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.

He’s asked for us to pray that the treatment will continue to run smoothly this week. Apparently if all goes well he will be eligible for parole (err, release) on Friday morning at 02:30.

Pray also for Sara if she has to be driving around to collect him at that time of the morning!

Also, please pray for his hair to grow back as ginger dreadlocks. This is a special prayer request from Stuart…

• Flush – 30 minutes
• Drug 1 – 4 hours
• Hydration – 12 hour bag
• Drug 2 – 4 hour bag
• Hydration – 12 hour bag
• Drug 1 – 4 hours
• Hydration – 12 hour bag
• Drug 2 – 4 hour bag
• Hydration – 12 hour bag

Andy has asked the Professor if the 12 hour bags can be compressed into 8 hour periods, which overall saves 12 hours in the whole process.

The Prof has basically said that if Andy is clearing the drugs adequately he’ll consider it. During the previous cycle he allowed the final bag to be done this way.

The first hydration will have to remain at 12 hours as they use this for assessment.

Cancer cell being attacked by the immune system

After a week at home with the family, Andy goes back into hospital in Oxford this morning for the next stage in his chemotherapy and would obviously value your continued prayers.

This is another day of strong drugs, followed by a few days of getting his levels back to an acceptable level, and he’s hoping to be home again on Friday.

I asked Andy today about specific prayer points for this visit, and he sent these:

1. calmness/peace/peace of mind for me AND Sara
2. that my veins behave themselves and there’s no messing about when they cannulate
3. that said cannula remains viable throughout the treatment
4. that I clear both the drugs in a timely fashion without complications
5. that I get to come home as quickly as possible
6. that the drugs are absolutely as effective as possible and kill off this b****stard disease
7. that post-chemo side-effects are minimal and not too painful
8. that the kids don’t worry too much about me
9. that Sara is safe on her journeys to and from the hospital
10. that all our supporters have the strength to carry on supporting us as brilliantly as they have so far…..

Thanks for supporting Andy through this process. I know your prayers are valued highly!

Remember that Andy’s blog is here and his business website is here.

Please also pray for two of Jo’s friends, one who has been diagnosed with Breast cancer and is having a lumpectomy on Monday, and the other who is waiting for results of tests for possible/probable leukemia.