HI All.
The following is a little more detailed overview of the happenings for Hannah during the past 3 months.
Hannah's cancer has returned concentrating in her upper chest (above the tumor area killed off by the last treatment). Although the size of the tumors are smaller than before, their location has presented non-tumor challenges in the form of blood flow, new clot and stress on her heart. With that in mind, Hannah has been relegated to bed rest (no strenuous activities, even walking up and down stairs) until the threats are reduced. Also, as in the most recent tumors of 2007, the location of the growths are considered inoperable.
Addressing the new tumors, Hannah has recently started another new clinical trial treatment. This new process is in the family of Monoclonal Antibodies, similar to her last experimental treatment. As you may recall, the previous Antibody treatment had some success on its own, killing significant parts of the existing tumor while allowing some new growth on the outside edges. Only when the new growth started pressing against the major veins, and at the same time the notice of the increasing blood clot, was the process stopped for "medical necessity". Addressing the medical necessity, high dosages of radiation were administered to the tumor area. Surprising to all, the combination of the two killed off the active growths. An amazing and stunning turn of events. This success, of course, was short lived.
Under the need of "medical necessity" and receiving radiation, Hannah was no longer eligible for participation in the clinical trial for the Monoclonal Antibodies. This "stepping out" of the trial is an NIC (National Institute of Cancer) policy and not that of Sloan. This also meant that Hannah was not to officially receive any treatments until the cancer returned. Obviously this was not a desirable situation. Only after the petition efforts of very dedicated Doctors at Sloan, was she allowed to continue the Antibody treatment as a "non-trial" basis. Something is better than nothing.
Unfortunately, 8 weeks passed by between the radiation treatments and the resumption of the Antibodies. Soon thereafter was the resumption of the cancer growth.
Looking back over the past 5 years it's amazing the number of different processes she's undergone. During that time she has been given a total of 6 chemo chemicals as regular treatments and 4 experimental concoctions during special clinical trials. For her type of bone cancer, she has run the protocol spectrum. We are hopeful that this new treatment will be the winning solution or at least place her cancer in remission as other treatments options are created in the future.
Another turn in the road, another battle in the war and as always, Hannah has "just been Hannah". Thoughtful of others, kind to all, looking to the future and spending the day. I know I am bias since she's my daughter, but I am very proud of her and how she has consistently handled this dramatic illness. I can't tell you how many times she has looked to Mom & I and tried to comfort us from our own stress and fears.
Well, we remain optimistic during the cancer's war on Hannah. The battles have gotten tougher but we refuse to fold. The options have lessen but our hope endures. Her discomfort is ever present but our attention does not wane (and the pain pills help also). She is our beloved daughter and our love grows