Day at the Park

We're having a really good time up here at Deep Creek. Today we went to a local state park. We've been going to this state park every year since we have been coming up here. Chris absolutely loves coming here. This park has 2 very exciting water falls. The first is Swallow Falls which actually is small enough that the kids can flow down the river and over it's edge as there is a big smooth rock beneath it. Muddy Creek Falls is the other water fall. A much taller one. The kids actually were able to go under the waterfall behind the falling water. They loved it.


The forest is the exciting part of the park. There are huge sycamore trees throughout. Unfortunately, Chris did not make the trip down to Swallow falls as it was a bit too far. She did make the shorter walk to Muddy Creek though. She made it there but the trip back up the tall stairs was very, very tiring to her. She loses her breath very quickly and we had to stop a couple times on the way up. She was very determined and made it! We then took the boys up the river a few hundred feet to catch crayfish.

Tomorrow.... Supposed to rent a boat and tool around. Stay tuned!

Greetings from Deep Creek

Well we made it!

We left Saturday morning for Deep Creek Lake, MD. Everyone is here and we're having a good time so far. Haven't done much and just relaxing! I took Chris and the kids to the movies today as there was rain in the area. I came back to the house and spent 3 1/2 hours of quiet. Just read the paper and relaxed. That's vacation.

Chris is doing pretty well. She's not going to be able to do all the things that we're used to doing, like hiking and walking in the swamp, but we'll make do for sure.

Yes the time is 4:21AM... I've been up for about an hour. Chris woke up and got something to eat and I woke up and just could not go back to sleep. Only 1 1/2 hours until the coffee shop opens!

Yeah we miss the dog but we'll get over it. Our neighbor Sarah is taking good care of her.

I'll keep you posted throughout the week but for now we are enjoying the time here together.

Talk to you all soon!

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Running a Fever

The past 2 days Chris has been doing really well. She has been up and about most of the day. She's been eating pretty well although her taste buds are shot. Today she woke up with a craving for McDonald's Fries of all things! For lunch we ran out to get some. 1st time out of the house in 7 days! We then went to the grocery store for a couple of items. It was great to see her up and moving. She also has been working some as well. We have a workstation set up in my office in the basement where she has complete access to all the stuff at her office. She's been keeping up with lots of email.

This evening however she was starting to feel a bit chilled and sure enough her temperature was 99.5. She had a heck of a time last time keep it below 101 so hopefully this won't be as bad.

Tomorrow night Miguel Tejada is playing shortstop for the Frederick Keys. We have tickets and hopefully Chris will be well enough to go. Miguel is the shortstop for the Orioles but has been injured for a couple of weeks.

We are still on track for going to the lake next week. All things depend on Chris but I think it will work out. Keep you fingers crossed.

Chris spoke with her brother today and they are sending him home from the hospital tomorrow. He is doing pretty well after quadruple bypass surgery last Friday. We were not able to go down and visit with him because of Chris's treatment, but she's been in contact with her parents and with John.

And today Marianne's dad had surgery to remove a brain tumor. From what I've heard everything went pretty well for him. Marianne has been a huge part of our treatment the past 3 years so I'm sure her dad is in good hands!

We did get the next Hopkins appointment today. September 26 is the MRI follow up to see how this all worked out. We'll meet with the Doctor after that. Until then we will just plugging along. There's a lot of summer left to enjoy and we're going to do our best!!!


Oh and one last thing..... Yesterday was Chloe's birthday!!! 1year old. We looked it up today and realized we missed it. Oh well, she's still a dog...

Thanks for the cards, flowers, emails, dinners, and all that. We cannot begin to thank you all.

Up and about!

Hi all. Today is a much better day for Chris as she is finally up and about the house. She's not sleeping correctly. She was up most of the evening and then took a nap earlier this morning. She's trying to get back on schedule. She is really feeling much better.

She was on her computer that is set up in my office several times today keeping up with folks at work. So that is a very good sign. We are shooting for Friday to go to Deep Creek lake still so our fingers are crossed.

Today, Bonnie Borsa brought dinner over to us. Bonnie is one of the members of the Frederick County Board of Education and took the time out of her very busy schedule to prepare and deliver a wonderful meal. Her husband, Bill, was Michael's soccer coach about 4 or 5 years ago. Thanks Bonnie.

Doing Better

Chris is still in bed but is really doing better. She's pretty much slept for the last 3 days which is good. She woke up this morning and was feeling well enough for tea, milk, and some eggs. Hopefully soon she will be up and about.

Alex took the boys to NJ for their lacrosse tournament. She spent the night in a hotel with them and took them there first thing this morning. We were really unsure about sending her but they've done fine. They have 4 games today and should be back home around 8pm.

My highschool friend, roommate from college and best man from my wedding stopped by last night on his way to NC. They have 4 kids and are all doing great. They live in Utica, NY not far from where we grew up in upstate NY. It was great seeing them again even for just the over night stay. Thanks Film and Barb! Have fun at the beach.

The rest of today will be........ Nothing. Just quiet with Chris.

