MRI - good news!

Dr Grossmann just called and said the MRI shows the brain is still clear of cancer right now. The skull area is larger than before, so radiation to only the part we knew of would not have gotten all the cancer. I asked if more radiation would be done to get the edges and he said probably not, as it can damage the center area if it is done twice. The epidura between the skull and the brain has shown changes too. He hopes that this will still mean Liz can enter a trial in which the clear brain scan matters.

Brad has done constant research and emails with melanoma experts around the country, including Dr. Wolfram Samlowski, who used to work at Huntsman and is now in Las Vegas. (He met Liz three years ago.) Dr. S has asked his colleagues about getting Liz into various clinical trials. I am so grateful for Brad's persistent research and for people like Dr. S who care about getting her the best chances.

Her radiation is scheduled to start on Monday 2/1 at Huntsman. It may be delayed a week if needed.

There is a clinical trial in Los Angeles which closes Feb 6th, using a drug called CTLA4. It has shown remarkable success in treating melanoma. (I think it was 70% successful...? I will check.) We are likely to drive or fly her there either Wed. or Thurs. to get her entered in the study. One detail is that good tissue samples are needed for study. The doctor there, Dr. Ribas, is also a surgeon and might be able to excise the lump at her back easily for more tissue to study if needed.

I feel at this moment that we have a good outlook with a chance at good medicine, and that radiation soon can help alleviate her discomfort from bone pain in her spine. She is taking ibuprofen to keep pain manageable now.

The NIH study with TIL cell harvest and reinjection may still follow. I don't know how all these studies affect what else can be done or when yet.

We are so blessed to have support and love from so many! I am so grateful for calls, emails, meals, visits, and especially faith and prayers on Liz's behalf. Thanks so much for lifting us with your love and service and faith. God is mindful of each of us.