A change in tactics

Hi Everybody
On Friday, we got the results of Kevin's(Skip) most recent MRI. Unfortunately, the spot (now considered a tumor) is growing. The doctor concluded that the Temodar (chemotherapy drug) is not working (after 7 rounds). Because of the instability of the tumor, in addition to its unresponse to the Temodar, it knocked Kevin out of qualification for the vaccine trial. This was a great blow. However, after visiting with Dr. Leichman (our local oncologist) and Dr. Ngmiemphu (our oncologist at UCLA), we have established a new game plan for fighting this beast.
First, we are wheening Kevin off one anti-seizure drug; dilantin. In order to qualify for future vaccine trials, he must be off this drug as it negatively reacts with many cancer fighting therapies. They are accomplishing this wheening by putting him on a third anti-seizure drug (lamatil) while decreasing the dilantin. This process should take about 5 weeks before the dilantin is finished. The risk, of course is that Kevin may have a seizure. Also, there is a risk of serious rash with this new drug. Needless to say, we will be keeping an eye on both situations.
Second, Kevin will begin a new chemo (CCNU). It is administered in pill form, dosage is for one day and then he is off for 6 weeks. Sounded pretty user friendly to us. The only new side effect is lowering of his white blood count which would make him suseptible to infection, illness, etc. The Ambrotose will play a key role here as we continue to nourish his cells. He will begin this chemo on Monday, May 19. He will continue to take Zophran as his anti-nausea med. but he should need it for only 4 days.
A second chemo alternative was suggested by both doctors. It involves two drugs (Evastin and Irinotikin), intervenously administered every 2 weeks. However, Dr. Ngheimphu said that although this is a very effective method of fighting the tumor, that she does not believe it is needed at this point. In addition, we discovered that the dilantin decreases its effectiveness, so therefore, this is another incentive to wheen off the dilantin if we should find it necessary to take this option in the future.
All in all we are very please with the new plan. Thank you once again for supporting us in prayer and in service. We love you so and will continue to press on in our fight with faith in our Big God who is capable of great miracles.
We'll keep you posted.
love,
Kevin (Skip) and Linda