January 24th - Deja Vu

Hello again to all of our family and friends. I have waited to write this blog until I knew what the definite plan for Glenna would be - and now we know. After much discussion and many tests, Glenna's team of doctors have decided that their recommendation for her is to be re-treated, using the same protocol as before: chemo for one week, then cell infusion, followed by IL-2. This was not happy news for Glenna, as she was hoping not to go through this again, but she has made the decision to go along with the docs recommendation. Her eye and ear tests were good - no further signs of inflammation or harm. However, there is a chance that she may have visual and /or hearing issues again after treatment; but they will deal with them as before and have assured her that they have not had any patients on this protocol who have had permanent loss of these functions.

So today - at noon - she will begin her chemo! She will get the nasty chemo for the first 2 days, and then the not-so-nasty chemo for the following 5 days. After that - when her immune system is completely stripped, she will get her infusion of cells (which, by the way, they say are growing even better than the first time). The doctor's theory is that they want to attack her system now, while the cancer cells are down and at their weakest point - rather than wait until they may have a chance to strengthen. It makes sense to me and although Glenna dreads going through this again, it makes sense to get it done now, so that she can recoup and get on with her life (like going to Hawaii later in the spring!).

So, I will be updating this blog often while she is here to let you all know her progression. We hope and pray that she sails through this next few weeks with as little discomfort as possible. I will be here with her through Sunday. Aunt Jeanne is coming down this Sat. and will be here a week. Bob will be coming sometime next week and will stay until I come back again. Glenna & Jacob are working on getting his webcam hooked up so they can communicate with visuals - that will be fun!

Glenna's address here is:

NIH
10 Center Drive
Bldg. 10 - 3NW - Room 1628
Bethesda, MD 20892

She cannot have flowers, but if anyone feels like sending a note - she would love it!

Until next time - Love from MK