Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog

       A few days ago, Wynn and I were flying home from a trip to Italy.  It was a long day of travel and the end of an amazing journey.  I never thought I'd be able to experience an Italian journey within my cancer journey.  A few months ago Wynn suggested going to Italy because I was doing well and he feels that we should do as much as we can, while I can.  Having never been there, I was totally on-board with the idea, but also strapped with worry...What if we get there and something happens?  Will I be able to get home OK?   What if we put out a lot of money and at the last minute my health doesn't allow us to go? Trip cancellation insurance is hard to get and expensive when one has cancer.  Wynn has a wonderful way of moving forward when I'm stuck in a place of indecision. He ignores me...you know, in that "loving" way only a husband can.   Mike, Ann, Wynn and me at St. Peter's Square      In the p...

     Today was my monthly appointment with my local oncologist.  I continue to be doing well on Xalkori and for now it appears that my disease is still stable.  Other than some mildly increasing bone pain, I feel pretty well.        However, since the beginning of the government shutdown, I've been really, selfishly, upset.  There are a couple second-generation cancer medications being studied under government backed, (NIH), research protocols that I've been following, with great interest.   It's possible that I could need one of them in the future when Xalkori stops working for me.  These medications are in Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials and while our government is shutdown, the  clinical trials are also shutdown.  I've emailed my Congressman and hope you will too.  Go to House.gov and enter your zip code to find who your Representative is...then please email him/her and let them know how this shutdown is a...