The Day After...

After a very, very long day yesterday and an equally long night for Chris today is finally wrapping up and all indications are good so far for a quick recovery.

We got home late last night and chris immediately became nauseous. Luckily only one time though. Sorry Ray. She tried to eat some soup and crackers but was still in a great deal of pain. I went to bed around 11 and she was still tossing and turning and she decided to go and lie on the couch. She slept some and then finally took 2 of her pain pills. That seemed to do the trick as the pain subsided and she came to bed.

That's where she has been all day and has slept most of the day. This is great. She is eating some and is keeping food down without any problems. Her pain is staying away and she even took a shower this evening. Her incision is very small and doing well. After the shower I asked her how she was feeling and she said "blah". Compared to last time, blah on the day after is just great. She wasn't blah until 1 week last time!

Chris has a young intern working for her this summer and she and her mom made us a lasagna for dinner. It was just perfect timing. Our good friend Cheryl came by with Crab Soup for tomorrow and had a chance to talk with Chris. Jonneita's (someone that Chris works with) parents sent Chris some lovely flowers. I've spoken to many people and have email numerous others. THANK YOU for all the help and support. Chris and I cannot do it without you!

I'll be here with her all weekend so keep checking and I'll keep posting!

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Procedure Day at the Hospital

I'm typing this while sitting right next to Chris in the recovery room at Johns Hopkins. It has been a very long day as expected. The good news is that she should be coming home with me tonight! She was in recovery around 1:30 and when I spoke with Dr. G he indicated that everything went well and that she should be good to go around 6 or so.

She is feeling really well except for some severe pain in her back (not from me). The pain meds are starting to work for her and as long as that keeps working she'll go home. Her parents went over to the house for awhile with the boys and Alex came home early to relieve them. Alex is taking the boys out to dinner tonight and a little shopping. This is a huge help having her home for us while this is going on.

In fact this Friday she is taking both of them to NJ for a lacrosse tournament on her own. I just can't get away to go up there so she's going to do it.

I'll post more later or tomorrow but for now Chris will be home recovering soon!

Day before the procedure...

This picture was taken on Sunday morning in Chris's bird bath by the patio. It seemed as if the dove was looking at us and telling us to keep the faith!

Today is the day before Chris goes into the hospital again for another chemoembolization. A somewhat complicated procedure to kill the tumors directly. The procedure starts around 11 and goes for about 1 to 2 hours. I'll be there all day for sure.

Today we went to Hopkin's so Chris could be given a MUGA exam of her heart. This is an exam that has to be given to her after she leaves the clinical trial. That has been so hard for her and I but we know that there is a direction and a plan ahead for now. That plan is to keep working as hard as we can to beat this no matter what the time and effort involved!

This weekend I was supposed to go to a charity golf tournament to raise funds for Camp Good Days in Rochester NY. This wonderful place was so helpful to a family that is very close to us. I mentioned their son a few posts back, his name is Ryan. He too was a courageous fighter and will always be a part of our lives. Unfortunately, with Chris's procedure I won't be able to attend but I will be there in Spirit, so Rich and Jill please know that I'm thinking of you and hope that everyone raises a lot of money for the camp.

On top of all that is going on, Chris's 39 year old brother John, is going into the hospital on Friday for triple bypass surgery! The same procedure her dad had last year. He's doing pretty well and very lucky they found it so early. Her mom and dad are going to the Univ. of Virginia where he's having the surgery to be with him and his wife.

Chloe continues to do well and keep us all laughing...

Off the trial and into the hospital!

Dear Friends and Family,

Well the last month was a very busy month for us. Chris made it through
the first month of the trial with little complications. 2 weeks ago
she went for a follow-up MRI from the chemoembolization procedure she
had done about 3 months ago. The news was not what we wanted to hear.
The tumors that were killed off from the last procedure were still gone
but there are now new tumors that are coming in. The old one step
forward 2 steps back approach. We were disappointed but not surprised.
News like this has been coming our way off and on for 3 years now and we
just take a deep breath, hug the kids, and move forward and fight some
more!

Chris's oncologist initially said that this is not a surprise, as
sometimes it takes up to 3 months for the drugs/treatment to start
showing results and that a progression of the disease is not uncommon.
That was good to hear, but bloodwork done on Wednesday this week
indicated that her liver functions have deteriorated. Not
dramatically, but these functions are just below the level required to
remain in the clinical study trial. So, the bad news is that she no
longer is eligible for the trial that she has worked so very hard to get
into. That is very upsetting to us, as well as the clinical nurses and
doctors that we've grown close with over the last several months.

So right now, it is Friday and I'm sitting in the waiting room at Johns
Hopkins Hospital. Chris has had a CT scan and is getting a Bone Scan
right now. Next Tuesday she will receive a MUGA scan of her heart.
These are preliminary tests for her as she will be going back into the
hospital on Wednesday morning for another chemoembolization surgery.
This again will inject undiluted chemo drugs into her liver in hopes
that it will kill off the tumors that are growing and give the other
drugs that she's taking a chance to work. We are hoping that she
recovers from the procedure a little better than she did last time.
After this procedure, she'll be given periodic MRIs to monitor the
tumors in her liver. The results were very good before and the Dr. is
very optimistic about doing it again.

