After several weeks of uncertainty, we have a plan!  We also have a granddaughter who brings us great joy! 

New Medication
Tracie has begun taking an immunotherapy that is quite new as a treatment option.  So far, the side effects have been fairly minor, and she plans to take her trip to New Mexico with Nicole and Jodie next week.  We are very pleased that Blue Cross / Blue Shield approved this treatment option, as it is new and she is one of the first patients in Vermont to take it.  The new medication is Orserdu, and she will also continue with Xgeva, which helps strengthen her bones.  If you're bored, click those links and admire the possible side-effects.

Mutation Update
If you recall from our last post, we were waiting for approval for a new type of DNA test.  Again, we are grateful that this test was approved.  A vial of Tracie's blood was sent to a lab that somehow extracts the cancer DNA and checks for various mutations.  It's science fiction to me!  The test results just came back, the detail is quite thorough, and includes a list of the mutations that were detected.  The most interesting part to me was the list of treatment options and a quick analysis of each option based on her particular combination of mutations.  We are very happy that one of the most effective medications for her profile is the med that she just started!  We had hoped that a more effective medication existed to target her cancer, but we are very pleased to see that her new medication has shown good results to other patients.  This report validated to us that she is on the best possible treatment plan.  

What's Next
Tracie will continue taking this new medication, even while on vacation.  If the side effects worsen, then she will switch to the next med, which could be chemotherapy.  She has various appointments and check-ins, and her next PET scan will be in May.

Thank you for your continued prayers.  Much love,
Will