New news from Roswell

We saw Dr Wong on Friday the 9th for an updated visit and see if he was now willing to give Joe IL-2 since the fluid appears to be under control. After what was a long wait, we were all pleased with his diagnosis - that he believes that there is no further growth in the bones and that the Sutent is indeed working! Since his last scans, Dr Wong sees no clear evidence that the Sutent is not working to kill the tumors. He believes that his last bone scan was negative for 'hot spots' and feels that the tumors are being controlled by the medicine. He also was surprised that Joe is on Sutent daily - the normal protocol is 4 weeks on and 2 weeks off. Joe's been on since early March with only a one week reprieve. Dr Wong will be talking to Dr Kohli to understand his thoughts concerning disease progression - then will be back in contact with us. Bottom line - if Sutent is working - he sees no need for change. If the disease does progress, he is more than willing to give Joe high dose IL-2 at Roswell. He feels that he will tolerate it even with the fluid and is willing to give it a shot. However - if the current treatment is working - he doesn't feel the need to introduce a more invasive therapy at this time.

Wednesday we see Dr Kohli and we have a number of questions for him! Thanks to Ray Lanzafame, we're reading cutting edge information on renal cell cancer and have learned of a number of new drugs that are promising for cure and/or life longevity. Those we will discuss with Dr Kohli as well as taking a break from Sutent before we travel to Houston on the 27th. The Sutent, along with the radiation, is taking a toll on Joe's overall feeling of well being. He is very tired and losing his beautiful thick hair! The fatigue concerns us all as the trip to Houston will be taxing for him. BUT - we're looking forward to seeing Dr Amato and getting another expert opinion on the treatment course.

For now - we're jazzed with the information from Dr Wong and excited that at least Joe has the opportunity for IL-2. There's no words to thank the Lanzafames for fighting to get the shunt in Joe and convincing the doctors that it was the right move.

For now - Joe is eating and sleeping, but was able to see one of the tournament basketball games this weekend that Tom played in.

Thanks to all for sending over dinner - he is enjoying the meals a little at a time!

Love
Vicki, Gina and Joe