Hi Janis,
I don't get a chance to be on here as often as I'd like any more, so I've gone back a bit to read some of your recent posts and first want to say I'm so sorry to hear of the challenges that keep coming up for Shane but I am glad he's going to receive Pembro!! (I'm just about to embark on a letter writing campaign here in Canada because we are going to have to kick, scream and fight like hell for it (if one has already had other immunotherapies) – lobbying the feds and all provincial counterparts).
Second, we're in ON too and I'm wondering to what extent you are getting help from CCAC and the ODB plan (reading about your ins. troubles).
A couple of other things:
– don't worry about the steroids, he needs them and the therapies will work regardless
– my sister had radiation for pain for the spinal mets and it worked really well and pretty quick – the radiologist also told us that he had seen an "abscopal" effect happen for some even with that type of radiation
– Shane's gone through so much, so fast – we never know when the whole combination of treatments will finally reach some kind of "mass synergy" and turn the disease around. He's already had some response, which is great – you know he's a "responder."
Last, if you feel a need to talk, don't be afraid to reach out via email either!!
Sending lots of special thoughts out to you and Shane!! You take care!
Barb
.
