Santa Monica-11/21/08

Hi All,

Larry and I made the trek to Santa Monica yesterday to visit the new doctor, Dr. Lee Rosen. Premiere Oncology was a very nice place, only a couple of years old. It's a big and busy place too. They do all the studies right there. It only took about one hour to get there. But there was no traffic. Dr. Rosen was very kind, about in his mid-forties is my guess, very knowledgeable about every kind of cancer treatment under the sun and very ready to explain whatever. We both liked him and felt good about the whole thing.

At this place they perform Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies on up and coming cancer drugs and treatments. Phase 1 studies group together all kinds of different cancer patients to try the same drug so they can see what group responds the best. Phase 2 groups people with the same kinds of cancer to try a certain drug and Phase 3 is just working through any last requirements the FDA needs. At least that is the broad understanding at this point. I was worried that neuroendocrine was a rare kind and that I wouldn't qualify for any of the studies. He reassured me that was not the case. Financially, Health Net will cover what they say they will cover and any thing else that the study requires will be covered by the study itself. The tested drug will be free to me as long as I need it as well. If we find something that is working, I will stay on it as long as I need it. Even if the study is closed.

The down side is the fact that Phase 1 studies are the first humans the drug is tested on. So, you get to make up the list of side effects. Isn't that special? So you can well imagine that I am asking anyone who reads this to pray that God leads this Dr. to the right drug or treatment and that the side effects will be zero or minimal and basically tolerable. It is exciting to be apart of breakthrough science stuff.

This could be difficult driving down there as often as I may need to. Possible 4 times a week at first. But, it will be less at time goes on. They are sensitive to the fact that I am not too close and that I have small children. Also they put you up in the hotel next door if need be when the study requires early mornings or multiple days of long treatments. People actually come here from all over the world to be treated. So really I am very blessed to be so close by. I know that God will work out all the details as things come up. Family and friends have been so willing to help at the drop of a hat. Thank you all of you again and again!!!!

This has offered me hope. I always have hope in Jesus and I truly feel that it is His hand directing up to this place. We feel much peace about this. I will call Monday to talk to the Doctor and let him know how I am feeling. At this point, with the new information on my state of health, he will choose which study that I will be best suited to participate in. We were told that new things are popping up all the time. Like I said it is a very busy place. So we can believe together with our prayers that God will direct him to the right thing for me. From there I will start all the required screening for that particular study. I will let you know for sure how all that goes.

Thanks so much for the faithful prayers. The book of James says "The effective prayers of a righteous man can accomplish much."!!!! So I am counting on all the prayers.

With love and gratitude!! Peggy