New Era of Drug Therapy

      January 2014, Judy and I went to Vanderbilt for consultation. During that time tissue was given for genome investigation. Recommendations have been given to my oncologist, Dr. Hicks, for me to receive an Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor (EGRF). This is targeted treatment. In the previous rounds I have received a anti-angiogenic factor inhibitor, Avastin, also a targeted therapy drug. This seemed to work for three months. I believe the literature points to that fact as well. Avastin was given not knowing the genome associated with the cancer. The literature points to the fact that Avastin might even promote the growth of the cancer if the genome is not targeted. At this point we are not sure if it helped or hurt.

      Presently, I feel assured that an EGRF inhibitor is the right direction to travel. Not without consequences however. Erbitux was given 2 weeks ago. I felt fine after treatment but on the way home I began to vomit and did not stop for 6 hours. Nevertheless, I was placed in the hospital for the night. I received Vectibix, a brother of Erbitux yesterday. This decision came not because of the side effect I experienced but because of the weekly regimen. I preferred ever other week so Judy and I could have somewhat a life. Fortunatly there has been no N/V, only an expected facial rash, in which, 90% of patients get when taking an EGRFI.

      Family and friends and church friends continually pray and believe that God will show mercy and heal me of this cancer. Christ is our passover lamb sacrificed for us! Through Him, we too are strengthened and can receive total healing, spirit, soul and body! I Cornth 5:7

      I still take pictures for sanity. Recently, I went to Winstar farms in Lexington, along with their photographer, Tammy Brown.

      This shot is of Super Saver, the 2010 Kentucky Derby winner. Just a few of 600 taken that day. More to come!