Let the Radiation begin.

Good Day


Here is an inspirational quote for you to enjoy. Listening to this will certainly help you to keep smiling every day.




                                   Regrets...

“Always Do Your Best. Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.”

― Miguel Angel Ruiz


     Chemo treatments have been delayed for the past couple of weeks in anticipation of some Radiation. So Monday AM that will begin. Not sure how many rounds yet. This I will know Monday when I get my schedule. Should be 5 - 10 sessions and each session is done daily. So this could all be done by then end of next week then back to Chemo treatments we go. So for now we are just going to continue with these treatments and hope they will endure for an extended period of time. After this there are still some options though limited. Seems this treatment is preventing growth but not clearing the lungs and liver. So that eliminates doing anything besides Chemo or targeted Radiation. Will keep everyone updated to what is going on.


   Now that Thanksgiving and Halloween are over, and the first snow fall has happened the Holiday Season is looming right before us. Time to dig out sweaters, dust off the winter boots and match up

those gloves or mitts. Scarves and some extra warm jackets are always a welcome wardrobe addition, perhaps even some 80's leg warmers. Lets also not forget to make sure we have the scraper handy. The one task this time of year brings us, which we all so do not love, is the dreaded car cleaning. Going outside in the dark early AM The alternative to scraping the windows, though not the most environmental method is to blast the defrost and leave the car run for 10 minutes. Unfortunately I do choose this option most times as it becomes problematic to scrape the windows.

Drive Safe, Stay Warm and you know it.  Keep on Smilin

Jtee

A great way to help in the fight against cancer

Good day

Halloween 2014

Here is an inspiring quote to ponder.

Disappointments... 
 “I know that in life there will be sickness, devastation, disappointments, heartache - it's a given. What's not a given is the way you choose to get through it all. If you look hard enough, you can always find the bright side.” Rashida Jones 

Update on me and of course my always beautiful Teresa.

Overall things have been going good.  We are settled into our new home and getting comfortable in KW once again.  It has taken some time to feel like we are home.  It took just as long to settle in once we arrived in Regina - then it seemed like it was time to go.  As you can see we were Shrek and Princess Fiona for Halloween and Caity made it a trio as Donkey.  The Halloween part we were at we won best costume.  All the credit goes to Teresa was her great idea.
Next week is back in for treatment of some sort.  There maybe a round of radiation next week and a hold on chemo.  The radiation is to help with some pain and perhaps slow growth of the main tumor.  Yupp the roller coaster of being sick is never dull.  You never know what to expect. There have been days in emerg due to a fever which was determined no cause just a fever.  Days of concern due to a cold or others having a cold.  Days of being tired due to hemoglobin counts being low, which then leads to a blood transfusion.  Never a dull moment.

Otherwise we are good and now starting to get ready for Christmas.  Looking forward to having Teresa's folks, John and Cathy with us for the Holidays.  Going to be a great Christmas with everyone together. 

Now here is a simple way you can be a part in the fight against Cancer.  The only cost maybe a little Hydro.

Help in the fight against Cancer with your Screen Saver. 

The current project is Mapping Cancer Markers and goes directly back to Princess Margaret. Once you install the app and follow the basic instructions for setup it runs as your screen saver.  Double check your screen saver settings and that is it.  You are now participating in the fight against Cancer everyday - it is that easy. 

Once you join the efforts by clicking here -  Join Now you can download the program.

The benefit of what the project is

Mapping Cancer Markers on World Community Grid aims to identify the markers associated with various types of cancer. The project is analyzing millions of data points collected from thousands of healthy and cancerous patient tissue samples. These include tissues with lung, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic and breast cancers. By comparing these different data points, researchers aim to identify patterns of markers for different cancers and correlate them with different outcomes, including responsiveness to various treatment options.

This knowledge can help researchers and physicians to:

*   Improve and personalize cancer treatment: by making it possible to detect cancer earlier, identify high-risk patients, and to customize treatment based on a patient's personal genetic profile.

*   Accelerate cancer research and improve the overall process for identifying markers: by refining the process of identifying markers, researchers can determine an individual patient's markers more easily, and future large sets of data can be analyzed more efficiently.

 

 Keep on smilin and keep on helping others to smile.

jt

change in plans because of good results

Good Day

Well here we go again - a change in plans. 

Went to visit the Dr. to get CT results.  Turns out they are much better then expected.  We arrived expecting some really not so good news and prepared for the worst.  Though we left with smiles and little bounce in our steps.