Needless to say this has thrown another monkey wrench into any plans
that we had had for the summer. But, with a little help we'll get by.
We've learned to not make plans more than a couple weeks out. I'll be
in touch with some of you directly about specific changes. We were
hoping to be able to go to Chris's favorite vacation spot in MD, Deep
Creek Lake. We're scheduled to go at the end of July and are really
hoping that she is recovered enough that we can go and spend a week with
the kids and just relax. We did this last year after 3 years away from
it and it was very beneficial to making her more comfortable and
bringing our family closer.

Again, please know that your prayers and kind wishes are heard loud and
clear! Our entire family is dedicated to helping Chris with this
disease and we appreciate so much the flowers, cards, meals, cleanings,
phone calls, emails, and all the love and support that has come our way.
I must say that I am forever grateful to everyone.

Don't hesitate to drop any of us a line and check the blog often for
more detailed updates.

May God bless all of you and especially may God bless Chrissy.

Thank you,
Charlie

Frederick, MD
charliedewitt@comcast.net
http://chris-dewitt-updates.blogspot.com/
240-285-7251 cell phone

COMSTAR Night @ The Keys

Saturday was a special evening at the Frederick Keys game. Chris does a great deal of promotions with the team and this year sponsored the card set giveaway night. It was a great night with lots of COMSTAR employees there to watch the game. This year was extra special as the NEW COMSTAR mascot made it's appearance for the 1st time. Her name is Stella. Since she arrived on Friday and the game was Saturday there was little time to find a person to where the costume. Tyler stepped up to do it and we must say he did a great job. Check out the pictures from the game. They are quite funny.

Alex's boyfriend, Jon, came to visit and was selected to throw out the 1st pitch. He's left handed but that was okay. He still made it.

Sunday Chrissy wasn't feeling very well so she pretty much just stayed inside and rested. I took Tyler to lacrosse camp at Mt. Saint Mary's University. He's spending 4 days away from home! So last night Chris, Michael, and I went out for dinner. Quiet and nice. Wednesday this week we meet with Dr. Emens. Expect an update after that.

Back from the beach.

First here are a bunch of pictures from the beach. Lot's of wather pictures but plenty of others in there too. Please feel free to look through them all when you have time.

We had a nice time. The weather was pretty good as well. The kids all played in the water the whole time while Chris and I just sat on the beach and watched. I got out there really late on Monday after flying back from Ohio and then we drove back on Thursday so that the boys could get to lacrosse practice. They weren't too happy about that but too bad for them!



We went and picked up the dog at the kennel in the afternoon. She was really good while there but freaked out when she saw us! Her little heart was pounding really fast.

Chris went back to work today as did I. She's been gone for awhile and has a lot of catching up to do. Alex's boyfriend is coming to visit on Saturday. Her 19'th birthday is Monday. Yeah 19! Tyler leaves for lacrosse camp on Sunday.

We did get some unsettling news as well. Chris's 39-year old brother, John, has to go into the hospital for a triple-bypass surgery on his heart! All indications are that this should be a very successful operation. We're all a little worried about it and are doing everything we can to help them out.

Next week we meet with Dr. Emens on Wednesday and Chris will get another series of Skin tests. We'll go back on Friday and if all is well she will start the 2nd round of the trial next Monday. That will be another long week as we have to go 6 days in a row. We'll do it though, we did it before and will keep doing it. As you can see from the photos Chris looks just marvelous!

Off to the ocean

Chrissy got home really late Thursday night. It was really great to have her home. The kids and I did just fine while she was away but missed her dearly. Saturday Chrissy and the kids left for Ocean City, MD. I didn't go as I'm now in Akron,OH. I have a business meeting at Firestone Country Club with a bunch of clients! It's a beautiful day and we're playing golf. I fly back late tonight and will drive out to OC and hook up with them.

Saturday I piddled around the house and did some things. Then I took the dog to the kennel for a few days. It was sad as she's never been away from us and yes we're all a little attached to the furball... Saturday night was weird. I was home in the house all by myself. Quiet and somewhat lonely. I was tired so I just went to bed.

Chris's oncologist called on Friday. I spoke with her as Chris was at the grocery store. She told us that we should continue the course we are on, clinical trial. The new tumors are not uncommon when you get on a new treatment. She's on Tamoxifin in addition to the trial. It can take up to 3 months before the drugs starts to work so you can see a spike in activity. As for the trial, that is fine for now and she will get regular scans with it and if they see continued progression then they can stop and perhaps do another chemoembolization. Also, the bloodwork that is done will show if in fact the regiment is not working by simply looking at the bloodcounts. She told us not to be overly worried about it. We trust her judgement.

