Overdue Update

Not quite sure where to start on this post since so much has occurred since we last posted. Vann has been unbelievably strong and determined since day one of being diagnosed. I can not express how proud and in awe of her strength I have been. Regardless of all the treatments Vann has endured, she has continued to remain positive and always spending as much time as possible with Ryley and Taylor. We have tried to fit in as many family activities, gatherings, and mini-vacations over the last year. Although the last two years have been hard to endure, I can honestly say we have spent a lot of quality family times together. We would like everyone to know we deeply appreciate the support and prayers that have allowed us to share this time together as a family.

As most of you know at one point in 2010 we came very close to getting to surgery, but unfortunately this did not occur due to Vann's specific Cancer becoming resistant to the Fol Fox Chemotherapy. Over the last year Vann has been on several different combinations of Chemotherapy. We were getting positive results and were making progress towards clinical remission. In addition to the Chemotherapy, Vann underwent Cyberknife Radiation and Chemo Embolization to her Liver tumors.

After these treatments Vann had a new tumor in the pelvic area that was able to grow through the Chemotherapy she was on at that time. Once again Vann underwent a different Chemotherapy and endured Tomotherapy Radiation to the new tumor. The combination of Chemotherapy and Radiation worked well to keep Vann's Cancer from progressing. Shortly after, Vann's tumor markers began to rise again and we tried some other Chemotherapy and Target Therapy drugs.

Unfortunately each time we would move onto the next promising Chemotherapy or Target Therapy drug, Vann's Cancer would continue to become resistant. Currently we have exhausted all the newer combinations of Chemotherapy and Target Therapy drugs that are available for treatment. Recently we tried to get Vann into a Clinical Trial at UCLA, but Vann did not meet the criteria for the trial. After receiving this news we met with our Oncologist last week and discussed a possible option. Vann was administered an older Chemotherapy drug that we are hoping will be able to keep the Cancer from progressing any further. There is some new testing techniques and a new form of Chemotherapy coming onto the market within a couple months. The new Chemotherapy is significantly more effective than the various combinations Vann has been given. We are hoping to be able to get the approval for this new drug and should know within the next couple weeks.