Another Overdue Update

We spent most of May and June in recovery mode after the setback of The Allergy Incident. It was quite frustrating at times (for both of us) for Bobby to feel like he was running on empty most days.  He pushed himself as much as possible, but by mid-afternoon most days, he was out of gas.  There were also several "out of left field" complications that seemed to be little more than salt in the wound - high blood pressures, reflux and heartburn, and tendonitis in his right forearm. And just to keep it ridiculous, one of the screening tests from the hospital stay indicated his gallbladder was functioning at just 3%! We followed up with visits to our surgeon, and determined that since of all the complications he was experiences none were likely caused by the gallbladder, there was no immediate need for surgery. Good news, but still a head scratcher!

Finally, after the better part of two months, it feels like we've turned a corner.  The Taylor Family Reunion was over the Fourth of July weekend, and our brother-in-law Chris went on 3 bike rides with Bobby, and really seemed to kick start his energy level. We enjoyed having 21 family members together for time at the lake.

Of course, Bobby's renewed energy may be due to the fact we've been off any treatment since June 7th, which brings me to the bad news.  At our checkup on the 14th, we learned that the tumors are progressing once again.  Enough to bump us off the clinical trial, but because of the previous regression, he's actually back to where we started in December.  So, if nothing else, the VEGF Trap gave us six months of stability, which is always a good thing.

As for the next step, we're planning to switch to another Targeted Therapy called Votrient. Dr Keller recommended taking a "treatment break" for a couple of months to give Bobby time to rebuild his strength. It's perfect timing, since we have a week in Colorado planned for next week. We are going to see Michael, who's up there working as a trail guide at Sky Ranch in Lake City. We are really looking forward to trading the 100+ degree heat of Oklahoma for the 60s & 70s in the mountains!

Juli