Last week Jack had an appointment with Dr. Antoni Ribas, MD Director of Cell and Gene Therapy at UCLA. During the meeting, Dr. Ribas ruled out treatments such as Interferon and Interluekin-2, an Immunotherapy treatment as not being effective for Jack’s stage 4 melanoma. His recommendation is to attack the cancer while also building his immune system, and suggest Jack enter into a trial. But, before Jack can be part of the trial, he has to have a particular mutated BRAF gene. Jack will find out if he has such a gene next week. In the meantime, traditional treatments begin.
Jack was eager to start radiation, and last week it began on Thursday. Once each day, Jack will undergo a radiation beam directed at his tumor on the back of his head to stop growth and reduce its size. There will be 15 treatments in all – he’s done 5 to date. He’s experienced some side effects from radiation, but he remains his ornery self ready to fight anything that threatens his fun.
His sense of humor and desire to talk to and be around friends and family have not diminished so don’t hesitate to call or visit (do call first). And prayers, happy thoughts and all around good vibes sent this way are much appreciated.
Next update will be posted after September 9th folow up visit at UCLA with Dr. Ribas when we find out whether Jack is accepted in the trial.
Bruce
Dear Deanna and Jack,
ReplyDeleteWe just returned last night from over a week in Santa Fe so have been behind in our emails, etc. Imagine my surprise to receive this email. We are thinking of you both and sending all of our best thoughts and prayers your way. This may sound bizarre (it is me after all) but if there were ever a time to be diagnosed with melanoma, this is the best since I've been in training. There are so many more positive results with just the drugs you're discussing in your email. People are feeling more optimistic than ever.
A very important piece of the puzzle is the trust you have in your doctor and his/her colleagues, as you well know. Sounds like you're surrounded by many good hearts and minds.
We will certainly call but wanted to let you know immediately that we are there with you in spirit. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. Sounds empty but true none the less.
We love you both. Love to your families. Will speak with you soon.
Jan, Jonathan and Ben Sternberg