That was a very big burden lifted from our shoulders. It took a week to get to us though, only because Chris was away and they said they'd call when she returned. Next meeting is July 11th with Dr. Emens. Bloodwork in OC on Tuesday.

Week's almost over!

Chrissy just called me a little while ago from the airport. She and Marianne finally landed. Their flight was delayed almost 3 hours because of bad weather on the East coast. She has had a very busy week in Las Vegas. They attended a lot of the conference and was able to catch a couple of events that were put on by the sponsors. One night they went to the Hard Rock Hotel and saw Bare Naked Ladies play poolside.

Things at home were very busy. Tyler in golf camp, Michael at Lacrosse camp each day made for a busy week! Last night (Wednesday) we went to the Frederick Keys game again, just the 4 of us. It wasn't as much fun without Chris there with us but we managed to get a foul ball and have dinner. We've eaten out every day since Chris left! Various menus!

Next week we are supposed to go to Ocean City to spend some time at the beach. We're waiting to hear from Chris's oncologist to see what she thinks Chris's next steps should be. AS soon as I find out I'll let you know.

Hectic Few Days

This was a very hectic few days around here. Where to start....

Friday we spent the entire afternoon at Hopkins. Chris had her MRI and after a long wait we finally got to speak with the Dr. This is the Dr. that did the chemoembolization. He told us that the old tumors were in fact just scar tissue BUT that there were new tumors appearing again. NOT the news we wanted to hear, but as we've been doing this for awhile we were somewhat prepared. This Dr. is going to speak with our Oncologist to find out the best method of attack. He recommended that Chris repeat the procedure, but since she is in the clinical study that may not be a possibility. Or it may. We'll know later this week EXACTLY what we're doing. Sooooo..... again our summer is up in the air. We didn't get done until after 5pm so we just went to Fells Point and had dinner on the waterfront. The boys were home all afternoon and did great, as usual.

Chrissy did leave for Las Vegas on Saturday morning. I am so glad that she got a chance to go and get away for a couple of days. She has the address of several blood labs in Vegas so that she can go and get her Tuesday blood counts done. It will be a busy week for here while she's there but Marianne is there with her will help her out I'm sure.

Alex left on Thursday to go to NJ to visit with her boyfriend so that left you know who with me!!! The boys and I went out to get Michael a new lacrosse stick on Saturday. After stopping at several places he finally decided on one. We went to their favorite place for lunch, Panerra. We all had the same thing... bread bowl with soup! We were supposed to go to a pig roast later that night but the boys and I felt it best to go home. After being home for awhile we went out and had dinner in Frederick together. It was really nice getting a chance to be out with them. They too have been through so much and have helped us out so much that I sometimes lose sight of that. Thanks guys.

Sunday morning we got up a little early and went fishing. Yeah you heard right, FISHING. Tyler bought a new pole Saturday so I figured we should go try it out. We went and got some breakfast to go from Beans and Bagels and a very large coffee. Then we went up to Middletown park where there is a small pond to fish. Tyler and Michael fished and I sat in my new camping chair (father's day present) and read the paper with my coffee. We were there about 3 hours or so. Good time.

OH>>>> we took the dog with us. Not something we normally do but sure why not. Well I got up to take her for a walk in the park. She was walking along the edge of the pond and wanted to go to the other side. She saw a bunch of pond scum on the top where we were and thought she could just walk across it. She could not. We now know that she can swim! She came out and had algae and seeweed all over her!!!! A funny site.

Ray and Cheryl had the boys and I over for dinner last night. It was really nice to get together and sit and relax after a long weekend. Good friends!

On Friday we did get some unfortunate news from one of Chris's co-workers. Rosalyn's husband, Dane, passed away on Friday afternoon after a battle with cancer. Although we did not know Dane personally very well, we had met with him about 10 times or so over the last few years as both he and Chris were going to the same oncologist in Frederick for awhile. Each time we saw him we talked for a long time about many different things, and it was always a pleasure to see him. We were always glad when we walked in and saw him there. We even saw him at Johns Hopkins for awhile as he was also getting into a trial there. Each time we saw Dane he was always upbeat and positive. It really helped put our mind at ease sometimes when we were waiting in the waiting area. He always had a smile for us as well. He will certainly be remembered in our lives forever. Thank you Dane...

1st week with no school...

Well this is the 1st week of summer and there is no school. So far so good. Things are getting done around the house. The shed is getting painted, the yard is getting picked up. It's kinda nice!

The boys are in Lacrosse camp each afternoon this week and that's keeping them busy too.

Alex is going to see her boyfriend in NJ today... hmph.

Chrissy had an employee resign late last week. The employee was supposed to attend a conference in Las Vegas next week so, after some coaxing, Chris decided to take her place and attend the conference! She hasn't been to Vegas in awhile so it will be a nice getaway for her. She is going with Marianne from COMSTAR as well so she won't be alone. She leaves Saturday and comes home next Thursday.

While she is there she will have to go to a lab to get bloodwork done. This is not bloodwork that needs to be used for research so she can go to any lab. It's a CBC, or complete blood count. We're hoping that the insurance company pays for it. They may not as it is "out of area". If not then we are hoping that Hopkins helps out somehow. We'll see. If not we will just pay it ourselves. I'm excited for her to go.

