-Cheryl-

Andrea, I just posted about this trial in the general section. The only thing about this trial is that it has not been validated. It does not appear to have any serious side effects, other than flu like symptoms and maybe some itching around the injection site. The only other thing is that you can't do this trial if you have done Iressa or any other immunolgical therapy. The vaccine is made from other people's cancerous tumor cells, rather than your own. Keep us posted on your mom's success. Cheryl

Billie, I don't understand how come they couldn't take a node from your neck? Is it because yor neck nodes have almost disappearred? Initially, I showed uptake in a supraclavicular node that disappeared after chemo which would have been ideal for the GVAX trial. Glad it is gone though. I was actually diagnosed 3A-B because my doctor was usure. Cheryl

Looking for you to bounce right back Rochelle... the "Board" and your family needs you. Our thoughts are w/ you both. -Jack-

Elaine, The scans are from Jan. and I do need to have new ones done. So, it would be nice for the glands and nodules to spontaneously disappear. I didn't think to ask about why participants would be charged out of pocket for a trial? I will try t think to ask that question next time. Mo, you are right about the chemo leaving the other options available, but geesh, chemo makes you sooooo sick, nauseated, tired, and did I mention bald, Ha! Been there done that and certainly got that t-shirt. Oh, and I forgot to mention that this doctor says that the new school of thought in research on BAC is that it could be caused from a VIRUS! Almost all of the BAC and BAC feature cancers respond best to the immunolgical gene therapies. Bille, hang in there, someting may later open up with the GVAX trial in a few months. Where is you cancer located, or what stage are you. Cheryl

Hey Group, I met with a Dr. Senzer today, who is the Scientific Director at the Mary Crowley Research Center at Baylor Hospital in Dallas, Texas. I am not a candidate for GVAX as I suspected. Not because I don't have active cancer in my body, but because the FDA will no longer allow reseachers to take a tumor unless it is superficial (like a supraclavicular lymph node or fluid from a plueral efussion which contains cancer.) Dr. Senzer explained that in one study a participant had a nodule taken from their lung via a thoracotomy and the procedure caused hemorrhaging, resulting in that person's death. So, the research is allowed to continue, but is being heavily monitored. However, in three months those restaints may lesson. Dr. Senzer told me that because I had changes in not just one nodule, but all three, including two swollen lymph nodes in my medistinal area, that I appearred to be having a reoccurrence of the disease. However, the changes were minute. I have not had a CT done in three months since Jan., so I am due again. I will know more then. I plan on having it done on this coming Monday. I am aking for prayers please. Now, I did learn quite a bit about some promising trials though, which I am eligable for and want to share with you. The most promising is a trial called TGF Beta2- Transforming Growth Factor Beta2 created by Noverex. Get this- a vaccine is made by other people's cancerous tumors that are similar to yours! Immunological research is really kicking it up a notch!!! There is also Docetal taken with PT100 which is a new drug that turns on the body's immune function to assist in killing cancer. Then there are some other experimental chemos, traditional chemos, and of course Iressa. Now my delima....if I do TGF Beta2, then I can't do GVAX later in any studies, and in 3 months the FDA may lift some of these strict restrictions (like allowing only superficial nodes to be used.) You can't do TGF Beta2 if you have done Iressa. So I am scared to do anything. Any suggestions? I will know more after Mon. about progression of the disease, after my CT. I will also put a call into my onc's office for his advice. Cheryl

Mo, Good for you! Have fun! I love the track in Hot Springs. I have had a lucky day there myself years ago. Cheryl

I too will be sending prayers your way but have been bothered by the one question you posed.... Am I doing the right thing? Get with your doctor and ask all of the questions (i.e.) After the Brocnospy what's next. For some that procedure alone is tough enough. My wife is 44 years old and otherwise healthy... It was tough on her. Next was the mediastinoscopy which was no picnic either. Your father is an elderly gentleman with many health problems and sometimes the so called "cure" is worse than the illness. Radiation and chemo usually follows from there which can be absolutely devastating, especially with older folks. I would sit down with your father and your doctor and explain the pros and cons with him. It shouldn't soley be your decision. While many on this board would not condone this advise, I feel it neccessary to at least answer your question. Don't let these doctors railroad you into something you are not sure about. Jack

