Since last week's meeting with Dr. McClay, there has been a flurry of activity. On Thursday, we decided to pursue Mavligit's liver infusion (chemo) procedure at MD Anderson. Since then, it's been a whirlwind of making travel arrangements, getting the kids covered, hassling with insurance, taking care of work, etc. Plus, I went in Friday to have the sub-q met removed from my shoulder and Liz's parents drove it up to Rational Therapuetics, where Dr. Nagourney will do an assay process to evaluate 96 different cytotoxins' effectiveness against my melanoma.
On Sunday, we had a very moving prayer healing session after church. Then we flew to Houston, leaving the boys behind in the capable hands of my sister Diane (good luck!) and extended family and friends. Cameron was humorously wailing loudly as we left, drawing attention and laughter from the everyone in the terminal.
We met with Mavligits today ...what a character. He used to be a paratrooper in the Israeli army. Now he just tries to kill tumors. He's been here for thirty years now. The plan is to start the chemo treatment as soon as we can get a new baseline scan. He is very positive about this treatment option and has more experience treating people in my condition than anyone in the world. He is very optimistic about my chances, considering my good health, indicative of a good immune system and tumor relationship, i.e., no symptoms yet. Liz only cried once during the 45 minute consultation.
We are still waitng for insurance approval. As soon as we get the scan done, I can be admitted to the hospital and start the procedure. For you medical types, although I will be in for several days, they only deliver the cisplatin and vinblastine to the liver for two hours each, through a hepatic catheter (that sounds like fun). The rest of the time is hydration and symptom control. We are hopeful that we can get the scan on Wednesday, but it might not be until Friday. At least the 'stros are in town and I/we hope to see a game at the new Enron Stadium. There isn't a whole lot else to do here-- except shopping, Liz says -- apparently, due to the unbelievable heat and humidity.
Watch the news for the Houston weather ... there is a tropical storm warning and possible hurricance heading our way, or so they say.
By the way, the hotel is nice. Phone number is 713-797-1110.