Kim --

Are you geting the amiphostine by IV or subcutaneous injection?

Medimmune (which makes amiphostine -- Ethyol) is pretty specific in recommending that it now be given by injection. There were too many side effects with IV, including serious blood pressure crashes. The Ethyol guys were at Hopkins and gave a talk, and they discussed that issue. They are supposedly trying to develop another delivery system that reduces the nausea but I have no idea what it is.

Re the Salagen, Hopkins doesn't start this (actually, they use Evoxac mostly now) until at least half-way, when you get a salivary evaluation. If you are OK then, then you get another evaluation at end of treatment, and if still OK, one two months' out. Etc. Barry was OK first two meeting with dental onc, next one is Dec. 6. He doesn't think Barry will have to use any meds for saliva -- and he is very pro-amiphostine, by the way, based on his research -- but will monitor things over time.

Good luck to you both (Andy and Kim) -- it is hard road but a necessary one...
Gail