He Made It!

It has been a challenge to find something positive to say about the last two days of Greg's IL-2 treatment.  I guess the fact that we are home and not in ICU is the good news.  Greg ended up getting 10 doses, which the doctor assures us is a great number (she says the average is 7).  Since there is no statistical correlation between the number of doses administered and tumor regression, they just try to give people as much as their body can handle, and then hope that it is enough. The last few doses were incredibly difficult.  In the end, it was low kidney function (creatinine 2.5) and lack of ability to get enough oxygen during the rigors (due to fluid in his lungs and high fever) that made him unable to continue.

So he is home but still not feeling well.  It takes 2-3 days for the effects of the drug to work their way out of his system and for the extra fluid (20 lbs worth) to be shed.  Then his breathing and general health should be mostly back to normal.

A big thank you to everyone who helped out with our kids this week, especially Dori.  And Kamee, who the day after her move, sat through Freshman orientation with Kambria.  (yes the high school starts Aug 8!) And there was even longer list of people who offered to help out and were standing by should the need arise. We really appreciate you so much!

Also to Greg's family and many friends in the Bay Area who have been so supportive while we are at Stanford, offering their homes and hearts.  We love you!