Tomorrow, Friday, we are going to Hopkins for an MRI and followup visit with the Dr. that did the chemoembolization. He's monitoring how stable the tumors in her liver are. There were still some in her left lobe that were not treated. They generally do 1 lobe at a time. I'll fill you in later.

Tuesday Treatment

Tuesday, Chris went to Hopkins for followup and chemo. We got there about 8:15. She had research blood drawn and then we met with the research nurse. They measured and reviewed the sites where the vaccine was given, 12 of them. The sites are red and swollen just like they are supposed to be. Everything looks good. They took another skin graft from the largest site. On her leg this time. That's the only part that really hurts and only when they give her a shot of lidocaine.

After that we waited for her lab work to come back for her blood counts. That seems to take forever sometimes. By 11:00 the chemo arrived and was administered. This was a small amount of chemo that arrived in a syringe. It was red and is called doxyrubicin. Also known as the red devil. There is a family support organization in MD that is named after this drug. They are called The Red Devils. Check them out here. It took all of 15 minutes to get the chemo and we were on our way.

On the way home I treated Chris to a reuben sandwich at the best place in Baltimore called Attman's. Been there since 1927! It was terrific. You have to go there. After that we went home for some rest.

The Week's Finally Over

Well it was a very busy and tiring week. I drove Chris for bloodwork on Wednesday. She took herself on Thursday. Friday we both went and they measured her vaccine injection sites and took a skin biopsy of the largest one. That's sort of painful as they have to numb her up first and then gouge out a piece of skin about 1/2 the size of a pencil eraser.

Saturday was nice. We drove out to Baltimore around 8:15 and first went to a small French Bakery in Fells Point for coffee and breakfast. Bonaparte's was the name of it and it's right on the water. Thanks for the the suggestion Randy! While we were there there was someone in line right behind us. It was the Dr. that did Chris's Chemoembolization 2 months ago! Small world. After breakfast we shot up to Hopkins for another blood draw.

Friday night was the end of the year picnic for the Spires Lacrosse Club. I'm on the board of the club and the boys play in the club. www.spireslacrosse.com if you would like to know more about us. We had about 300 people show up for the picnic. Capping off a very succesful year for all teams.

Last night, Saturday, we went to the Frederick Keys minor league baseball game. Great game as they won in 10 innings. Fireworks after the game and over 8800 people. The most people all season. The weather was great and Chris really enjoys going. It was an early start to Father's day.

Oh, today is Father's day. We cut the grass and did some yard work. Just taking it easy. We're planning on eating early and going to an outdoor concert in Frederick with some band that plays classic rock! I'm into that I guess.

I thought I'd share this wonderful picture of Alex. She went camping with us last weekend and as you can see she was having a wonderful time!!!

Latest Email Message

Dear Friends and Family,

Chris officially began the clinical trial on Monday this week. She’s been working so hard to get into a position where she is eligible for it. That’s why she had the chemoembolization a couple months back. It was very successful. I’ve been trying to keep my blog updated as best I can but thought that I would put a brief email together for those that don’t get a chance to check it out very often. The trial is already taking its toll on us. It’s very tiring going to Baltimore each day but we know that it is worth it and that keeps us moving!

Here is a link http://www.hopkinskimmelcancercenter.org/experts/_doctor.cfm?action=1&doctorid=270 that explains a little bit about exactly what the trial is and what it’s trying to accomplish.

Chris had chemo (Cyclophosphamide)on Monday. Tuesday she had a series of 12 vaccine injections (4 in each thigh, 4 in one arm). This is the vaccine that is being created and tested to see if it aids the body in fighting off the cancer cells. The vaccines hurt while being administered but Chris tolerated it pretty well. Wednesday was a quick trip to Hopkins for a blood draw. This draw goes to the research group for analysis and must be done there. Today will be another trip for the same thing. Friday will be a blood draw along with some skin biopsies to see what the reaction is to the vaccine. Oh yeah, and Saturday is another blood draw… 6 days to the hospital.

Next week is another chemo treatment (Doxorubicin) on Tuesday. It’s a different treatment than last Monday and is used in conjunction with the chemo to help kill the cells while the vaccine works it’s magic in helping the body fight off the disease on it own. As we all know the body can fight off some really mean diseases. Sometimes it just needs a little help! The following week (26^th) is a blood draw but we can do it locally as they are just getting the blood counts. The following week (3^rd) is the same thing. On the 11^th of July we’ll meet with her oncologist and determine the next start date. Then do it all over again.

As you can see this has put a real damper on our summer! We were planning a vacation trip somewhere out of the country this summer with the kids, but Chris’s oncologist recommended that we not leave the country. Also, we only have a couple of weeks to squeeze things in. The 2 blood draws for counts can be done anywhere in the country so that helps. We’ve learned to cope with schedules the last 3 years and know that everything takes a backseat to Chris’s treatment. Everything has been okay so far and the kids have really been helpful as well.

