OK, so both of my oncologists talked and came up with a plan. The new drug still causes some nasty side effects, like the hand/foot/mouth sickness (for me that's horrible mouth sores and I feel like the bottom of my feet are sunburned and bruised) and fatigue, but the good thing is, it's not a toxic chemo. It sends messages to the tumors so they can't grow & multiply. It's also a pill, so I don't have to walk around for three days with an IV in my arm. I don't have much on details, but I feel good that both my regular oncologist and the Stanford oncologist agreed and chose this for me. Now I just pray the insurance will approve it and we could start as early as next week. It's good to know there are still options. Thank you all so much for the words of support, both on the blog and through email. It really helps to hear from you.

Hi everyone--
Well, I'm beginning to feel like I'm on a roller coaster ride. Six weeks ago I had great news, and now it's gone the other way. The cancer is progressing again. Over the last eight years, there has been a spot on my liver and we just keep watch on it. This is the first time it has gotten bigger and now there is a second one. It was hard news to hear. I'm trying to keep positive--that's just a little harder now. I am out of the clinical trial, but I will still have an exit appointment next Thursday. The Stanford doc is going to a national meeting about my type of cancer (Thymic) with other oncologists in Washington DC tomorrow. She hopes to have some news of some new treatments then, but for now I am going back to my main oncologist. The two are supposed to connect before she leaves about what to do next. She listed four different chemo drugs she would recommend, and I've given the names to him. I have an appointment with him on Wed, and we will decide which chemo to go with next and move on it quickly.
My faith remains strong and it's wonderful to be blessed with such wonderful family, friends and students in my life every day, giving me support. Thank you so much. I'll update again next week.

Hello everyone--
Well, I have gone through two more rounds and tomorrow morning is my next scan (Tuesday, 8:30). Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers for continued good & hopeful news! I thank you so much for your support. I should have the results Thursday morning, and will update the blog soon afterward.