Chemo treatments will start again on Sept 23rd.  The same regiment I was just on.  The CT results showed there was shrinkage in the lungs, liver and lymph nodes.  So the rising CEA levels was not truly reflective of what was going on.  CEA levels can increase for months without growth in tumors.  Then growth happens. 

While chemo going through chemo treatments the investigation into Radiation will still be going forward.  So more to come on that.   The hope is that after a few treatments there is a break for Radiation then back to Chemo.  If it works this way then we have a great treatment plan for the next few months and longer.  Very happy and excited. 

My file is also being reviewed by Duke University again to see what if any options are available.

That is it for now.  Time for a night at TIFF and some star stalking at the closing gala.  Gonna be soe good times there.  Then off for a few days on a House Boat then a couple days of chillin at Uncle Colins cottage in Bancroft.   A great week of R&R with Teresa before we are back to the grind.  




Smile even if it only brightens your own day. 


Jt

No so good results but still positive things ahead.

. 

Good Day

Took a few days to get this post out there as Teresa and I had alot to discuss, ponder and cope with.  We are good, still standing strong and looking forward to moving forward with more treatments. 

Basically we are back to the unsure turmoil of disease and life. After my last CT, MRI and blood test results it was determined that the treatment was no longer being effective, once again.  The tests should minor progression and CEA levels were creeping up slightly.  With chemo being administered CEA levels should either be stable or decrease.   So with these results we had to stop the current regiment being administered.  There are now new referrals to the Radiation Therapist at Grand River and back to Princess Margaret Clinical Trials to see what options might be available.

Last week I was able to meet with a Radiation Therapist who is confident he can help with doing some pain control.  Radiation treatments for me is not for curing me of cancer.  It is just to far gone for that to happen.  (earlier detection might have made that possible)  He is requesting further CT`s and MRI`s to be performed on my back and specific pelvic areas to help him understand the effects the tumor is having on the region.  He may even request a bone scan to be sure of what is happening there as well.  Then by administering a radiation treatment he maybe able to relieve some pressure ad swelling to reduce  the pain I get in my back. 

Now we wait for test schedules.  and word from Princess Margarret for a trial option.

In the mean time I am also sending my case back to World Second Opinion for another review.  Now that the testing Duke University was suggesting is done and we have new CT`s for review - there maybe NEW options or suggestions from there. 

Once we have exercised those options and are not able to go any further, there is still Naturalpath treatments and alternative clinical treatments in Toronto.  There are a couple of clinics which specialize in treatments for those who have exhausted all conventional methods.  Then and only then will they take someone on as a patient.

There is also a new devise developed at Sunnybrook which is kinda cool. May have to inquire about this one at some point.
http://sunnybrook.ca/media/item.asp?i=988


So with all this not so good news we still have options and hope.  Though the DR`s constantly remind us there are no options to rid me of this unforgiving disease, we have hope for survival.  We are also reminded that this is something Teresa and I will be fighting for the rest of my life, I will be on treatment till the end.  These are all tough words for anyone to accept and understand.  Which I do with confidence.  Though my hopes and beliefs are alot more optimistic than what the DR`s advise.  I have already beaten all the odds they have advised us of.   These treatments I keep doing give me more and more time to keep fighting.  While I fight those doing research are making more and more progress in developing better treatments and procedures which one day could provide me a cure.  There has been a chance for me to be cured already once - I can get back to that stage once again though this time be sure the surgeon is able to resect and rid me of the main tumor.  I believe this will be possible.  This is what keeps me strong, this is what I pray for. That is where my hope lies. 

So when you pray and hope - this is what we need prayers for. 

Keep on smiling and sharing your smiles with others.

Jtee

Fishin Pics

33 in the boat 45 on the line

The look of satisfaction after a great fishing day.

Not Game fish - will be a tasty dinner

Double Header.  Non stop action all day a fish every 15 mins.

It is all about the shirt with this pic. Nice Josh

Terry managing the 12 rods to keep us catching

Terry giving instruction - he is a very good guide.

Tony and Deb she drives the boat.

The guages and depth / fish finders.  Lots to check out.

Who put that monster in the livewell.  ME!  what a great fight.  Thank you fish.

Genetic Testing, MRI and a Fishing extraveganza

Good Day Everyone

What did the ambitious hat say to the other hat?

