, we thought this might be an opportunity to jump ship on the Sutent and get in on an NIH trial drug (XL880) that I've been following since the first diagnosis; however, it turns out that I'm not healthy enough to be a lab rat! Bummer. This isn't just temporary; the XL880 study allows you to have ONE prior therapy for kidney cancer. Once I put that drop of Avastin in my body, I'm no longer eligable for this, particular, trial.

The NIH/NCI oncologist spoke with my Drs here at UVA and together we decided to try an IV drug called Avastin, which works similar to Sutent, but they have actually seen it help clear up Ascites. It also has less side effects, but the downside, is that it's kind of an outdated drug and isn't used much b/c it hasn't been that effective OVERALL in treating pRCC (and even for RCC, there are much better drugs out there). But, again, the main reason for going w/ avastin is the hope that it will clear up the ascites by attacking the cancer (vs. being drained every 36 hours.... ugh!). Once I'm stable, I imagine we'll be looking at some other non-Avastin options.

The insurance company approved the use of this drug, but I'm waiting for the gears to start turning here so I can start taking it.

One minor complication is that a side effect of Avastin is that it can cause bleeding and/or make it hard for your blood to clot. The reason that's a complication is that it makes any procedures related to draining/managing the Ascites much more risky. So.... the goal is to have one really good abdominal tap just before starting the drug (and, once again, I'm waiting.... waiting..... waiting....
I slept well last night (better than in a long time). We've finally got the pain/nausea managed reasonably well (mmmmmm..... narcotics....).

Well, that's probably enough for now. We'll fill in some of the back story shortly and, please, feel free to post/ask questions in the comments section you might have (others might have as well), and I'll do my best to answer.

Once again, thanks to everyone for your love and support. I’ve gotten lots of comments by visitors, roommates, and staff about the quality of the folks who are hangin’ around. You guys are great.