Thursday, February 5, 2009

2/5/09 Pam's oncologist will start her on avastin on Thursday, February 12th. As we learned in New York, avastin is an anti-body that attacks cancerous cells. In Pam's case, the cancerous cells around the lymphatic system will be attacked and allow fluid to pass through the peritoneum and prevent the bloating in the abdomen. It seems that avastin has not been prescribed locally for ovarian cancer due to possible restrictions imposed by the drug manufacturer. Dr. Iannotti is seeking to overcome these restrictions and clear the use of the drug with the manufacturer and verify insurance coverage. We are still awaiting the pathologist's review of the liver biopsy tissues to verify the type of cancer diagnosis.

Pam is scheduled to have the abdominal fluid drained tomorrow. This will happen if her blood test for clotting is satisfactory and that has not been a problem previously.

We are more confident in the potential success of this new treatment than we were after our consultation in New York. We also strongly believe your prayers, thoughts and wishes have led
to this next step in beating this disease. God bless you all!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

So glad to here there is something to do. I just know it, and the prayers, will work.

Carolyn

Mu said...

You have the prayers and the love coming from all over...........here in New Orleans where Pam made such a difference in so many lives, the support is heading your way in a "second line parade". Love to both of you - Carol O

Anonymous said...

Bless you dear friend. You are in my prayers daily. Hugs from New Orelans