We finally have some real news regarding our plans for a clinical trial. Before that, I’ll share several test results from MDA. Maggie’s bilirubin was 1.7 – we’re getting close to normal. They also checked her CEA – the tumor marker level. We haven’t had this test since we were there in October. With the latest tumor activity during the UAB trial, we were a bit apprehensive to see this number. But no worries. In October 2016 it was 2.4. Last week, her level was 2.7 – still under the upper end of “normal” which is 3.0. We know from experience that Maggie’s normal is under 2.0, but we are encouraged with this number. Her overall tumor burden is still low. To summarize so we are all on the same page: she has multiple small nodules in both lungs that remain stable. She has 2-3 small spots on the liver which developed while in the UAB study. She has one biliary lymph node enlarged with cancer pressing on her bile duct.

Now, the trial. We had some concerns with the MDA clinical trial. One of the three drugs is not new to Maggie. She had it early in her treatment at Batson – bevucizumab. For obvious reasons we nicknamed it bev. (It also goes by the name Avastin). Because it is an antibody that targets new blood vessel development, it can increase the risk of bleeding and clots. Our scare in Birmingham last month is still too fresh in our minds for this not to make us nervous. As part of the study, she will be required to have three needle biopsies at different points. We wanted reassurance that this procedure while on bev would not present an uncomfortably high risk of complications. Dr. Raghav was able to address this fear along with several other questions to our satisfaction.

We also had been offered a trial at UAB. It is a phase I trial involving incredibly fascinating science. The drawback of the study is that it is general in nature – not specific to colorectal cancer. It’s a bit more of a fishing expedition to see what tumor types will respond to the agent. We gave it serious consideration – we love our UAB team and are seriously drawn back there – but feel the MDA study offers the greater potential for benefit. It has a proven track record of offering positive response to 20% of participants.

This has been a difficult decision on several levels. We know we are at THAT place where we have to be willing to try some “unknowns”. That doesn’t mean we are comfortable with the unknown. Who is? Be we are clinging to our faith in a God Who IS Known. He holds this world and all the biochemical processes in Maggie’s body squarely in His Hands. He created the science that whacked out and led to her cancer as well as the science that may cure her. We are trusting Him in this new direction.

Our plan is to travel to Houston Monday for a consent-signing on Tuesday. After that, the screening tests will commence. She will endure blood tests, CT scan, heart monitoring, a needle biopsy, and other tests as outlined by this protocol. We are planning to be there most of the week. If Maggie is qualified, she could start as early as the last week of May. We are hoping for a deferral to the first week of June for better timing of our annual mission trip to Orlando on June 24. Maggie is determined this trial will not ruin her chance to participate in her first year as a chaperone. Molly and I plan to go, as well. We’re making that little detail a matter of prayer!

Thank you all for prayers during our recent trip, our decision-making, and as we go forward into this next phase. We’re excited for the promise of successful treatment and new opportunities to share our faith. We had a neat experience last week while speaking to the MDA trial coordinator, Michelle. We shared with her our desire to choose a start date that would allow Maggie to go to Orlando. She asked if this was a church camp. We told her about our mission work through Temple Baptist. It turns out she is a member of the Filipino Baptist Church in Houston. She promised to help us with the date and she asked if she could pray with us before leaving the office. We were touched with this precious lady’s faith and her heartfelt prayer. Don’t you love knowing God’s people are in the right place for service and encouragement? We want to be in the center of His will for us. It appears MDA/Houston is that place. We’ll keep you all in the loop as we travel again to Texas!