I can’t begin to express our gratitude to everyone for all their support, prayers, dinners, donations, candy, house cleanings, and emails The list goes on and on. It really, really, does help us out. Rest assured that we are doing okay right now and will continue to stay the course. This August will be 3 years. Hard to believe. Thank you so much for the love and support. We can’t do this without your help.

Charlie
Frederick, MD
charliedewitt@comcast.net
http://chris-dewitt-updates.blogspot.com/

P.S. As an update, I wanted to thank everyone who made a donation to the Avon Breast Cancer Walk this year. Our good friend and neighbor, Cheryl, raised over $3,000 this year. Her other teammates did equally as well. This year the DC walk raised over $7.4 Million! $1 Million was immediately granted to the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Research Program at Johns Hopkins. The very same center that Chris has been going to for a year now. We were there on a beautiful Sunday afternoon and watched the participants cross the finish line. NOTHING can express the feeling that comes across knowing that so many people care enough to do this. Thank you again to everyone. Click http://walk.avonfoundation.org/site/PageServer?pagename=nws_main_2k7 to see what’s being raised and where it’s going.

Vaccine Given

Today was the day we went back to Hopkins for Chris to receive the experimental vaccine. It went well. She received 12 injections! 4 in her arm, 4 on each thigh. The area was numbed up with some cream ahead of time but it didn't help a whole lot. The vaccine is given just under the skin and it hurts. She's okay now though. Tomorrow is blood work at Hopkins as is Thursday.

We went to the Frederick Keys baseball game last night. COMSTAR sponsored military night there. Here is a picture of Alex, on the right, (who works for COMSTAR) at the table. Also on the left is Chris's new intern, Jessica ( I think).

NO that's not ME in the middle. It's Keyote! (Don't ask...)

Camping!

This past weekend our family hooked up with Chrissy's parents and brothers and sisters at a local KOA campground for the weekend!

We all had a really good time. The kids especially. We had cabins, tents, and an RV for all of us. We cooked around the campfire and roasted marshmallows. Chrissy especially was looking forward to this as we haven't been camping in a few years now. This was not really roughing it by any means but still we had a very good time! We're already looking forward to next year to do it again.

OH YEAH>>> Since this was a KOA the usually try and do special things for the campers. Well Saturday night we were all sitting down to eat when an Elvis impersonator gave the whole place a great show. Really fun!

This is the ELVIS impersonator who entertained us!!














And this is my leg when an errent horseshoe wacked it!!!!

The Trial Begins!

Well after about 10 months of hard work Chris began her clinical trial today. Today she received her 1st chemo treatment which will be followed by a specialized vaccine tomorrow. Today it took a very long time to get everything straightened out. The IV nurse had orders that there must have been a full blood count in the last 7 days, but she had nothing in the system with the numbers in it. Chris did have a CBC in mid may. After a couple of hours she finally got a hold of Dr. Emens who approved using the older numbers. After that the drugs were given. 30 minutes of drip time for the Chemo and 3.5 hours of hassle. It will work better in the future for sure!

This regiment works as follows:

Day 1 chemo
Day 2 vaccine
Day 3 Blood draw
Day 4 Blood draw
Day 5 Blood draw
Day 6 Blood draw

Day 9 different chemo given
Day 16 Blood draw
Day 23 Blood draw

Then for the next 2 weeks we go for various followups with the doctor and prepare to go back to Day 1 to start another round...

Needless to say there will be some miles racking up on the cars in the coming months as we head off to John's Hopkins on a regular basis!!!

Wish us well!

Can't Sleep

Well it's Monday! 4:00 AM on Monday to be exact. Another one of those sleepless nights for me. Every so often I wake up and can't get back to sleep. I hear all the others in bed sleeping, Chris, Ramsey, and Chloe, but not me. Yes it's rather crowded in the bed nowadays!

Tuesday is the day that Chris goes to the hospital for her skin biopsy. Part of the trial and then Thursday for lots of blood. Next Monday chemo starts and the 4-6 week cycle begins. Things are going to get pretty hectic around here for sure. It will be nice that school is out soon and that Alex is home too.

This weekend we went out to Annapolis to some good friends of ours who were having a graduation party. There son just graduated from high school and is now going off to college. We know what they are going through! There were a lot of friends there but I have to tell you about some very special ones that I had the pleasure to speak with. Jim's Mom was there, along with Glen's Dad, and Maria's Mother and Father. I don't know exact ages but I'm quite certain all of them are in their late 70's or more. Everyone looked wonderful and I had the chance to speak with each of them. It was just enlightening to see them and be with them for that time. I've known Maria's mom for almost 20 years! I knew her Mom before I knew Maria. Her mom worked for a company that our friends Rich and Sumo (don't ask) worked for, so I met her there.

She and I talked for quite awhile about Chris and my family. She prays for us quite a bit and has been doing so for a long time. I told her that it was working and to keep up the good work! Thanks Helen!

Trial starts soon...

