GREAT STRIDES!! McCrea Family Update

In the last several days, we have made 'great strides' in pulling together the best medical 'minds' in the country to consult with us and our doctors on the 'latest and greatest' treatment options for Valerie's cholangiocarcinoma condition. We have communicated with a Doctor at the University of Virginia, who specializes in biological research and treatment options for cholangiocarcinoma, and he is going to consult with our oncologist, Dr. Noam Drazin, early next week. We have spoken with a Doctor at Northwestern University who reviews and monitors Chemotherapy protocols, clinical trials, and expermental therapies throughout the country for gastro-intestinal cancers. He has provided us with referrals to four different 'cutting edge' oncologists in California, one in San Franciso area and three in the LA area. We have obtained approval to begin adding Avastin to Val's chemo regimen sometime in December. Though it is not intended for this type of cancer, it has been utilized successfully in several types of gastro cancers with remarkable results. Richard is now 'pulling strings' at his company to make sure we can obtain a supply of this drug. We have a contact now at MD Anderson, a female doctor who specializes in advanced cholangiocarcinoma. Julie is pursuing information through a friend on a doctor at Stanford who is involved in treatment options for this condition, and they have pioneered techniques using laser treatments to reduce tumors. So MUCH information. We are blessed to be 'recipients' of all of this information, all of this expertise, all of these incredible people who are dedicated to healing!

Val is currently half way through her first round of chemo, and feeling good. She has occasional pain, but is grateful that her body is responding to the chemotherapy well. I am sure that her focus on 'nutritional' therapy is contributing to how she feels. Actually, as I was speaking with her on the phone today, she was using her 'new' Jack Lalanne juicer - carrots, celery, wheatgrass, etc. - she is really getting 'hooked' on this. She does need to remember to put the top on correctly however, I think she 'wallpapered' her kitchen with carrot juice today!

Val has contacted another individual who is also dealing with the same diagnosis; she spoke with his wife last night, offering assistance, support, and a sympathetic ear. In the midst of one of life's worst 'curve balls', there is a tremendous amount of human connection, caring and love that emerges. I communicated with his sister today, and we will share every bit of information that each of us collects.

Bless you all who communicate with Valerie and her family through this website, you can never know the power of your words! We have an incredibly 'formidable' defensive team!

Aunt Charlene