I’m back from my few days spent in Philadelphia and Baltimore.
I flew out on Friday, which if you recall was a wretched day weather-wise. We slogged through the snow and ice to Louisville to catch my flight. I had called ahead to the airline and discovered all was running on time. However, they loaded us and there we sat, at the gate for hours because we couldn’t get into Cleveland. We finally got to Cleveland where I had to make my connection, but nobody was getting out of there. I had never seen a snowstorm like the one taking place! To make a long story short…I was due into Philadelphia at 4pm, but got there at 11:30pm. I was just happy I got in at all.
My sister and I had a great weekend together. I laughed my head off at her dogs…a low-key laid back Beagle, and a high-strung bouncy-trouncy Westie. On Monday, Kathy took me to my appointment at Johns Hopkins. Baltimore is only about an hour from where she lives outside Philly.
It was worth the trip. The only option I had been given up until now was not a good one. The standard treatment is really no treatment at all. It is not curative, only palliative. The Johns Hopkins doctor recommended a more aggressive, although more toxic treatment. He told me I seemed very healthy and strong and should be able to withstand this. It is a treatment I could do in Evansville with the help of Dr. Stephens. We then discussed a clinical trial which may be set to begin the end of this summer at the University of Michigan. This involves a new treatment designed to attack the cancer’s stem cells, which are the most dangerous. The stem cells spread the cancer. The medical community is very excited about this and see it as a breakthrough. As you know, pancreatic cancer is the most lethal cancer, but it is also the least-funded cancer. There is very little new or exciting out there yet for PC, but this treatment option seems to be stirring up interest. It would mean some travel between here and Ann Arbor.
The Johns Hopkins doctors are studying my records and test results and writing up a report to give to Dr. Stephens. We will proceed from there.
I’m looking forward to Spring, aren’t you?
Meredith and I are headed to Chicago for a girls weekend with Erin. How fun! I need to cram in as much fun as I can before treatment starts!
Praise God, Ann! I am in awe of His faithfulness and
grateful that the doctors are giving you hope with more
treatment options so that you are able to continue to
serve Him and glorify Him here on earth! Thank you for
blogging and keeping us up to date with your overall
health–both physical and spiritual. Enjoy your time with
your girls! You are greatly loved!!
I’m really encouraged by your report from JH. Thanks
for the update. Have a great time with the girls. You
in my prayers.
Ann,
My computer died during a recent power outage and I have been online less frequently. I am thankful you are finding hope and encouragement. I almost did not write you a note, because I wasn’t sure what to say. I guess we think our words always have to be just perfect. The Lord reminded me just to tell you how much you are loved and to be encouraged by all the many people who praising Him for the mighty work He is doing in your life. What a blessing you are to Him, and to all!
Ann: What joyous news!! I light a candle for you every
Wednesday night at our Lenten Service and ask God
to give you strength as you continue in your fight.
Carmen
Hi Ann, maybe girl’s weekend is just in the air! I am on my way to Amherst, MA to see Sarah tonight. I know that she, like me, thininks of you often and keep you in our hearts. Give my love to your girls!
Ann — God has opened another door. Have a great time in Chicago. Belssings to you – Jan
YAY ANN! That’s so cool! It just gives me chills! I am super excited for you to finally get some news like that. I will continue to pray for you and for the doctors working with these new treatments. This just makes my heart smile. Love you Ann!
God HAS opened another door…..! You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers………..enjoy your weekend with the girls……
Ann,so glad to hear you are being offered options. JH has always been on the frontier of cancer treatment breakthroughs. I thought of you that day. I knew th weather was taking quite a turn. Have a blast with the girls. We are holding you in highest thought. Blessings, Jane Sullivan and family
I just found out about you having pancreatic cancer. My daughter found out in Oct 2007 at the age of 32 that she had pancreatic cancer. She had a whipple
procedure in Oct 2007, chemo, and radiation. She was told in July 2008 she was cancer free. In Oct 2008 it was back but also in the lungs & liver, small but
there. She has terrible pain in her back and recently started going to pain mgnt. clinic. She is on the waiting list at IU Med Center and Vanderbilt for a clinical
trial. Her ins. would let her go to any other facility. Any info you can give us will be appreciated. I just found your web site and will be looking at it in detail.
My daughter has 3 children 14, 12, & 8, a single mom and volleyball coach.