Sandy, I will be there. I live less than an hour away. I hope to meet some of you from the board. Cheryl

Ginny, My heart goes out to you and the Duke about your Kitty. That is incredible to have a cat for 22 years!!! That tells me that this animal was much loved and cared for. I am sorry about your sister. I have no medical expertise to offer, just my prayers. Cheryl

Betty, Sounds like you should be posting in the Good News section! It is ashame that the doctors have to take us close to death to kill the cancer. What a catch 22, huh? Sooooo glad that you are back and doing better. Hang in their girl!!! Cheryl

Candee, Good luck with your chemo. Sounds like you have the right atitude to kick some cancer A**!!! Saying prayers for remission. Cheryl

David, Congratulations on NED and your triumph over cancer one year later. Hope your dear wife Karen is feeling stronger these days. My sister has thyroid disease along with diabetes, and it totally zaps her of her energy. It is also responsible for depression. Give her my regards. Hope your weekend is successful and raises lots of money for children's cancer research. Give Faith a big kiss for me. Cheryl

Deb, it shows no pictre on my sreen. Just a little empty box. Can't wait to see your picture. Cheryl

karen, I am sorry I have no expertise to offer, but I would like to offer you my support through prayer. God Bless you. Cheryl

Dear Mo, I am on my knees now, praying that the lord will take care of you and provide for your every need. Trust in him to carry you through this. There is power in prayer my friend. Cheryl

Lilly, I bet my kids will love these as much as I do! Cheryl

Tbone, I enjoyed it! Tee Hee Cheryl

Becky, I'm stealing the booger/ broccoli joke to tell my kids I work with. They love gross out jokes! Ha! Cheryl

Thanks Guys for the encouragemnt. I will fill you all in on the paticulars after I meet wth the team of researchers. Like I said, I am not sure if I will even be a candiadate or not. I will update you all later. Cheryl

Howard, I enjoy reading your posts. You are such an interesting person. I am sorry to hear about your Dad, but his passing seemed so peaceful. I love the thought of "leaving the light on." Please don't be a stranger. Cheryl

Fay, I suppose we must learn to co-exist with that pesky ED. However, one day-hopefully soon he and his little friends will be eradicated. Stay in the fight my dear friend! Cheryl

David, I read your blonde jokes to my staff and they shrilled with laughter. I for one was not as amused. Hey, but it is good to have you back with the jokes. We really need the humor. Becky, what happened my witty wisecracking girlfriend? Ry, I think David's jokes are degrading to all hair colors, not just blondes! Ha! You better watch yourself David- I got Fay on my side. I can tell TBone is a sympathizer, partial to men who make up stupid blonde jokes. Cheryl

I forgot to log in, I posted while at work. I may not be naturally blonde, but being naturally dumb is something I work hard at. Ha! Cheryl

Prayers from Dallas, Peg... and keeping you in our thoughts. Cheryl and Jack

O.K. David A. You have been way to quiet. I think you are having Dave G. withdrawls. Every funny guy needs a straight guy, right. (Wait, that doesn't sound right- That sounds more like something from Queer Eye For the Straight Guy! HA! I love that show!) I think what I mean is....Every comedian needs a straight man. Anyway, this joke is dedicated to you. There is this blonde chick who wanted to learn a new hobby this winter, so she goes to the book store an discovers ice fishing. She buys up everythig she can get her hands on to help make her a great ice fisherwoman. She painstakenly plains her trip down to the finest of details. She arises early that next morning and packs her fishing gear, tools, baits, and a comfortable stool. She finds what she believes is the perfect spot, cuts a hole in the ice, and sets all her gear up. She procedes to fish, when all of the sudden she hears in a loud voice, "There are no fish under the ice here." Startled, she moves further on down the ice till she finds another spot. She again sets everything up and pours herself a cup of coffee. She attempts to cut the ice and all of the sudden hears a thunderous voice say "There are no fish under the ice here." Th blonde finally responds by saying "Is that you Lord?" To which the echoing voice replies "No, it is the Ice Skating Rink Manager!" Cheryl