 You wait here while I go get A-Head

How do you communicate with a fish? 

Drop it a line! 

Why did the fish cross the road?     

Cause it was hooked!

Why did the vegan go deep-sea fishing?

Just for the halibut!

 Genetic Testing

Recently I went through some consulting and a genetic test.  This was a continuation from the clinical trial I participated in.  Part of the trial was that I qualified for a Genetic Test which normally you would have to pay for at $6000 - $7000.  Made the skin torture not so bad as there was a great benefit.  Now the test results of this genetic test showed I had a mutated BRCA2 gene.  Which puzzled the clinical trial Dr and she requested them to retest - not once but twice with the same result.   Now the DR was really baffled as BRCA2 mutation is not common or never heard of in Colorectal Cancer cases it is mostly found in breast and ovarian cancer.  So my situation is once again RARE.  There is no direct benefit for knowing this information,  But information is power and future Clinical Trial Treatments may or may not be available based on the Gene Mutation.  Only the future will tell.  BTW this is the same gene Angelina Joliee was found positive for and had the Mastectomy.  In summary - I was born defective and unknown to the family was at a EXTREME high risk on developing Cancer.  Through some further digging turns out my fathers side of the family has the mutated gene and my father is a carrier.  How long the information has been known? We dont know yet. This information came to me yesterday and I am still trying to get my head clear of the anger and frustration.  I know 1 thing - from me forward the family will be aware of the risk and take appropriate action with screening and prevention.   

MRI

Went for an MRI last week and get the results today - will share with everyone later on.  Want to have some time to understand the results first.  The reason for the MRI is that there were some mixed results in the June CT Scan which we did not realize till a couple of weeks ago.  There has been some pain development when I walk or stand which could be caused by Cancer cell growth adding pressure to nerves or just simply some swelling.  The MRI will help clarify what is going on or what is not going on.   Overall though I am ok.

Treatments are going well.  The side effects are not to bad.  Only being able to drink room temp beverages can be very trying.  Cold drink initiate a choking sensation which sucks alot.  Happened once and not going through that again.  Fingers also tingle when I touch cold items - getting things out of the freezer is not good.  The medication is also beating up my hemoglobin development and lowering my numbers.  May have to get a blood transfusion this week.  Will find out later.  Otherwise I am able to handle the treatment ok.

Fishing

Josh with a big 20+ lb'er.

Dan and a 28+lb beast.  Fish of a lifetime.

The big one that did not get away. 35+ lbs

Rob and another one over 20lbs

Chris landing over 25lbs of fight.

Tony with his monster 31+ lb catch

Rampage Sport Fishing Charters boat. 

Went muskie fishing on Lake St Clair - chartered the same boat as last year.   This year the weather was fantastic though and we had a great day.  There were 6 of us.  Brothers Chris and Dan were able to join in and we all caught a fish of a lifetime.  Our other 3 friends Tony, Josh and Rob all caught alot of fish and some monsters as well.  Tony also had a fish of 50" and 30+lbs.  Thank you to Rampage fishing Charters for an amazing time.  A day with Jay that none of us will ever forget.  the pictures say the rest.  

Arms are healed - back to treatment

Good day

The past couple of weeks have been busy and filled with many unexpected events.  The usual life throwing whatever S*#% it can, testing our resilience to negativity and our grasp on hope. 

To summarize in reverse order what is going on:

This past week my grandma passed away.  The funeral was held July 7th.  Though being sick for the past few weeks had kept me from visiting her during her final time with us.  The quality time we
spent over the years will be remembered and cherished.  Those times were a gift which shall never be taken for granted.  Everyday I am going to miss her and remember her. Especially when I am getting ready to go fishing.  Those pink skies at night I know will be her keeping watch.   Love you Grandma. 

Pink sky at night Sailors delight.    

Pink sky in morning Sailors warning.

We moved into our new home mid June as well and of course the day before had to go in for a minor procedure.  After the surgery I was not to lift anything - get help on moving day.  And was not feeling very good.   Life's timing - always perfectly horrible.  Slowly we are getting settled in and comfortable.  

The rash on my arms has finally healed up and now just the scarring remains.  What a slow and annoying process.  But it is done now and back to treatments we go. 

Had first treatment on the new regiment last Wednesday.  This one will be every 2 weeks and be done over 3 days.   Wed in hospital for treatment - Friday bottle disconnected at home. There are some odd side effects with this one. 

