2nd Opinion (UCLA Specialist) Update

Dr. Kabbinavar was lovely. He was pacing the halls waiting for us when we got there. Very attentive.

He started out by saying very simply that my condition is fatal and uncurable. OK. Knew that, but it's hard to hear.

We reviewed the status of things, all of which we already knew.  He concurred with what we are currently doing which is radiating the brain metastasis and right femur lesion.

He agreed with my current oncologist that we need to start conventional chemotherapy to start systemically attacking the disease, and with her protocol suggestions. He has one very specific protocol that he feels we should use so we are going to ask for that.  That particular protocol includes taking a B-12 shot one week ahead of time so he had it given to me.

He gave highest marks to my current oncologist. He told us that he would be happy to assist her and us in any way with my case.  He asked that before any new course of treatment is started that we go to see him so that he can help with the decision. He is available at any time to me/us to answer questions or to run things by him.

As far as the issue of all the sexy new drugs and clinical trials: my brain metastasis invalidates me at this time for anything. We would have to wait until that is under control which is a bad idea considering what is flaming through my body. We can always look into that later.

We also discussed that the longer treatment keeps me alive, the more chances there are that there will be new treatments. Dr. K is using a drug right now that has only been out in the last 6 months. It is very effective.  Unfortunately, they can't give it to me because with brain lesions it has a tendency to cause the tumors in the brain to bleed. That wouldn't be good because there isn't a lot of room in there and to put me in a vegetative state at this time would kind of be a bad idea considering what our goals are.

So we feel good. We'll go back to our doc at St. John's early next week and discuss starting chemo.  My last radiation treatment is on Tues. of next week.

We are sending my sister and her kids home at the end of next week.  Next week we will have the new nanny. Plus we have my beloved house manager Concepción-- she's been with me the last 15 years--with us until the end of October.  We kind of need to see how this is going to go without my sister.

This isn't my sister's life, this is mine. She needs to get back to her life and then be available to come back on a moment's notice.

Now a pitch for Concepción.  She is a brilliant housecleaner and home organizer. She has managed the chaos in my home since 1994. She is worth twice what she charges. She needs some houses to clean. She lives in a one-bedroom apt. in WLA with her husband and 3 kids. She is tough and easy to delegate to. She is a self-starter and initiator, but also good at taking specific direction. She speaks English.  Let's fill up her schedule so that I can feel a little bit less guilty about letting her go.  :)

Love you all. Thanks for the continued love and support, rides and FOOD.  If any of you like to make beef or chicken stock, that is probably what I will be surviving on for the next few months. Organic hormone-free please. If you can divide it up into one cup portions (an easy way to do this is to freeze it in a freezer bag) that would be greatly appreciated.  And of course food for my husband and children has just been fabulous. Thanks for keep it coming.

Still feeling fierce, just a little tired. My plan is to go to preschool for at least part of the day with Xavi tomorrow. Prayers or positive thoughts please that I will be feeling well enough for that.