IL-13 = "I Love 13 Revys"
7/16/2004

After a complicated, long, and successful second surgery on Wednesday Lori continues to recover and is doing well. Dr. Levy was able to successfully implant the maximum allowable number of catheters into Lori's brain (4). We are thankful that there have not been any complications and Lori has thus far tolerated the surgery and treatment well. Lori had been experiencing a tremendous amount of pain from the second surgery related to the re-opening of her incision from last Friday and the addition of a new incision for the placement of the four catheters. Infusion of the experimental IL-13 drug began yesterday. Linda, Lori, and I have learned through a few anxious moments the challenges of being involved with a clinical trial. Lori's surgery originally scheduled for 3 hours started 2 hours late at 2:30 PM and lasted 6 hours. The added time in surgery was due to some unanticipated equipment problems. Linda and I were updated once or twice during surgery but by the sixth hour were climbing the walls doing our best to control our anxiety. There were also some tense moments with the start of infusion on Thursday afternoon. A confusion with the infusion had Dr. Raizer start then stop after a "halt the infusion" order was phoned in. A little miscommunication with final approval of the protocol checklist by Neopharm, the clinical trial sponsor. It was finally settled after some frustrating moments for all. Linda and Lori had to endure that ordeal without me as I was away for the day on business.

And now an explanation of the cryptic title for this posting. Earlier this week a nurse told Lori that she had read patients do better when they are able to associate their medicines with a positive image. They began thinking of positive associations for IL-13. Lori finally conjured up the phrase "I Love 13 Revys". Revy as many of you know is our dog named after Dr. Levy (Lori's neuro-surgeon) and Dr. Raizer (Lori's neuro-oncologist).......hence the combined R+evy=Revy.

Revy has been such a treasure for both of us, a happy dog filled with love and unbridled energy. When given the chance he loves to run free in the park. As Revy sprints in circles darting back and forth one can imagine his distant ancestors herding sheep or other domestic animals in some far away place. "I Love 13 Revys" conjures up images of 13 little Revys herding all the remaining tumor cells into a corral (defined by the extent of the infused drug) to help the IL-13 to successfully eradicate all remaining tumor cells and cure Lori of her cancer.

Thank you all so much for your love and encouragement. Through your prayers and the grace of God Lori was selected to receive the IL-13. In this last week she has made it through 2 successful surgery's resulting in the removal of all visible tumor and the placement of the maximum number of catheters allowing for the best possible infusion of the experimental drug.

We are now focusing our prayers on the IL-13 eradicating all remaining tumor cells and that Lori will complete the treatment without any complications. We hope Lori will be going home this coming Tuesday.

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