- drinking cold fluids can make you feel like your choking
- hand and feet tingling can be severe
- the other typical side effects associated with chemotherapy which have been detailed over time.


These new challenges we are ready for and will face head on.  There are still many options out there for me and I will keep on picking them off.  Insanity maybe defined as trying the same thing over and over hoping for a different result.  Well call me crazy but I know we can get the result I am hoping for.  Healing, medications, hope, faith, prayers, nurishment and even my blog will play a role.  But golly gee there Gilbert - I will get there.  With a smile.  

Stay tuned for more updates and maybe some fishing tales   Excited for some muskie fishing on Lake St Clair again this year.  http://www.muskie.name/   This is the charter we have booked.


Keep on smilin.  If I can do - so can you. 

Jtee

Still in Limbo

Good Day

The day started with a grulling 3.5 hour drive to the hospital.  Yupp over 3 hours there - at least it was 2 hours home including a pit stop.  There was a bit of waiting and some short discussions but no real firm decisions.

The company conducting the trial has requested a new CT Scan to compare with the last one.  Which means they are considering keeping me on as part of the trial.  Just hope for the right results.

So off I go again tomorrow back to T.O.  to meet with the dermatologist about me rash.  Hopefully he can recommend something to help clear this up faster.  Or at least minimize the discomfort.  After that meeting back to Princess Margaret to discuss what is going on.  May know more tomorrow - may not.  If there is a change I shall do up a quick post.

If not - the picture says it all. 

 Keep on smilin  the world just might smile back. 

jt


 

Time for a verdict and Relay on Friday

Good Day

Something I can relate to and  it is funny that is the typical doctor positioning as well.

Tomorrow is the day - to Trial or not to Trial - that is the answer we seek.  Now you may be asking the question - but what do you mean there JT oh Smiley one?  What is going on with the trail?  Why would you not be trialing?
Well seems this "nasty rash" thing could get in the way of continuing with the clinical trail.  Seems the combination of the medications has caused a condition called Vasculitis.  Which in mild to mid cases is treatable and simple to cope with.  In extended extreme cases the condition be extremely painful and potentially damaging to additional organs causing major complications. So right now the risk is very limited as a very mild case.  Continuing though with a full dose treatment could be very very risky.  Tomorrow I find out if the organization trailing the medication will allow my treatments to be suspended a bit longer while I recover and then continue on a reduced dose.  Perhaps the Vasculitis will not reoccurr.  The other option is that continuing is to risky.  Myself - lets continue on a reduced dose.  The risks are understood and with recent results being so positive it is tough to not want to.  If the skin condition returns - by all means STOP and stop quickly.   So 12  - 16 more nail knawing hours of waiting to know what is happening..... uugghhh.  Fingers crossed.   Trial to continue on reduced dose to continue with great results.  Will send out a message Tomorrow or Thursday to let you know what is going on.

Relay for life is happening all over the country in the upcoming weeks.  This year we opted not to join in with a team.  That will be next year.  Smiley's Sidekicks will be kick'n butt.   
Not to say we are not joining in the celebration at all.  This Friday Cambridge Relay for Life will be

happening and I will be joining in the Survivor Lap.  Opening Ceremonies begin at 7pm which includes the survivor lap and luminaries will be lit around 10pm.  I invite everyone out to cheer on ALL survivors.  Look forward to seeing those who can make it. 


Cambridge Relay for Life
Preston High School   550 Rose St  Cambridge, ON N3H 2E6


that is it for now

Smile and Smile some more and if you feel like not smiling - try it anyways bet ya a giggle follows.

Jtee

How about some CT results?

Good day





 
So before we get into the good stuff here is a little tid bit of info or a joke. Once read you may find a need to shake your head afterwards in question of who would post such a thing.  Well shake away - cause I would and just did.




 



So made it into Toronto last Thursday night for the CT scan and we were able to get some results on Monday.  They are positive - yupp we have SHRINKAGE.  And with shrinkage comes big smiles.  At this stage I am classified as stable as the results are positive but still minor in degree.  From reading the report the lung nodules have stayed the same and the lesions on the liver have decreased in size.  There was also some noticeable reductions in the stranding along with the main tumor in the rectum.  That is very exciting as there has never really been changes in those areas before.    We are very happy with these results in such a short period of time.  Hopefully we can continue with treatments and great results.   Right now medication is on hold while they work on clearing up the skin rash.  It has gotten bad and spread all over.  Met with a dermatologist the other day for a biopsy of the rash to test.  This way they can figure out what medication.  Then the hope is the medication is not a conflict with the trail drugs so we can continue with both.   So fingers crossed everyone and a couple of prayers for compatible medications then continued results.  

