Health Update

COVID

Right at the beginning of the Coronovirus pandemic, I was at MD Anderson for radiation, surgery and recovery.  Because of a steroid I had to take, I was unable to stay on the 2nd Immunotherapy trial that I was on.  

The procedures to the vertebrae and left hip provided almost instant relief.  For that I am thankful and Praise the Lord-- prior to radiation and surgery it was very painful.  

I was in the hospital for 5 days recovering and watching how our country and state responded to Covid.  I was ready to go home.

My Clinical Trial Dr. recommended that I try an experimental drug that is the only one of it's kind that has targeted Pecoma.  However, it was not available at MD Anderson.  So I was sent home to start a different chemotherapy.  

Austin - chemo therapy 

I spent about 8 weeks on this chemotherapy called Temsirolimus.  I had really bad side effects that struck about 4 weeks into it.  I am so thankful to now be off of this drug.  Those side effects affected me moment by moment.  But, through it all and the prayers of friends and family---I got through it.  

CT Scan to see if chemo is working

Last week, I got the results of the the CT scan on Temsirolimus.  Unfortunately, almost all of the tumors grew in size and some new ones occurred in the bones.  So as of now, there are tumors in both lungs, liver, tailbone and shoulder.  It was hard news to process.  

I went to the Father and just continued to believe that He would lead and guide me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.  

Oh and to throw a wrench in all of these health issues.  We put our house on the market.  

As of today, we are under contract!!!  God hears and answers prayers.  It was a lot of hard work maintaining the house for showings.  The kids worked so hard!

After getting the CT scan news, I was able to get Zoom appointments with the MD Anderson Clinical Trial team.  My Sarcoma Oncologist also called.  Having two calls and discussions that quick is really a God thing.  

ABI-009

During my call with my Sarcoma Oncologist, we discussed the possibility of getting on the trial drug that is the first trial drug for Pecoma called, ABI009.  Right before Covid it was not available.  Now, just 9 weeks later it is available.  I do not qualify for the trial, but I do under compassionate care/expanded access.  God works all things for the good!  I have wanted to be able to have access to this for a long time.  Now is the time.  

I'll be traveling to Houston to get started on it in the upcoming days.  I'll be the first patient to be on it at MDA under expanded access.  The trial coordinator and my Oncologist have been persistent and working on my behalf for days now.  God is good and his mercies are new every morning.  

Thank you

These past 9 weeks have been hard, I've struggled with depression and anxiety, pain on my hip and shoulder,  been on the phone with doctors, taken off medication, put on new medications to combat side effects that left me a wreck.  

I've tried to keep the Lord always before me.  Praying, reading the Psalms, listening to worship music.  God has heard and answered my cries.  

Thank you to my friends that have committed to calling me each week.  Your support, encouragement and prayers have been a God-send.  

Next Steps and Prayer Requests

Now, I'll be entering the packing our house season and looking for our next house season.  Will you pray for us.  I know God has gone before us and prepared a place for us.  

I'll also be going back to MD Anderson each week for treatment for at least the next 6 weeks.  Will you pray for supernatural healing?  

Thank you for reading this loooong update.  Much love to you!

Kathie