Ipi at an end

Hi! Last Friday, Kelly and I drove down to Chicago to review my latest chest, abdomonen, and pelvis CT scans with Dr. Richards. The results were clear: after giving it several chances to succeed, the ipilimumab (aka antiCTLA-4) is a confirmed failure. The cancer continues to progress, so we will have to choose a new plan of attack. Dr. Richard's recommendation on Friday was an infusion of carmustine, a particular chemo drug I have not received so far. He said carmustine (aka BCNU) has few side effects and, because it is unfamiliar to my body, the melanoma cells may respond to the drug. We may start the carmustine as early as Tuesday.

After our visit with Dr. Richards, Kelly and I took a brief weekend getaway to Wisconsin Dells (my folks came to town and watched the kids). It is always so nice to get time alone with Kelly. Unfortunately, I have experienced a significant decrease in overall strength, so I spent most of my time laying in bed. Meanwhile Kelly spent most of her time helping me move anywhere I needed to go other than bed (e.g. the bathroom, the car, a restaurant table). Once again, I have to extol the virtues of her patience and loving care for me at this time. And once again, I have to ask you all to pray for us.