So Plan A it is!

My eyes are batting, so I'll make this quick. Aside from when I was teaching, I have literally been on the phone or on email nearly all day. A few details are not yet ironed out, including whether insurance is going to help. That is trivial at this point.

We are going to Chicago as planned. Our oncologist is an amazing man, and his care for Brian (and me too) will always be dear to me. His connection with Dr. Jon Richards at the University of Illinois at Chicago has paid off, as Brian has an appointment set up for evaluation and ipilumumab (anti-ctla) treatment. The schedulers told me today that they had been directed by Dr. Richards to get us an appt. no matter what. They knew we were coming to Chicago for the marathon from Oct. 6-8, and they set him up to see Dr. Richards at 1:30 on the 8th, followed immediately by the infusion that lasts between 90 minutes and 2 hours. They are estimating that this will put us finished around 4:30 or so, and we can catch a 7:50pm flight home as planned. They said he could do whatever he wanted after his infusion was over, which could be dangerous for a man who has been given limited time left! For sure, they are fine with and expecting him to hop on a plane that evening. I have already talked to Southwest concerning traveling with a wheelchair (me planning again), and have also discussed with them how they will handle things if we would decide on Monday night to stay over until Tuesday. There are no guarantees, but they told me they always work with patients with situations like this, and we can easily provide them with the necessary information to verify this situation. So I'm not going to worry about that part.

On Oct. 8th, they will schedule us for the rest of the treatments in the protocol. This will happen every 3rd Monday for a total of 4 infusions, and can happen the same as the first...see the doctor, then do the infusion. No scans will happen between now and until 12 weeks from Oct. 8, barring any other necessity, and we're happy with that. This drug will take time to shrink the tumors, and we want to just sit back and watch God do his handiwork. Maybe it will give us a chance to enjoy the holidays, as I count the 12 week scans to be on Dec. 31st. That would make for a great Christmas present and 5 year anniversary celebration!

Now back to Ellis...the process is still moving forward to make this treatment available at Ellis Fischel. They have approved it, Bristol Myers Squibb has approved it. There is just a lot of mumbo jumbo that goes along with that. Both parties have promised, agreed, and already shown that they are willing to do everything possible to expidite this process. BMS told us they would guarantee a 24 turnaround on documents going back and forth. There are still legal issues that might take longer than that. For that matter, we will go forward with the scheduling of our Chicago rendevous, and then at the moment it becomes available in Columbia, we can transfer back to Dr. Anderson's care and less traveling. I'm not worried about all of that. Dr. Richards came highly recommended from several sources, as he is only one of three in the country doing this type of treatment and studies on melanoma. Our own oncologist considers him a friend and an expert in melanoma. And ultimately, Brian is getting the drug we wanted. I said I would take him to the ends of the earth for this, and I meant it.

I keep waiting on that melanoma specialist in Hawaii that needs us to come for a duration of time.

That was the first laugh I've had in several days.

Anyway, the initial report stated that insurance would not cover. I am expecting a different answer on that now that all of his insurance info has been submitted. I don't care, but I do pray that the Lord can help close all of the gaps that are creating issues with this, so to seal up an airtight fight against the beast. I am trying not to worry needlessly over petty things like this, as all that matters now with Brian is his health and his quality of life.

We are off to the Busch races tomorrow at Kansas Speedway, thanks to my dad who won tickets through Dean Machinery. Brian's brother and his wife are going too, and we are really looking forward to it. Then on Sunday, Brian and Todd will head back down for the Nextel race, as Todd surprised Brian will DuPont hospitality tickets, which will allow them access to the tent, and food, and of course, to see Jeff Gordon himself, plus the race. What a sacrifice for Todd (Dale Jr. fan). It is sure to be a special time with precious memories between brothers.

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Don't look for what God does, then believe. Instead, believe with all your might, then sit back and watch Him work.

Here's wishing you a weekend of no wasted moments,
Jenni