Big Day At UCLA

Papa and B.B.

About 3 weeks ago we received the authorization for Steve to go to UCLA for a consultation with his transplant doctor. There was some confusion about what labs needed to be done, etc…...…long story short. Referral good! Appointment made! Saw doctor yesterday!

The one thing we didn't want to hear was "I think Steve's best bet is to do another stem cell transplant".

Thankfully, the doctor had something else in mind. He wants Steve to be a part of a clinical trial for Pomalidomide, a cousin to Revlimid. The clinical trial is focusing on patients with relapsed or refractory Multiple Myeloma following Lenalidomide (Revlimid) treatment. That would be Steve!

They are only accepting FIVE people for this study at UCLA! Only 5! Did I say only 5? What timing………….this regimen is so easy to do, taking pills at home! Who would rather have a big needle stuck in your arm every week, and sit there for 2-4 hours as you get your treatment? Not me!

There are 3 things that can stop him from being a part of this trial.

1) Our Insurance Denies the Request

2) Clinical Trial Researchers reject Steve

3) The Lord

So you know what we want to do. IF this is the right treatment, we want to be a part of this study….IF it is not the right one we ask the Lord to close the door and show us another way.

If he is approved there will be a screening period of 28 days before he would begin the treatment.

This means a lot of tests and they all have to be done at UCLA! (During screening and after) This would include the Bone Marrow Biopsy. And unlike all the ones Steve has had, there they do in the clinic, no sedation, just a topical. (Although the offer of a valium sounded good) .

Now I don't' want to leave you thinking that this treatment is risk free. None of them are. I just finished reading some of the possible side effects. We just have to make the wisest decision, be on alert for any problems, and as always remember the Lord is in control.

God bless you all!

Please pray for Julie, Rosemary, Maricella, Bethany, Marcie, Debbie, and George!

Love,

Mrs. L

Off Topic-Garlic

Something to share that I thought was pretty neat. Last year I planted some garlic cloves hoping to keep out those pesky bugs in my vegetable garden. So my bug deterrent (which didn't work so well) turned out to be a harvest of new garlic!

I harvested them in July after learning when to dig them up and that garlic needs to be cured before using. This gives them their long shelf life.

Amazing….to bad we can't be "cured" and have a long shelf life…….or maybe we do? Thank you Lord for eternal life through your Son Jesus Christ!

Bear Gone!!

Last Sunday we discovered our very precious wooden bear was stolen from our front yard. Very sad day in the Liscom home.:-( We bought the bear on our honeymoon 8 years ago.

If found please return to 5112 Red Door Road!!!

Check One

Check 1. Referral to UCLA Approved. Thank you Lord!!!!!

Waiting for a call from UCLA to make appointment.

Check 2 Will be appointment made.