Consultation at the Block Center

On Tuesday, we drove to the Block Center in Skokie Illinois. The last time Cathy visited was on December 18th. We met with Dr Keith Block. After talking with Cathy and reviewing her case he did not have any new treatments, medical trials or natural solutions that might be "outside the box."

If Cathy wants to "pull out all the stops," he recommended a combination of Carboplatin - Taxol - Herceptin followed by a Neulasta shot. Given Cathy's current condition he would administer this treatment plan over a three day period. The first day would be I.V. nutrients to bolster her system. The following morning he would employ chronotherapy of the Taxol (the time of day when the drug is the most effective fighting cancer cells and the least toxic to healthy cells) . Later in the afternoon she would receive the Carboplatin and Herceptin treatments. The final day would be the Neulasta shot and toxin reducing therapies.

He also talked about lesser forms of treatments to choose from; Faslodex, Halaven and Navelbine.

In order to put this decision into perspective, after Cathy's last chemo treatment on November 20th she experienced swelling in the abdomen and legs, mouth and throat sores, nose bleeds, fatigue, rapid heart beat, blood in stool and anemia. Her hemoglobin dropped dangerously low to 5.3 and she received 4 units of blood over a six day period.

Cathy's vital signs on Tuesday were; blood pressure 89/49, pulse 54, temperature 96.2, oxygen 98 and weight 108 lbs.

Both Cathy and Mike ask for your ongoing intercession of prayer for wisdom and discernment as they choose a treatment plan from the Block Center, local oncologist or naturopathic medicine.

Since Cathy's ascites (abdominal fluid retention) impairs her ability to digest food, please pray that the meal replacement shakes and supplements would sustain her body.

The April weather provided an interesting mix of dense fog, sprinkles, sunshine, hail and high winds. We are very grateful for safe travel.

If you have questions please call me.

Sincerely,
Lori
260-459-0254