Cramming a lot of stuff in 2 and a half years

It's only been 2.5 years since a lump turned Carolin's world around. Her case was one of the stubborn ones and over that time many friends, neighbours, doctors, and technicians have chipped in their love and expertise to make things better for Carolin and our family. Two and a half years in, the battle is not going our way.

Today the doctor reviewed the latest test results. The liver cancer is there but it is also not the primary concern. It has responded to the Xeloda chemotherapy in the past. The cancer in her neck is a problem but some radiation may be done to knock it back a little. Carolin wears a neck brace much of the time. However the primary concern is the cancer in her head.

The cancer in her head is causing many symptoms including very poor vision, bad balance, and slurred speech. In the past the tumour in the center of her brain has been treated by both general radiation and stereo-tactical radiation. Unfortunately that tumour continues to grow and more radiation in the brain is not possible. The doctors are out of treatment options.

Several people have asked about chemotherapy and the brain. Unfortunately that doesn't work. The chemo molecules are too big to cross the blood-brain barrier so they don't get into the brain. The Xeloda treatments may help the cancer sites in her body, it won't help her head. If someone knows of something new that is injectable and treats the brain, I'd like to hear about it. (Tykerb cannot be dispensed in Canada).

Sandy