Going to go now and have a beer.  (just 1 though) 

Keep on smilin and enjoy'n the sunshine.

jtee

Give a BIG warm welcome to Spring

Good Day


  Well the snow has finally gone and made way for the April showers which should bring us some May flowers.   One of our neighbours already has a flower bed full of Daffodils.  They look wonderful and brighten my day when I see this big bunch of hope.  

I am looking forward to having a great summer, lots to do.  A new fishing rod and gear to break in, some craft beers to sample, lazy days in the sun to be had and some washer games to win.   Sounds pretty good to me - all are welcome to join in! 

                                                                                                                              

 The trial treatment is going well.  Driving from KW to Princess Margaret downtown Toronto can be llllloooonnnngggg some days.  Soon the travel will be cut from 1-2 times per week to once every 2 weeks.  I can handle that.   

    Some of the side effects have been tough.  One of the side effects is a acne like rash which of course hit me full force.  For a while there looked like a teenager with an extreme dermatological skin problem.  Then it spread to cover pretty much the entire torso.  Though after a rough weekend of being sick the doc decided to suspend treatment for a week.  Skin cleared up nicely (90% better) and energy levels returned.  Once treatment resumed the rash has returned just not as bad.  At least I get lots of rest, plenty of sleep.  Fatigue is another side effect and is there in full swing as well.  Just taking it all day to day.  Hopeful for the future and looking forward to the upcoming CT Scan.  Going in tonight for the test and should have results within the next 2 weeks.   Will update as soon as we know something.  Fingers crossed and prayers for either stable or reductions - just as long as there is no progression. 


Relay for life this year for me is going to be basic, I will be attending the Kitchener event as a survivor and participating in the survivor lap.  Next year we will look at having Smiley's Sidekicks get together to raise some funds, bring about some awareness and have some fun. 

Donations to the Cancer Society are always needed so if you wish to still do so, as around I am sure there is someone close to you participating in a Relay for Life fundraiser or click  DONATE to connect directly to the Canadian Cancer Society. 

DONATE

Keep smilin eveyone

Jtee

The trial has begun.

Good Day

Spring is almost here how about some jokes to warm ya up.   Some good chuckles always work for me.

Q. When do monkeys fall from the sky? 

A. During Ape-ril showers!

Q: What flowers grow on faces? 

A: Tulips (Two-lips)!

Q: What does the Easter Rabbit get for making a basket? 

A: Two points just like everybody!

Monday March 10th was day 1 of the clinical trial.   Arrived at 930 and out at 4pm, considering treatment is actually only an hour a long day of waiting around.  Lots of waiting around then more waiting while trying to leave downtown Toronto.  Right after treatment was nice to not have to coup with nausea or deal with totting a "bottle" around for 3 days.  The minor side effects I have started to experience is a skin rash - on my face - starting to look like a 13 year old covered in pimples.  Yupp pizza face once again.  Went back on March 17th for a routine check up and all looks good so far.  There are some odd side effects for us to watch for and some severe rare side effects.  And by severe there could be blindness, fluffing of skin (skin falling off) and liver failure.   Now those are rare side effects and no need to be worried.  This risk is worth the reward. 

That is really it for now.  Treatments will now go on for now - no defined end as of yet.  That is the hope that this trial will bring us.  Another step forward.  

For now - thanks for checking in and looking forward to summer.

Bye for now and keep on smilin.  

Jason

Crazy couple of weeks.

Good Day

Here are some obvious one liners for your enjoyment.

How many sides does a circle have? Two: an inside and an outside.

What cruises down the riverbed at 60 mph? A motorpike with two side carps.

And to go along with the past couple of weeks and events:
What did Tarzan say to his wife? "Jane, it's a jungle out there!"


 CT Results:  in summary - crappy.    The scan showed progression in the liver spots and spots in the lung.  Which means the chemo treatment being administered has stopped working allowing the cancer cells to grow.   Now that this has happened the Doc will stop this first line treatment and look at another standard treatment - short form name FolFox.  Similar to the first treatment FolFuri the main drug is just changed.  So that is the standard process and treatments.  Once first line stops working move to second line.  Then once second line stops working move to third line.  Once third line stops working - well hope there is something else out there.   

