Treatment Plan...Round 2

This past Tuesday we returned to Dr. Fintel to discuss the results of Brad's testing at Duke. The great news is that no secondary cancer has been identified and his blood tests were normal. Brad was given several options for his treatment plan which included the following:

1. Watch and wait (just like it sounds - do nothing to see how the cancer continues to develop)
2. Rituxan infusions (Rituxan is an antibody that attaches itself to the B-Cell in one's body...the cell that is the "weakest link" for Brad).
3. Bexxar, which is a Rituxan-radiation blend.

After hearing the pros and cons for each course of treatment, Brad chose the Rituxan infusions. Unlike the Bexxar treatment, the side effects of the infusions are significantly less, Brad doesn't need to have his port reinstalled AND he won't lose his Richard Simmons like, full head of hair.

The infusions, which will begin on Valentine's Day, will be done intravenously and according to Dr. Fintel, can last anywhere between 8-12 hours each. Brad will have four infusions, one each week for the next 4 weeks. It's our hope that the side effects will be minimal and that Brad's energy will soon return.

While we realize this treatment is more like a temporary band-aid, it's our hope that the infusions will help put Brad's cancer back to sleep for at least the same 1-1/2 years that his chemotherapy lasted. We're a little unsure whether the infusions can officially put him back into remission, because the goal of Rituxan is to slow the growth of the cancer cells and this course of treatment is often used as a maintenance option once a patient goes into remission. Keep your fingers crossed and prayers coming that we have success with this new plan.

Thank you for the kind thoughts and cards that have been coming our way. It's so comforting to know we have lots of cheerleaders and we are confident Brad is going to beat this.

Hugs,

Brad, Sandy & Avery