"High in the Sky" and an Update

Hello All,

I received confirmation that my new treatment protocol is set to start on Tuesday. Nice to not have to wait.

Additionally, Dr. Zu has contacted Foundation Medicine, a Cambridge-based company that establishes genomic profiles in an effort to help develop targeted therapies for cancer patients, and my referral is in motion!

Christine and I hiked "High in the Sky" today, also known as Kwayy Payy Peak.

Upward and onward, my friends!

Love to all!

Andrew and Christine

You Won't Find This Combo on the McDonald's Menu

I am tempted to start singing "You (I) deserve a break today," to keep with the McDonald's theme, but...

Christine and I saw Dr. Zu today.

He reported that my latest scan did show growth in three of four areas - two in the liver and one in the pelvic area. The one on my pancreas remains stable.

He commented that growth seems to be progressing more quickly than it has been shown on previous scans and on previous therapies, namely the Afinitor.

The plan is to start me on a therapy combining two traditional chemotherapy drugs that has produced positive results for my condition. The two drugs, temozolomide and capectitabine (referred to as CAPTEM in the literature), have minor side effects. I will keep what hair I have left! I will also continue to receive a monthly injection of Sandostatin.

Additionally, Dr. Zu wants to send a sample from my latest biopsy to Foundation Medicine, a Cambridge-based company that establishes genomic profiles in an effort to help develop targeted therapies for cancer patients.

We are pleased to have a plan in place and feel fortunate to have this treatment available. We will continue to live each day with love, joy, and laughter.

Thank you once again for your love, encouragement, and friendship.

With love,

Andrew and Christine