It has been a few months since an update. In late August, we saw the first drop in Ashley’s tumor markers. This brought a further sign of hope and joy to all of us as we were finally making progress in the right direction. Ashley was also feeling better and becoming more active. In September, her CT scan reinforced that the new chemo, Gem/Abrax, was working. Her tumor on the pancreas was stable and some of the lesions on the liver had slightly decreased. The doctors were extremely happy and enthusiastic and we continued on this systemic chemo. While this was all positive news, we did know that this cancer is “smart” and can become “immune” to Gem/Abrax making it ineffective. For us, this was a game of time - can we make enough progress on Gem/Abrax to open up other options before it becomes ineffective.

In October, we continued to see a downward trend in tumor markers. Her next scan was in November - two months after the one in September. We saw the oncologist and had her scans shortly before Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, the scans showed progression.  The tumor on her pancreas remained unchanged, but the liver showed mixed results.  At this point, Orlando Health does not have any other treatment options and will consult and assist with clinical trials.

For now, we are looking at two options: the NIH in Bethesda and a doctor friend down in Boca that performs non standard of care chemotherapy combining different medicines that are targeted best for the makeup of the cancer. Ideally, we would leverage both paths at once as the NIH treatment will take 3 - 4 months to cultivate the cell therapy. Another hurdle with the NIH is that it requires a 30 day wash out from any treatment. As of today, Ashley is on Day 20 without chemotherapy. 10 more days remain on the washout and we also need to get a consultation and surgery scheduled with NIH before she can resume any treatment. Hopefully that consultation can take place baring her ability to travel. This is the preferred path, but the cancer symptoms are increasingly evident without chemo treatment.

The doctor down in Boca provides non standard of care treatment or in simple terms - chemical mixtures that are not FDA approved and experimental - similar to clinical trials. He has had success with younger woman with pancreatic cancer and whom had no other options. The one challenge with this treatment is that since it’s non standard of care - insurance covers very little with a year of treatment reaching upwards of $100K+.  Of course and fortunately, the least of our worries is the financial aspect as our focus is on getting the best care for Ashley and finding the right treatments. We continue to consult with Moffitt and Sloan ensuring all options are on the table.  Right now, we are taking each day as a blessing and focusing on family and getting back on a treatment as quickly as possibly. Please continue with all your prayers and thoughts as each day is precious!