Another in the series of updates on my friend Andy and his progress in fighting cancer!

The results of the last tests were not particularly positive and the Professor was ready to put Andy onto a course of Interferon.

However, the local Health Authority have refused to fund this drug (despite it being comparitively cheap) and, although at least one person has offered to fund it privately, this would appear to bar Andy from any free treatment in future. Doesn’t that sort of thing just make you throw your hands up in sheer frustration?

Anyway, here’s the latest update from Andy:

“Out of the blue on Monday I was called to be offered a place on a drugs trial. So tomorrow it’s back to the [hospital] for a day of testing: blood, heart psychological and a CT scan. If I pass the tests then I get in and the trial starts next Wednesday. I’ll spend Wednesday and Thursday inside and come home at lunchtime on Friday. That’s while they do 2 x 12 hour observations and blood testing and a final 3-4 hours on the Friday. Then the rest is at home. It’s tablet-based so no extra needles or drips. Then I have to attend a weekly clinic for more blood tests for the first 6 weeks, then 3 weekly. I’m scanned after 6 – 8 weeks and if there’s any change in the tumours for the better then it continues. If there’s no change then that’s the end of the trial for me.
The trial is to determine the effect of an existing, approved tumour-busting drug, Tarceva (Erlotinib) when taken with a new, unlicensed drug so far called OSI-906. Bottom line is that I get access to a course of Tarceva that I wouldn’t normally get access to (in the same vein as the Interferon thing). With any luck the Tarceva alone will stop or reduce the tumours I have. With more luck the new drug will do the same.
So, I’m asking that you start your prayer thing for me, firstly for tomorrow, that I pass the tests and am accepted onto the trial. Then, after that, for my safety during the trial and that the drugs will have a significant effect on my tumours.
This is suddenly a light at the end of the tunnel and I so much want it to go well and actually work.“
Please continue to pray for Andy and his wife and family who are coping incredibly well through this whole situation. I know that your care, even in just finding an odd few seconds in your day to remember them to God, is very much appreciated.