Dear Friends and Family,

When I shared my last update, I had just started an experimental treatment called TDM1 which is an approved treatment for the HER2 mutation causing my lung cancer, but approved for treatment of breast cancer.  I guess my cancer knows the difference between a breast and a lung because, unfortunately, it didn't work.  After four infusions over three months, they did another CT scan which showed that my cancer was continuing to grow.

HER2 is a fairly rare mutation in lung cancer, so they're just starting to work on targeted treatments for it.  We consulted with our docs at Dana Farber and U of M, and decided that a targeted treatment in clinical trial would be a good next shot.  Its called TAK-788 and targets the mechanism in a HER2 cancer cell that prevents antibodies from going after it.  Best I understand, it somehow opens the door to the body's natural system and also gives the cell a chemical jolt.  Don't ask me for details; I was an English major.

They've done animal studies which indicate that this treatment can work, and they're done with phase one of the trial so they have determined dosage and potential side effects.  I started treatment last Wednesday and take eight pills a day, which beats having to sit through an infusion.

So far, I'm experiencing the side effects they predicted: fatigue, some nausea, a bit of rash and a couple of other things.  Nothing too serious.  On the plus side, my cough, which had started again, has gone away and my chest seems less congested.  Good reason to think it may be working!

That I am here today, able to share this with my friends, three years and four months after being diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, is more than a testament to good medical care.  It is proof positive to the power of prayer, loving support and the giver of grace.  I have been given extra time and I cherish each moment with my family and friends.

I say a prayer of thanks every day for the medical researchers working so hard to cure this and many other terrible diseases.  They are doing God's work of healing.  

Other than the cancer issue, life is great.  We helped our son Jason, Kay and granddaughter Fiona move to a new house in Maryland.  Laura and Ryan are expecting so could be grandkid number two.  Blake is loving life in Seattle and Spencer has returned to Michigan, working for Carhartt and buying a house in Royal Oak.  Sue is still working and I'm consulting part-time, while pursuing my life-long rock star ambitions playing in a band.  This weekend, we travel to Iowa to pick up two new cockapoo puppies.  Oh boy.

Your continued prayers and good wishes mean so much to us.  God has listened and continues to listen.  I would not be here today without you.  Thank you for your support and concern.

Blessings,
Greg