Well said and thank you for you kind words, support and patronage . I intend to retread these words in a few years and laugh like a hyena because I'm still here to do it heh heh.

The Hellion

I also don't comment all too often, but feel the need to say that I really admire your compete level - your sheer desire to get past this & your positive outlook. Really hoping to see some improvement for you.

Hi Hellion,

I also read all your posts and appreciate the updates. Don't have any advice other than to keep fighting! Wishing you the best!

Another update,

Received the second infusion of the two medicines last Friday and so far, so good. There are some potentially dangerous side-effects but up to this point I have escaped them (touch wood). The biggest fear is debilitating, dehydrating diarrhea which can hit up to about 50% of patients. Nice to be on the right side of a coin flip for a change .

I did have a terrible couple of weeks of nausea, perhaps due to radiation, perhaps due to the treatment - no one is really sure. I was unable to eat or hold down anything for about half of the last two weeks. Fortunately, through much experimentation, they seem to have hit on a good combination that is working.

I will warn you all, however, that the fatigue associated with this treatment, at least for me, is pretty staggering. I need a nap after doing almost anything and I think I could pretty easily sleep/doze/zone for about 20 hours every day. They are working on that, as well.

Additionally, although this may be unique to me, there has been associated a terrible loss of appetite - it is hard to motivate myself to eat - it's like a job.

So....

There is the update. Things are otherwise fine. We get a scan in four weeks and that will be our first of two markers - if I do not show response by the second one, I'm off of the trial so let's all please keep our fingers crossed for me unless you really don't like me in which case I would ask that you not actively root against me .

I hope everyone else is faring well, or at least as well as can be hoped.

Good luck to us all - remember - we must keep fighting if ever we can. I have had days where I forget that, so sick am I, but I have such a great friend to always remind me - yeah, you guessed - my wonderful wife. No matter how low I get, she manages to find just a bit more energy and encouragement to feed back into the system.

Cheers, all!

The Hellion

Thank you for continuing to keep us updated. Your posts will help many others in similar situations.

You have hundreds of friends here cheering you on. Many, many read your thread and dont comment.

Wishing you all the very best with everything.

Glad to hear from you, Hellion - and hoping for good results with the scan. Since the treatment is tiring you out, we'll assume that its REALLY knocking the cancer on its butt.
All the best,
Maria

Have been reading your posts. I hope all goes well for you. I am pulling for you! Denise

Dear Hellion,
You are an example of true strength and courage. Your tenacity is admirable. As Maria said, perhaps your profound fatigue is a good sign. May your appetite and vigour return soon. Thank you for keeping us posted and being a trailblazer in this new process fighting cancer. May the force be with you!

Love in OCF,
Kerri

Hello Hellion,
I always read your posts. You too , are forging the way of the future for those that must follow.
I am standing firmly in your corner, rooting for you. All my fingers and toes crossed for a very positive outcome. You and your wonderful Wife have my admiration.
Tammy

Hi Hellion,

Glad to know you are not suffering from diarrhea, not so much because of the diarrhea itself but the attendant problem of dehydration. As for the lack of appetite, have you tried watching cooking shows to help make your "job" easier?

Hang in there, dear friend. I am rooting for you. Much credit to both you and your lovely wife.