Chris found out that all of her recent tests were pretty normal. This was a requirement to begin her clinical trial. She goes to Hopkins next week for a skin biopsy on Tuesday. This is part of the trial and they use it for monitoring progress. On Wednesday she goes for bloodwork. Not the normal workup though. She has to give a LOT of blood. Kind of like a Donor. This gets sent all over the place for various tests.

The actual trial starts on Monday June 11th with a chemotherapy treatment followed by the vaccine injection on Tuesday followed by many days in a row at the hospital for bloodwork and followups. It's very intensive the 1st week. I'll post more as soon as I have specifics.

Here is some information on the work being done by Chris's oncologist:
Research Summary

Dr. Emens develops and tests active vaccination strategies for breast cancer treatment that are optimally integrated with traditional anticancer therapies and newer biologically targeted therapies in additive or synergistic ways. She developed a genetically-modified, cell-based vaccine for breast cancer that secretes the immune-stimulating hormone granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and is testing the vaccine in combination with low doses of Cyclophosphamide (CY) and Doxorubicin (DOX) in patients with Stage 4 breast cancer.

In a mouse model of spontaneous breast cancer where the vaccine does not work, adding CY and DOX cures about 30% of tumor-bearing mice. This chemotherapy effect is largely due to the ability of CY to turn off a special type of immune cell (regulatory T cell) that keeps immune responses shut down. Analysis of patient samples on this trial will yield insight into relevant immunoregulatory pathways in humans that will support the better design of future vaccine trials.

Dr. Emens has also investigated the addition of monoclonal antibodies that target either the tumor itself (HER-2/neu), or the tumor microenvironment (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) to chemotherapy-modulated vaccination. Both add futher to the antitumor effect of the vaccine.

In particular, HER-2/neu-specific monoclonal antibodies augment antigen processing and presentation, resulted in higher numbers of CD8⁺ T cells after chemotherapy-modulated vaccination in the presence of the antibody. Based on these data, Dr. Emens is preparing to launch a clinical trial testing the HER-2/neu-specific monoclonal antibody in combination with CY-modulated vaccination in patients with HER-2/neu-overexpressing breast cancer.

The overall goal of Dr. Emens research is to elucidate mechanisms of immunoregulation in patients with breast cancer using the vaccine in combination with standard breast cancer drugs and novel therapeutics. These studies should identify novel drug targets to improve breast cancer therapy.

Lazy weekend!

Friday I took Chris to the hospital to get her echocardiogram. The last test before she starts her clinical trial. We got there early and got right in. Done in just under 25 mins!!! A first for us!

Yesterday, Saturday, we went to the Orioles game in Baltimore. Alex's boyfriend, John, came to visit for a couple days so he came with us. We all had a good time. I put up lights on the new cabinetry I put in the basement and also hung a new ceiling fan in the family room. Big fun!

Today Alex and Chris went shopping while I stained the deck. We're enjoying the time off and the time together!

Where to start?

Sorry for the long delay in getting my blog updated. It's been a pretty hectic week and I'm just now getting a few minutes to get back to it.

First the important stuff. Chris took herself to Hopkins on Friday for a bonescan, bloodwork, and a CT scan. It all went pretty well although the bonescan took a little longer than normal. She goes back this Friday for an EKG which is the final test before the trial begins. I think that she will be starting the trial on June 11'th. It is pretty intensive. Chemo one day, vaccine the next, blood draw each day for 3 days.... on and on. I'll put a schedule up when we know it for sure.

We are both a little overwhelmed with all of what is about to happen but I don't have to tell you how strong Chris is. She keeps our whole family together and is ready to start this in hopes that it works and that it can help others in some way in the future.

I got back from Pinehurst late Sunday. Good trip, lots of golf. It was great to get away for a few days from work and all the stuff at home. Chris insisted that I go and I'm thankful for it.

Michael scored a goal in his lacrosse game on Saturday so that was a big deal for all of us. Of course it happened when I wasn't there. Thank you to The Marries for taking Tyler to his game on Saturday. They've been a huge help with car pooling and when I'm gone.

Yesterday I made a day trip to Columbus OH to visit a company that my firm has a relationship with. Left home at 5:30 am and back home at 7pm.... Good meeting long day!!!

Now we're looking at the summer. Alex is working and doing well. The boys will be home in just a few short weeks! Worst time of the year for sure. They'll be busy though. Vacations are up in the air. We are trying to work out a trip with some good friends of ours but are waiting to firm up our schedules at the hospital. We wanted to try Mexico or back to Aruba. We'll see.

Thanks for all the emails with good wishes! It is quite uplifting!

Charlie off to Pinehurst

Today I'm leaving for a golf trip to Pinehurst, NC with some friends. Chrissy insisted that I go last year and I had a good time. This year should be fun.

Yesterday Chrissy signed the papers to get into Dr. Emmens clinical trial!!!! She's in! She goes back friday for some scans and then starts treatment in very early June. I'll fill you in more soon. It's 5:20 AM and my ride is almost here.

