Deb's Update: May 27th, 2008: 20:00 EST

Hi All,

I just wanted to give you an update on to what sorts of things have been going on with me since the last update I wrote...

My chemo combo of Avastin/CPT-11 continued to be difficult and it basically kept me in bed from Day 1 through Day 4... lots of nausea and fatigue. I'm sure you can imagine that watching too much Jerry Springer and Maury was not fun!!! Of course since further progression has occurred I have been started on a new combination: Avastin/Carboplatin.

The new combination has similar side effects but they will last longer since the Carboplatin chemo is only dosed every 4 weeks instead of every two like CPT-11 was. So, stay tuned as to how this one hits me. In addition to the side effects, my attitude has to push forward to continue to fight.

My next MRI is on June 16th. The support that my family has for me is amazing. They have all decided to come out to CA to be with me during the next MRIs... The next one, my mother is coming for a week. I am so excited to have her here so we can connect at a deeper level.

On a social side of things... when my sister was here for the last MRI, we went to another musical: "Mama Mia"! This was one that both of us had seen but it was a happy and funny one to see the day before my MRI! In addition, we went to Nordstrom to get me some new bras! I thought that would make you laugh... but think of it this way, it's always good to get measured by a truly trained bra lady! I'll leave it at that :-)

I'm still going to the yoga studio to remain calm... I'm also still meditating about 75% of the time depending on how I feel in the morning! I have continued to walk the dogs if the weather isn't too hot! As you can see, I really haven't added much fun stuff to my "downtime"...

I'm still out of work as I continue to fight this GBM cancer! Keep your hearts strong for me and I'll take both fingers and toes crossed too!!!!

One last thing: as I get closer to my family/friend visit in July, keep a lookout for the directions to the Portsmouth, RI (July 5th) party... You are all welcome to come :-)

Love you lots!!!!

Debbie

Amy Doherty (Deb's sister) Update April 14, 2008 8:00 AM

Debbie had another MRI today. The news was not as good as usual. She has progressed and it appears there may be new growth in both her left and right frontal lobes. Dr. Cloughsey put her on a new chemo drug, so she is now doing a combo of Avastin and Carboplatin. Her next MRI is in four weeks to make sure she responds to this new treatment. Debbie will be in New England July 3rd through the 10th. She's excited to catch up.

Thanks for keeping Debbie in your thoughts and prayers,

Amy Doherty