When I last posted, Jen had switched back to FOLFOX, the chemo she started with. Since that time, a lot has happened. Jen did receive 3 treatments of the new chemo. At that point, however, it became apparent that the chemo wasn't working. Her cancer had continued to grow even with the treatment. Around the same time, Jen started having significant problems with her kidney function.  Her cancer has started the block the output of her kidneys, causing her to feel sick. After a week long hospitalization in February, her team was able to get that sorted out. 

Since chemo isn't working, we were left with a couple of options. One is a very invasive surgery. The other is a clinical trial. After talking to her surgeon and getting a second opinion at Sloan Kettering in NYC, we decided not to pursue surgery. Both teams were concerned that the risks were just too high given the likelihood of success. 

That leaves us with just one option, a clinical trial. Our next step will be to go to the NCI to talk about what options they have open. Hopefully we will know more in the coming months. While it likely won't directly support whatever trial Jen ends up on, would you consider making a donation to Pelotonia to help fund cancer research? You can donate at http://pelotonia.org/mmangino where every dollar goes directly to research.