Keep an eye out for her while I'm gone! I know you all will...

Happy Mother's Day!

Well this was a somewhat normal week. Boys playing lacrosse with a couple of games on Saturday. Chris and I attended their games because she continues to look and feel really well.

Alex took off for a couple of days to visit her boyfriend in NJ. She cam home on Saturday and starts work again at COMSTAR on Monday! Today is Sunday and I was able to get her hooked up in the lacrosse officials world again. She did one game last Saturday and was able to pick up 4 games today. The pay is really good and cannot be passed up even on Mother's day!

This morning we took Chrissy to Bean's and Bagels for breakfast. After that we went to Home Depot and she picked out a bunch of flowers and plants for the yard. The picture to the left shows the patio and all the stuff that Chrissy has worked on the last couple of years. There's a little plaque that says "Mom's Garden". The boys and I then dug lots of holes for all the plants. I then sent them next door to do the same thing for our neighbor. She's a single parent and there was no need for her to dig holes so the boys did it for her. This year Chris made a bunch of planters and flower boxes.

Chris's oncologist called on Wednesday. She had missed an appointment and the Dr. was following up with her. We had no idea an appointment was even made. This Wednesday Chris is going back to see her oncologist and get started on all the paperwork involved with her clinical study. A Ct scan, bloodwork and a physical are in store for her Wednesday as well. Another busy day at John's Hopkins. She is very excited about moving ahead with this!

Avon Walk in DC

Sunday was an absolute gorgeous day in Maryland. Beautiful sunny clear skies and temperatures in the very low 60's. It was a perfect day for walkers in the 2007 Avon walk to walk the final 13.1 miles.

Chris and I drove down to Washington, DC to catch up with some of the walkers that we knew were walking. We took Alex with us as well. We met up with Marianne (works for Chris) and Alex walked the last 7 miles along with her for encouragement. We also met up with our neighbor and good friend Cheryl and her team that were resting at the lunch stop.
After seeing our friends at the lunch stop we left and drove along the route in DC. It was really exciting to watch all of the walkers along the route.

After we drove the route, we ended up at the Kennedy Center in DC. This is where the walk started and finished. It was overwhelming to see each of the walkers cross the finish line. It was if each one were walking just for us!!! In a way they were!

We saw our friends finish and gave each of them a hug when they were done. A very well deserved hug! If you ever get a chance to attend one of these I would really recommend it ! This years walk raised $7.4 Million!!! Money which stays in the local area. THANK YOU to all of you who donated to this walk this year. Your donations go to a very good cause!

More pictures from the day are found in the pictures section....
An article in the Washington Post describes the days activities.

Loss in the Semi Finals

Chrissy has really been feeling pretty well recently. I truly believe that getting out and watching the boys and especially Alex's lacrosse games has been a tremendous lift. Yesterday we drove to Drew University to watch Alex's team play a really tough match.

In each of the last 3 losses that they had their opponant scored 14 goals and Lyco scored 12 or 13. Last night Drew scored 14!!!! Lyco 12.... tough loss. They were losing 4-0 2 minutes into the game, losing 10-2 at halftime. The stormed back and made it a very exciting game but just couldn't climb back. Again, Alex got some good playing time. She said she was very nervous but that went away. Read the write up here. I put pictures up on the pictures page too.

The 1st picture above is right after Alex came into the game for the 1st time. There was a penalty shot being taken and she had to be behind the player. The next picture shows the player falling down as soon as the whistle blew!!!! That's great defense!!! Way to go Allie! (I think she tied the girls shoe laces together when she wasn't looking!)

She is now officially done with school and I have to go up to get her and her things sometime today (Friday). Not sure when yet. It will be nice to see her home. We've really missed her a lot!

Playoff Game 1

Alex's team won their first playoff game 25-13 yesterday at home. Here is the Lycoming press release on it. They only beat Scanton by a few goals in the regular season and it was nice to see them on a wild tear! Alex got some playing time in the 1st half and played a large portion of the 2nd half as well. She is the 1st substitute to come in. She's still a freshman and there are still more experienced players in front of her but it really is encouraging to see her get the amount of playing time that she is getting. She's making the best use of it too.

Note the tatooed "L" on her leg in the pictures for this game that I took. It's not permanent!!! Her team plays Drew University on Thursday this week in NJ. They are going up on Wednesday and staying in a hotel the night before so that they are well rested and ready to go. They lost to Drew in the regular season by 1 goal in overtime! They are looking for redemption.

Chrissy and I drove up to watch the game yesterday and really enjoyed it. Her mom and dad came over to be with the boys and that gave us the time to run up there and back. Another friend helped by getting Tyler to his lacrosse practice as well, thanks Ferren! Without the help from others we would not be able to get out and see Alex. Not only does Alex appreciate it but Chris really enjoys and appreciates it as well. Seeing your child play rec sports and high school sports is one thing, but NCAA collegiate competition is a step above.

BTW Alex did check her grades and did very well again this semester! Looks like she's going to be allowed to go back in August!