We’ve just been handed a miracle.
(Written by Becky)
“We’ve just been handed a miracle.” This was the title of an email Dad sent me yesterday after a chaotic exchange of phone calls back and forth between Michigan, New York and London.
Remember a few weeks ago, we mentioned that the doctors needed to test tissue matter from Mom’s biopsy for a mutation? Well, they did and we have the results. She does have this mutation. And that’s a good thing. Actually, it’s GREAT.
It’s called Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, EFGR for short. I’ve attached a few links to some more clinical explanations, but here’s my “translation,” simple as it may be: There’s a specific genetic mutation in the tumor that is common in people in four categories: 1) never-smokers, 2) women, 3) people from Japan, and 4) people who’s cancer is an adenocarcinoma. Mom is in all categories except the third. People that are EFGR positive, like Mom, respond better to a different type of treatment. In a pill form (as opposed to chemo being delivered via an IV), this treatment targets this mutation specifically (like a sniper gun) instead of the machine-gun approach that wipes out good cells along with the bad ones. I know, I know. All you doctors out there are rolling your eyes – but bear with us “common folk.” Other advantages of this pill are the significant (and I mean very significant) reduction of the nasty side effects that are known to come along with conventional chemo.
And here’s the kicker: EGFR positive patients have shown an impressive 60% response rate which exceeds the response rate for conventional chemotherapy. If Mom were to take conventional chemotherapy, the predicted response rate for her type of cancer, and the stage that it’s in, is around 20%.
I’ve waded through tons of articles and sites and research summaries to act as a filter for you. If you are interested in this concise and clear summary with more details on EFGR, please check out this article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/03/050309102313.htm
I talked to Mom yesterday on the phone after she got this news and, like the rest of us, she’s so grateful for this second major ray of sunshine in this storm. (The first being the news that the cancer has not spread to her brain.) At her retreat, she met someone that did the diet she’s on and this pill for her same type of cancer and they saw results within 8 weeks. Needless to say, we are all very teary and distracted yesterday and today with this news… it has brought us a bit more HOPE.
Please, God. Heal my Mom.
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Comments
Yes, Lord, please continue to heal Chris!
So thankful for this good news and continuing to pray for her as the details come together for an effective course of treatment. Praying for John (did the second surgery go well?), and Becky’s move, Johnny & Johnny5 as you face all this together.
Love you all!
Posted by: Patti Gibbons | June 9th, 2011 11:07
Praise God for this great news. May it be the first of many rays of Sonshine you will see in the next weeks!
Is Chris still in the hospital? I just scrolled around on this blog and both Chris and John’s FB pages and see no info on that, though Becky mentions the retreat so I’m hoping it means Chris is back there and enjoying herself.
Becky, you are an excellent writer. I’m amazed at how clearly you have explained all of the issues involved. It’s hard to do that when you’re in the midst of it.
Posted by: Melissa Worcester | June 9th, 2011 11:08
Sorry, Melissa! You made me realize I never published the post I wrote yesterday! Just did… and it answers your questions.
Posted by: admin | June 9th, 2011 14:06
Fabulous news!!! We will continue to storm the gates of heaven in intercesson for Chis, John and your entire family.
Love,
Fred and Donna
Posted by: Fred and Donna Lucrezio | June 9th, 2011 13:03
Blessings, Richmonds! My spirit is singing and dancing with you! (Though you may not quite be in shape to sing and dance, but you still can in the spirit!!) All of us are rejoicing with you for the wonderful news, and we shall continue to storm heaven , as we see God intervening already. Our love is with you both for complete and quick healing. Karen and Steve Lalor
Posted by: Karen Lalor | June 9th, 2011 14:19
That is such wonderful news!!!! It’s almost like a riddle being solved. What a confirmation that you are on the right path towards healing. We are rejoicing here for you and continuing to send you love, Aunt Chris!
Michele (and the boys)
Posted by: Michele | June 9th, 2011 15:59
Great news, hoping and praying for complete health!
Posted by: Bob arnold | June 9th, 2011 17:02
I think I heard about that new treatment on the news this week! They were very excited about it and said it applies only to a small group of patients with lung cancer. I was praying Chris was in that group! It sounded very successful! Praise God!
Posted by: Nancy Jonsson | June 9th, 2011 22:51
Becky, you find the time to research with all thats going on is amazing. Way to go..get the facts empower yourself with knowledge! You are your mothers daughter.
Love you and will keep you in our prayers.
Posted by: Jenni Stoltman | June 10th, 2011 20:55
Yay!! Praising Jesus!! Sooo very thankful for this big ray of sunshine!!
Continuing to keeping you all lifted up in prayer!!
Posted by: Cheryl Hedges Mertzlufft | June 11th, 2011 13:42
Chris,
I am so excited for you. God will see you through as he has promised. We are his children. May Gods love enfold your entire family.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Much Love,
Janice Seely
from CHI
Posted by: Janice Seely | June 16th, 2011 22:22