We’re home from Houston (as of noon today), worn out but content. In a nutshell, we have decided to move forward with a Phase 2 clinical trial we were offered. Maggie will have to pass a screening blood test (the presence of any of several proteins would exclude her from participation). We’ll be making plans for a return to Houston week after next for the screen and the beginning of treatment. Read on for the full story.
After Wednesday scans and labs (blood work), we met with Maggie’s oncology team in the Colorectal Cancer Clinic. We discussed results of scans/blood levels and brought them up to date on all treatment, illnesses and side effects since we were there in June. We were told that Dr. Raghav (Maggie’s oncologist) did not have any current openings in clinical trials he oversees. We were sent upstairs to the meet with Phase 1 clinical trial personnel to discuss available options. The one study they presented was not desirable, mainly because it was a non-specicific study. In other words, the drug being tested was developed without a specific type of cancer as the target. The study is being performed to identify tumor types that will respond. We have options like this closer to home (UAB). Honestly, at this point we were despondent. We had been in the clinic nearly 8 hours without a clear idea of our next step.
We traveled back to the 7th floor to meet with Dr. Raghav to hear his advice for Maggie’s next treatment. At 6:00 pm as the last patients in the clinic, we were waiting in the exam room for Raghav when his PA came by to speak. She said, “Right after you guys left the office this morning, we had a cancellation in one of our studies. Dr. Raghav is going to tell you about it.” Maggie, Phil and I all brightened at this news. We knew it would be a colon cancer-specific study and would most likely involve immunotherapy. Sure enough, Raghav shared a brief overview and we knew we had our study. It’s a Phase 2 – which means Maggie is still assured of getting active drug as all other participants will. A Phase 2 determines drug efficacy and side effects at the maximum safe dosage (as determined in Phase 1 studies). The study involves two drugs – Cetuximab and the experimental one. The two agents work together to bind to cancer cells and mark the cell for the immune system to destroy. The whole area of targeted/immunotherapy agents is the most exciting and promising area of cancer research. Another selling point is this drug combination has a relatively low level of associated side effects. Maggie is familiar with the skin irritation. The other main issue is with anemia. This will be monitored closely and is easily treated. We’re excited with the prospect of leaving the world of nausea and gut-irritation behind. The study will require weekly treatments in Houston. A clinical trial requires all treatment and tests be performed at MDA. So, we’ll be making plans to commute in some form.
We all feel an overwhelming sense of peace and “rightness” to choosing this study as our next step. It will be difficult. But what challenge has God allowed to come our way that He has not fully equipped us to handle. We know the cancellation in this study while we were sitting in the office feeling fresh out of promising options was no accident. Our Lord continues to provide at the exact moment of our need. Before returning home this morning, we spent Friday at the Galleria shopping and getting our minds on something other than cancer. We were sitting in the MD Anderson sponsored courtesy room in the mall (yes, ironic, I know) when a security guard on a Segway came in to chat. He asked, “What is the plan today?” I replied, “To have fun.” He agreed and asked, “What else?” Phil answered, “To let Maggie spend money.” He again said yes and asked, “What else?” When we failed to answer, he responded without a trace of hesitation, “Jesus is the plan. Never forget that He has the plan.” Wow. We all said an “amen” and thanked him for his witness. We thanked God for the beautiful confirmation that we are squarely and securely in the middle of His Hand wherever He leads. In malls. In clinics. On the road between home and anyplace. We.Are.In.His.Will.
Thank you for prayers during this exhausting and trying week. We had wifi issues at our hotel, so forgive our delay in updating. We’ll be praying for the pieces to continue to fall into place. Insurance approval. Travel and lodging arrangements. Successful screening and final approval to begin. We won’t be sure of participation until the 20-21st of March when we return. Maggie is exhausted, dealing with a UTI from the last round of C-Diff – it seems to frequently follow – and still coping with gut issues. We’re praying she remains strong to prepare for this next phase of treatment. Thank you for your commitment to pray! Goodnight.
So awesome!!!!! “How Great Is Our God!” ????????
Praying ???????? ????????????????????????
Praying for you always Maggie! Your strength and faith along your journey have been amazing to hear about. You’re always in our thoughts and prayers – BOR
I am praying for Maggie and her family as you enter into the Phase 2 treatment. I am praying for God to hold each of you in his hand.
I am so excited about this new plan , a plan obviously ordained from in High!!! I just love how He is showing us all how to just trust Him. It’s just that simple. Praying hard and certainly hoping Mags spent her share at the mall!!!
Continued, earnest prayers for Maggie and this treatment! And big hug to you all!
We are right there with you in Spirit!!!!
Our God is amazing in the ways He works. Praying as you “work out “ the details. Praying for each of you.
Such an exciting report. Roller coaster life but God Is in control and we all are in His hands! I continue to pray for all of you.
This is really really good news! I am thankful for so much in this post!
Praying for you all. Your faith is so very inspiring. I know God has this covered for Maggie, just like He has done so in the past. We serve an amazing God, and with him, all things are possible.
So awesome! The divine connections are just so awesome, as is our God. Still praying for you all, Jerry. Take care.
God is amazing. His timetable is perfect and He demands dependence on Him doesn’t He? I love that. Sorry y’all had to wait but He NEVER runs out of time! Happy!
Wow- just wow. I love how God is in the biggest and smallest details. This is exciting! I know you are all exhausted. Rest!
Prayers continue for you Maggie! You are an amazing young woman that is teaching us all so many lessons. God bless you and your family! Prayers and love.
Wonderful news!!!! Thank you God for answered prayers!!! Praying as God goes before you and paves the way!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Such a neat story that relates how God cares for us! Praying for rest and relaxation for the family.
What an awesome update, Hanberry Family! So wonderful seeing God’s work and hearing His provision in the smallest of details… love the security guard story 🙂 Prayers continue for every next step.
So encouraging to hear! Praying that the blasted UTI will get BLASTED. Much prayer for you all going up and believing for complete healing coming down. Much love ❤️!!!
God is good and right on time! Still praying in Pontotoc! ????
So thankful Maggie was accepted in this trial. We are praying hard for you guys. Give us a call if you need any advice about Houston. I see y’all already know about my girls favorite place, Galleria.
So thankful for al that God has provided. We continue to pray for all facets of this new plan and that God will be glorified in every detail. Praising and praying