IL-2 week 3

Joe continues to do well on his third week of low dose IL-2. The side effects are there, but managable. He's tolerating them well with some swelling in his legs, his blood pressure is a little low, he's fatigued and is experiencing some muscle aches and pains. He continues to drain 1-2 liters of fluid daily from his abdomen, which won't seem to heal. But he's eating well and in good spirits! With the break of the hot weather, he's been able to enjoy the outdoors and worked with Paul to line our driveway with basketball regulation 2 & 3 point shooting lines!

He's off to Houston on Sunday morning, being accompanied by his brother Bill. Joe has another Trovax shot scheduled along with regular blood work requirements. I will be moving Gina back into Buffalo Sunday, hopefully accompanied by some strong helpers - Blake, Tom and a to-be recruited friend to haul Gina's "STUFF" up to her 2nd floor apartment minus the elevator! The good news - we don't have to move her home or to Buffalo until she graduates! YEAH. :-)

Joe and I will be heading back to Houston on the 21st for blood regimine work then we're home for 2 weeks. He will continue low dose IL-2 the weeks of 8/14, 8/21 and 8/28. He then has 2 weeks off all medications. His next set of CT scans is scheduled September 15th with his restaging on the 18th. We are hoping and believing that the medicine that he's taking has stopped this beast of a disease. If we are successful in regression of the cancer, he will continue on this regime another 8 weeks. If the disease has spread, we will leave ourselves in Dr Amato's capable and caring hands to search for another cure.

Some special people in our lives are also undergoing their own health battles -

• Kate's dad Scott Anderson will begin his radiation and chemotherapy on the 14th of August. Please pray for a successful cure.
• Paul's mom Shirley Cassarino has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. I have known and loved the Cassarino family for 33 years. Please pray for her.

Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail

With hope and love,

Vicki