Wednesday, November 9, 2011

...and how is Jud?

We drove to Rochester last night, home of the WFMC, as it is known to the locals... the World Famous Mayo Clinic


This picture was taken several weeks before Jud was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. We were both in good shape, having just lost weight on the South Beach diet. We felt very carefree as we went to a benefot for Jud's clinic. Several days laterm I attended my beloved Silver Bella, Five days after I returned, Jud was diagnosed with Stage Four pancreatic cancer.

Jud's current chemo quit working about the time we returned from our wonderful barge trip to Southern France. We are at the point that there is no known treatment that he hasn't usedand we have entered the world of clinical trials. We are here to see if Jud is appropriate for a clinical trial thst combines the hedgehog pathway inhibitor and a known chemotherapy, Tarceva. The hedgehog trial treatment tries to interrupt the pathway of the DNA that the cancer needs to grow. Nothing to do with cute little hedgehogs. It has shown some promise and we are hoping they will find him an appropriate candidate.

This isn't the first time we have entered the world of clinical trials. Jud received SGRT (specific guided radiation treatment) at Stanford. We are so grateful for that treatment, in which the doctor radiated the area around the pancreas. Even though it did not stop the ptogression of his disease, he has had a much easier go of it, including less nausea, less weight loss and less pain than PC patients who have not received this treatment. We have been extremely grateful for this quality of life issue.

We will meet with the oncologist this afternoon and we will know more. On Saturday, we are on the road again, heading to a small town outside Washington, DC.  Jud is teaching at a conference that concerns integrity in medicine. We weren't sure he would make it but he is so glad to be able to participate as this is an rea that means a lot to him. I am taking a suitcase of craft materials and working on Christmas presents. Sounds like a grand time for both of us.

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers and we decided which medical pathway would be best for Jud.

P.S. There are more trip pictures to come!





Posted by at 8:39 AM

27 comments:

  1. JeanneNovember 9, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    Oh just look at the two of you - What a great photo! My thoughts and prayers are with you both as you embark on the journey of clinical trials. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you two. Stay strong and hopeful!
    Hugs,
    xo
    jeanne

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousNovember 9, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    (((((hugs)))))) Hang in there! I'm praying!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousNovember 9, 2011 at 10:08 AM

    My thoughts and prayers are always with you and Jud. I'm so happy to hear that it's going well. Sending out big hugs and praers for the both of you!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Linda JoNovember 9, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    I'm praying, too. Hugs for you both.

    ReplyDelete
  5. ~*~Patty SNovember 9, 2011 at 12:18 PM

    Hoping and Praying for the very best outcome always dear ones

    AND

    what small town outside of Wash DC exactly???

    I just happen to live not so far from our nation's capital missy!
    oxo
    oxo

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lynn StevensNovember 9, 2011 at 12:40 PM

    Oh Suz, you know you both are in my prayers and thoughts. It will be a nice diversion to get away. Enjoy your stay In Wash D C and craft time.
    BIG Healing Hugs sent your way
    Lynn

    ReplyDelete
  7. Tina November 9, 2011 at 1:15 PM

    Sending lots of thought and prayers your way Suz - to you and your family

    ReplyDelete
  8. BettyNovember 9, 2011 at 3:26 PM

    I'm just seeing this update. I'm kind of hit and miss in blogland. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you meet with the doctors at the Mayo Clinic. The cancer journey is full of highs and lows. I hope you'll have some encouraging news soon.

    ReplyDelete
  9. HI! I'm TabithaNovember 9, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    you are on my mind always suz and I hope judd is able to benefit from all the clinical trials available to him
    hugs

    ReplyDelete
  10. MaijaNovember 9, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    Not the greatest news, but I love how you guys keep on trucking!! Just keep holding out for the cure!!!
    I am with you in spirit!

    ReplyDelete
  11. CreateologyNovember 9, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    My prayers have never ceased. You and Jud are such an amazing strong couple. Blessings...

    ReplyDelete
  12. Sheila RumneyNovember 9, 2011 at 5:31 PM

    You both are always in my prayers. You both continue to amaze me with your strength and faith during this crazy journey.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Robin ThomasNovember 9, 2011 at 6:12 PM

    I hold you in a little bubble of breath holding at every moment.

    ReplyDelete
  14. kanaNovember 9, 2011 at 7:16 PM

    So good to hear about him and glad that the radiation helped with some of the symptoms. I will pray for both of you! Hope you both have a good time on your trip.

    ReplyDelete
  15. UnknownNovember 9, 2011 at 7:43 PM

    Well, my friend, you are never far from my thoughts. I'll keep praying for clinical trials. So glad you are both able to get away again and Jud can teach. hope it's a relaxing time for you as well.
    Sending you great big hugs.
    xo
    lynn

    ReplyDelete
  16. DianeNovember 9, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    I continue to think of you and Jud my dear Suz....I know that you are both in God's hands, and I pray that each and every day you have together is one full of hope and love for each other.
    Luv you my friend...xo

    ReplyDelete
  17. UnknownNovember 10, 2011 at 9:10 AM

    You and Jud will remain in my prayers. Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hearts TurnedNovember 10, 2011 at 10:39 AM

    Oh, Suz....you're both so beautiful! I know things are horribly hard for you, but I love the positive way you handle this journey...you're certainly an inspiration, dear friend.

    Enjoy your crafting time while he enjoys the teaching time...life is meant for enjoyment.

    Keeping you both in my prayers, as always, and sending much love your way...

    Julie

    ReplyDelete
  19. DortheNovember 10, 2011 at 10:50 AM

    Dear Suz,
    thankyou for letting us know how your husbond is doing ! I so hope the oncologist had something positive to tell you, yesterday- and that your travel saturday will be a good and happy experience for Jud and you.
    I wish you all the blessings possible, and send prayers for you both.
    Hugs,Dorthe

    ReplyDelete
  20. Marie Lost Bird StudioNovember 10, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    Dear Suz,
    sending hugs and prayers to you and Jud.
    Hang in there and don't give up.
    Love,
    Marie

    ReplyDelete
  21. MargaretNovember 11, 2011 at 12:10 AM

    Thinking of you both, wishing you great strength at this time, Mx

    ReplyDelete
  22. jackieNovember 11, 2011 at 10:46 AM

    I am sending positive thoughts and prayers your way!

    ReplyDelete
  23. RellaNovember 11, 2011 at 3:02 PM

    You know that you are both in my thoughts and prayers......always.....every day.
    Big love ~ Rella xo

    ReplyDelete
  24. kandelandNovember 12, 2011 at 5:12 AM

    definitely praying for you! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  25. UnknownNovember 12, 2011 at 12:25 PM

    Dear Suz, This journey you are sharing with us is so personal and so emotionally touching. Truly, this is the bravest thing I have ever witnessed. Your words humble me Suz. Prayers for you both. Elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  26. LaurieNovember 12, 2011 at 7:47 PM

    Hugs and prayers, Suz.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Pretty ThingsNovember 15, 2011 at 3:57 PM

    ALWAYS in my prayers.

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)