My apologies for the lack of updates - my multitasking skills are being tested to the max lately and I've definitely left a few things out.  Working on it!

 

Chris was accepted into the clinical trial at Vanderbilt, thank the Lord.  I cannot emphasize my feelings of gratefulness enough.  The entire staff at Vanderbilt has been amazing, caring, and uplifting.  

 

The trial began last week, with three days of radiation.  The purpose of the radiation was to break up the tumored areas and release them into the bloodstream.  Infusions of immunotherapy began the following Monday, August 21.  The immunothrerapy is a combination of Pembrolizumab and an experimental "sting agonist" which is designed to help the Pembrolizumab do its thing.  The goal of this experiment is to utilize Chris's immune system to recognize the cancer as it would a virus, and attack it.  I'm super excited for the advances in cancer treatments that this could bring if it's successful!

 

Chris seems to be doing a little better this week than he has recently.  This illness has taken quite a toll on him, as you can imagine.  Cancer is no joke.  It rids a person of strength, appetite, and energy.  He has lost 84 lbs since February.  He tries to move around and to eat, but it is an every day battle.

 

And yet he remains positive.  Can you believe that?  Of course, Chris has always chosen the side of hope rather than the side of despair, and I love him for that.  As a gal who faces anxiety herself, he keeps me in check with his shining faith.  

 

He is going to have the experimental immunotherapy as a weekly infusion for two more weeks.  That completes a "cycle."  He will then begin with the two immunotherapies again, followed by two weeks of the experimental one.  They will monitor his progress with CT scans as this journey moves along.

 

My Chris is amazing.  He is strong mentally and spiritually, and I truly believe it has been helping him through this journey.  He is also uplifted constantly by the cards, prayers and gifts that have been sent our way.  I cannot thank you enough for the support you have shown us.  If you wish to send a card to boost his spirits, our address is 5730 State Route 339 S in Mayfield, KY 42066.  Gifts can be submitted through our GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/0157a719.  You have helped us maintain a sense of normalcy financially through this journey, with him not being able to work.  I can't tell you what that means to me (again with the anxiety, lol) and I know he appreciates it as well.

 

I promise to keep you posted more often!