Second Infusion

A few things have changed since the last post.  Most significant, is Amanda's decision to leave the treatment study and move to the standard course of treatment for her disease.  What this means is that while she will continue to receive the two antibodies, she will also receive two different chemotherapeutic agents.  Though the side-effects of chemotherapy can be harrowing, they are far outweighed by the results and the peace-of-mind Amanda will have knowing that she is doing everything she possibly can to kick this disease in the ass.
Today is her first course of treatment to include the chemotherapy.  She is receiving the first of it as I write this.  Like her last infusion, there have been a couple of stops and starts.  What we have found is that there is a lot of prophylactic application of medicines in this process.  She is now on a large course of oral medication from steroids to anti-nausea.  In this infusion session alone she has already received two different steroids via IV and a push of benadryl on top of her standard course.  Hunter S. Thompson would never have been so bold.
 Her doctor seems satisfied with her progress so far.  The hard part is living in ambiguity.  It is due to this, more than anything else, that drove Amanda's decision to add chemotherapy.  The sense that all that can be done, is being done.
As always, her strength and character continue to inspire me and leave me in awe.  Send a positive thought or two her way, and feel free to put in a good word with the higher being of your choice.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me, droahrig@gmail.com.  I will make sure that she gets all messages and I will answer all questions that I am able to.