We were able to meet with our Dr earlier than expected! 

 

Results were about what we expected: tumor growth is noticeable on Lauren’s liver. There's no spread anywhere else, but it appears that things changed a little more in the last month or so. 

The consensus of our medical team is to start a chemo drug called Etoposide. The version Lauren will take is an oral application, taken daily for 3 weeks, with probably a 2 week rest time. So that’s a 5 week cycle. Because this one will affect her platelet count (and her platelet count is already low due to the tumors), there will also be a weekly blood draw with an injection that should help with keeping her platelets in check.

We’ll do our standard monitoring of Lauren’s symptoms and checking the results of bloodwork to assess progress. That has always been a good gauge, and pretty accurate as our Dr pointed out. A scan would ideally be 6-8wk after starting the new pill, unless symptoms require sooner.

Takeaways 
-  The new drug will start as soon as we can get it; it actually has a pretty high success rate from the scarce data, but as we were reminded, Lauren is a 1 of 1 case at this point. There's no data on where we're at
- Side effects are the same as any chemo drug, although we're hopeful hair loss won't be present here! 
- Weekly blood draw and platelet supplemental injection
- Our medical team continues to be a great support. So many decisions at this point in treatment are entirely based on wisdom, and we're grateful for their work with us. 
- We’re going to be adding even more supplements to Lauren’s treatment thanks to our family who's been researching with us. Pray that God uses them as weapons! 

- The drug approval process has actually already run its course, so we'll be picking the drug up Friday (3/29) and Lauren can start it on Saturday, with her first platelet supplemental injection on Tuesday (4/2)

 

 

The war continues, but that's alright. God is so clearly at work, and we're holding on until He blesses us!