The opportunity I have though is slightly different.  Because of the genetic testing performed back in October I am able to participate in a clinical trial at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto.  This will begin on March 10th.  Had to go through a number of tests and exams before being approved and all appears to be good.  Was a long day of 5 apts some lasting almost 2 hours.  

Not only did the scan show cancer cell progression, it also showed some obstructions to the right kidney causing improper function.  So the specialist has recommended having a stent (a tube) inserted between the bladder and kidney to prevent the pinching or blockage.  So this was done on March 4th.  Non invasive procedure which I was extremely happy to be knocked out completely for. Cause the only way to gain access to your bladder without making an incision is to up through exit already there.    Stent is done - beside a little discomfort - recovering quickly.

Then between all that there is an issue with high blood pressure - so now I am on blood pressure medication.  This chemo stuff is really making a mess of me.  Skin irritations, bad blood veins, and now high blood pressure.  What else is there to do though.  Nothing - gotta do what needs to be done.        

Other News  We were planing a trip for the end of March to visit Dallas for a few days, spend some time with Ryan and Barb and my cousin Kathy and Ron.  Then we were off to New Orleans for a few days. where we were meeting up with some friends from Kitchener.  Now with the clinical trial I had to cancel. The Doc will not allow me to leave the country during the initial cycles of the trail.  I have encouraged Teresa to go to New Orleans with everyone else and enjoy herself.   She deserves it.  It has been rough since the CT results.  


That is it for now.   

Still smilin and hanging in there.  and encouraging you all to keep smilin - it will brighten any gloomy day.  Try it.  

Jt

 

About time - an update.

Good day

Yupp has been way too long since my last post with an update to what is going on.  Have had some writers block, some medical issues and just some plan old forgetfulness to post.   So going to try over the next couple weeks to get back on track with my blog.  Lets start with a couple of jokes that will make you go brrrrr.   

 

What do you get from sitting on the ice too long?       Polaroids! 

What's an ig?        A snow house without a loo!

Getting a job in the Arctic in the winter is great! Why?      When the days get short, you only have to work a 30 minute work week.



Living back in KW has been great and glad we did the move - sure find ways to keep busy.  Sometimes to busy which we have recognized and are working on slowing down abit - as I get run down easily.  I do miss the great city of Regina though still and all the wonderful people out there.  I look forward to going for a visit at some point.  Nothing in the plans yet.  (I will not bore you with wintery weather discussion - cold is cold and this year it is everywhere- yuck)

Medical update
Genetic Test:  Results are in and for the tests performed to qualify for trials - well I dont have the right stuff.  How frustrating - this cancer crap is the wrong stuff all around.  The mutation of the genes that I have are just not what is needed.  So there are no trials at this time for me.

December was a tough month as I fell ill with a blood infection and ended up spending 10 days in hospital.   Was a close call - could have gone real bad.  But all is good recovered and getting back on my feet alittle more each day.  Yeah it has taken this long to recoup.   There was an interruption in treatments and some issues with my new Hicman central line (IV access) as it appears that is what caused the infection.  Oh and let me tell ya if you have not spent a few days in hospital and shared a room with a unruly patient - you have not experienced ALL that a hospital stay has to offer.  When security has to restrain your roommate at 1am and again at 6am. There is plenty of excitement and entertainment to be had.  or as they may say - some hats to taken off and coats to be taken. 

What is next in this saga?
Well right now taking it easy and looking forward to the upcoming CT scan results.  The request will be sent in Tuesday and hopefully done in the next 2 weeks.

We also found a clinic in Maple ON which offers the Integrated Treatment we were looking at in BC. The big difference with it now just outside Toronto is the reduced cost and logistically making it happen.  Reduced cost as we dont have to relocate to another province for 3 months.  So as long as the Oncologist is onboard and the CT Scan shows proper results - this could actually happen sooner the later.  (previous post with info about Hypothermia Treatment)

Submitting my case to Duke again for review now that we have the genetic results - see if they have suggestions or options available South of the border which we may not.  

Though we are not getting the best of results - there are still some options.   

Will keep you posted to what is happening in the next couple of weeks as there is some exciting and scary stuff.  But all is positive in its own way. 

Thank you for reading and hanging in there with me.     

Cheers and keep smlin  - 2014 will be a bright and shiny year.

Jt