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Hello Everyone!

Ron & I just returned from Moffitt Cancer Center after a second opinion with Dr. Alan List. We were very impressed with Dr List and his staff and brought back some very valuable information. The first thing learned is, that, second opinions are paramount!!! While we're very happy with our Doctor at Winship Cancer Center, we were just at a point that we were very very confused and needed more information.... this trip to Tampa, FL gave us exactly what we needed.....

We met with Dr. List and he was very impressed with how well Ron (My husband) has responded to Vidaza (Low Dose) as part of this clinical trial. He said, if Ron changes protocol, his dose would increase, and he would probably not experience any more side effects, but, he recommends against ANY CHANGE to his current treatment... so as not to change the response....

I believe we asked Dr. List 6 different times, and in 6 different ways, if Ron could come off 10 Days of chemo per month and reduce to 7, 5, or 3 days... and he consistently said... "Don't change Anything"..... he said...
"Not to Rock the Boat"... if the body is responding so well to a protocol... why change what you're doing????

Also, we asked if Ron should change to Revlimid treatment vs Vidaza and was told no. REASON: While Ron use to have 6 aberations (Including -5q deletion), and since starting Vidaza, 5 of his Aberations have been eliminated, and he now only has the -5q deletion... normally treated with Revlimid... but, we were told that Revlimid will not "Fix" the -5q deletion, but, would help correct the associated anemia... so, with Ron not having anemia.. Dr. List has recommended against changing from Vidaza to Revlimid... but, the one thing they said to watch was... Ron's -5q deletion "Cells" have increased over the past year, while the other aberations have been eliminated.... we need to keep an eye on this. We pray the -5q deletion will eventually go away..... and Ron will be in total and complete remission next BMB.... (Please keep him in your Prayers)

So... what do we do now??? Ron was also told... just to live life... stay active, and enjoy everyday... that he is expected to be around for many years.... so, we are thankful for a great report and the affirmation of what we're doing.....

Latest Lab results: 3/03/10 HGB 13.9,HCT 39.9%, RBC 3.91, WBC 3.38, PLT98
So, thank all of you for your continued prayers! We praise God for Ron's progress and we thank God for his healing touch!

Hugs, Cindy