kimblanchard Posted August 7, 2006 Share Posted August 7, 2006 Well, last week was not a good week, tests showed that the tumors had started growing again and I have also exhausted all the treatment options available from Medical University of South Carolina (I've lived too long ). So my options were to just accept palliative care to be kept as comfortable as long as possible or try and get into a Lung Cancer Trial at Duke. I opted for a trial at Duke and it looks like they have one that may benefit me, nothing will cure me, only hope of prolonging my existence. Which I will do as long as I am comfortable and able. The trips to Duke will be a pain (5hours)and I do not know what the schedule will be. This will start in about a month. I want to work as long as I can…it keeps my mind occupied and pays the bills, but I am sure I will have to cut back closer to 30 hours per week. I have a cough that is worsening all the time, this weekend I had a coughing fit and lost my voice, so I can not speak very loudly. I still feel fair, but the emotional roller coaster ride has really drained me. Thanks and love to you all jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted August 7, 2006 Share Posted August 7, 2006 Jim, I am SO GLAD to hear you opted for the Trial!! God only knows what will work, but I admire that your willing to try it all my friend. I think I would do the same. Hang in there Jim. This trial just might be the magic bullet! I will continue to be HOPEFUL!! (((((((((((((JIM)))))))))))))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gail Posted August 7, 2006 Share Posted August 7, 2006 that is a double darn with a few #*#*# thrown in. I can imagine your head is just spinning right now. When it stops spinning you can focus again. 5 hour car rides mean a book on CD for me. I have listened to every Bernie Siegel book--his voice still calms me. good luck gail[/b] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trish2418 Posted August 7, 2006 Share Posted August 7, 2006 Aw, Jim, I don't know what to say except that I hate cancer soooooo much. I'm so sorry things have worked out this way and I pray the trial proves to be 100% successful. Stay strong. Trish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muriel Posted August 7, 2006 Share Posted August 7, 2006 Really sorry about the growth. Glad you chose the trial at Duke. Sure hope it works. Muriel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted August 7, 2006 Share Posted August 7, 2006 I'm sorry, Jim, and mad as he#@ too! I wil pray that the trial will keep you fishin' for a long time to come. It's hard not to get down, for sure. But knowing you, you'll do your best to keep on keepin' on. Much care and love, Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Treebywater Posted August 7, 2006 Share Posted August 7, 2006 ((((((Jim)))))) (You tough guys need hugs too, yes?) Have I said lately that you are my hero? Well, you are! Praying about the trial. I know the five hour car ride must seem daunting and tedious. Do let us know how it goes. And know no matter what that we're in your corner. Val Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ma's kid Posted August 7, 2006 Share Posted August 7, 2006 Praying the trial is successful. I so admire you. Libby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted August 7, 2006 Share Posted August 7, 2006 Dang jim. hope Duke holds something that will keep you upright and with us for a long, long time to come. You have proved already that you are a tough guy. I have faith that you will be here with us for a lot longer too. Will this ride be in your Mustang? luv, Cindi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john Posted August 7, 2006 Share Posted August 7, 2006 Maybe there is a way to find trials on irreversible EFGR inhibitors like HKI-272 This drug is supposed to work after Tarceva stops working. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/N ... 77?order=1 It looks like there is a trial of sns-595 at Duke that looks interesting. One reason chemo fails sometimes is because of a mutation in the P53 gene. It appears that sns-595 does not work through the p53 gene so it the cancer is less likely to be chemo-resistant to this drug. It is supposed to be pretty easy on the body. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kamataca Posted August 7, 2006 Share Posted August 7, 2006 Well, poop! The Duke trial sounds promising. I pray that will go well for you. I sure hope you are headed out to your fishing boat with your shadow to catch some whoppers! You really are an inspiration. Lots of love and prayers for you! Kelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted August 7, 2006 Share Posted August 7, 2006 Good luck on your trial Jim. I would opt for reasonably good quality existence too. I have heard of some oncologists repeating a former treatment that has worked well, as long as a year or 2 has elapsed since it was last applied. I don't see taxotere in your list. You could try that. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted August 7, 2006 Share Posted August 7, 2006 I'm glad you opted for the trial and wish you well on that. Any prolonging of time is a good thing. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terriep Posted August 7, 2006 Share Posted August 7, 2006 Dam is right!! Maybe even double dam!! I am praying HARD that the new trial does the trick! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tnmynatt Posted August 7, 2006 Share Posted August 7, 2006 Jim, You are our energizer bunny--you keep going and going and going. So sorry for the bad news and the long drive. Glad you are opting for a clinical trial at Duke. You have always been my inspiration and you were Charlie's, too. Take care. Many daily prayers being said for you, Jim. You CAN do this! (((((Jim))))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stand4hope Posted August 7, 2006 Share Posted August 7, 2006 Dear Jim, Well, I didn't feel the anger, just a sinking heart when I read this, with a sigh and the words, "Oh no". I really hope and pray with all that's within me that this trial will work!!! Love, Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzie Q Posted August 7, 2006 Share Posted August 7, 2006 Well. Dang it all to heck! Here's to hoping for a responsive treatment for you and that you feel reasonably well. Prayers to you, ~Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joanie55 Posted August 7, 2006 Share Posted August 7, 2006 Jim, You have all of my prayers and hope that this trial works. I just can't stand this disease. With every bit of my being, I just hate it! Joan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Lamb Posted August 8, 2006 Share Posted August 8, 2006 Jim,I have been pretty much on pallitive care for a little over a year now and still doing fairly well.They never mentioned any clinical trials(I wouldn't be able to pay out of pocket for them anyway). They still do a good job of monitoring me and doing all they can to maintain decent quality of life. I hope that trial will help you.You sure have worked hard at beating this and really deserve to have things turn for the good. Besides that you and your shadow have a lot of fishing to do yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TracyD Posted August 8, 2006 Share Posted August 8, 2006 Jim, Sorry to hear this last treatment didn't work longer, but glad to hear you're getting into a clinical trial. I just love your attitude, gotta keep going. You give me (and many others I'm sure) such inspiration. Good luck on your new treatment. Tracy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnyde Posted August 8, 2006 Share Posted August 8, 2006 Jim, you are 3 years out and you are chugging along. I have great hope that this clinical trial will be the start of your next 3 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dchurchi Posted August 8, 2006 Share Posted August 8, 2006 Jim, So many prayers are headed your way. Alan's care has been pallative since last July, well over a year now. You Keep fighting as I know there are many more fish to be caught. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icbn Posted August 8, 2006 Share Posted August 8, 2006 Jim, I'm sorry to hear the news. You are one tough customer though. All that you have been through all while working. If anyone can beat this dragon it's you and our prayers for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted August 8, 2006 Share Posted August 8, 2006 You know how important you were to Brian. You are w/ me as well. Put your 'DUKES' up, but don't let the drives become the focus of things...............each day w/ your fishing buddy and ...............well you know. You are an inspiration and a very special person. Much love Pat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted August 8, 2006 Share Posted August 8, 2006 Awww, Jim, This is not what we wanted to hear. You have had some amazing response to chemo in the past . Will be praying that the clinic trial is just what is needed to stop this cancer in it's tracks. Prayers coming , Jim. Keep us informed. Love, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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