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Dr. Saleh reviewed Maggie’s CT scan results with us today in clinic. The good news: lung nodules are stable – no new, none larger. The not-so-good news: two new, very small (5 and 7 mm) liver nodules. We agreed with his plan: continue two more cycles of the clinical trial drug and rescan in four weeks. This will allow us to verify the presence of these spots. If they show on the next scan, he will order a biopsy to confirm malignancy and harvest a sample for further genetic testing for mutation(s) present. At that time, we will formulate our next step. We know the days of the current clinical trial are numbered. We still have the extremely effective Folfiri chemo regimen in our arsenal. We’re also looking for more promising clinical trials.

We were not totally taken by surprise today. We knew the last liver resection surgery left some active stuff behind with the potential of regrouping. That is what has happened. The dichotomy between the lung nodule and liver nodule response is classic cancer behavior and what makes it difficult to treat. Next generation cancer cells are constantly mutating and becoming resistant to chemo. The genetic study is extremely important for Maggie’s future treatment and for the future of cancer research. We’re thankful for the care we receive here at UAB and being part of the front line battle to defeat this foe.

I cannot begin to explain the peace we feel. That whole “surpassing understanding” thing is not an empty line. The PEACE we feel defies explanation, is better than understanding, and gives us strength to look this enemy in face and say: Not today. We’ll keep moving today. We’ll keep praising today. We’ll keep giving thanks today. We’ll keep loving today. And at the end of today, we’ll rest in that peace.

Maggie gets a mini break of sorts. Her liver enzymes are high – not related to the new tumor activity – due to the trial drug. She did get her infusion today but will not take the oral experimental drug until we return in two weeks. She doesn’t mind the break.

Thank you for your prayers. We continue to rely on God and the incredible prayers of His saints. We’ll keep you updated.

(The photo above was taken in Kirklin Clinic yesterday following scans during Maggie’s photo shoot).