update on Linda

[al from Canada]

well, it's not good news.... linda had been off her chemo (xeloda), but still on herceptin, for about 8 weeks now. We had a PET scan to benchmark tumour load shortly after she went off chemo and another for comparison Dec. 20th. This was to ascertain if her liver mets could be considered "stable disease" as is the requirement for the U. of W. Vaccine Trial. The results came back and there was substantial tumor growth. Linda remains on herceptin and is back on the xeloda.

What next? Obviously no Vaccine. However, the wonderful Dr. Webster has offered to arrange a consultation (second opinion) with their top oncologists, an offer we will accept. As far as treatment decisions go; this is the key reason we would go to Seattle. After hearing the targetted therapy reports at SABCS; We are heavily leaning towards an AVASTIN combo of some sort. The main hurdle is financing the cost of the drug as it is not approved here. Kudos to our oncologist who has agreed to procure and administer the drug but it wouldn't be covered. So, I am starting to punch a lot of phone numbers to sort-out this issue. We have appealed to our insurance carrier to stretch the rules. This will be brought to their Board but I'm not holding my breath.
Names of friends in high places accepted and treated with reverence.

Crappy news for the holiday season BUT, at least she has hair this year.

There's always a "plan B"; that's why they call us survivors.
Al