Chemo #50 ✅

A big milestone with the big 5-0 today. It is crazy thinking of just how many times I have been here at the infusion suite at UIHC. Things right now are status quo. My tumor marker raised a little, but is still in the 100’s, so I feel good about that. We found out from the oncologist at MSK in NYC that I still do not qualify for the trial we were hoping to do involving high doses of chemo and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT) transplants. In true Brooke fashion, she made contact again with the CEO of the pharmaceutical company behind the trial. He is in contact with MSK to see if amendments can be made to the trial requirements so that I can be part of it. So, we are practicing patience again until we hear the final FINAL word on what the board decides for me; which hopefully will be in the next 3-4 weeks. We are cautiously optimistic, but aware that it might be a long shot. “No stone left unturned” has always been our motto.

We have a busy , but fun weekend coming up. We have the PanCAN PurpleStride walk in Des Moines on Saturday. There are PurpleStride walks happening all over the country to raise awareness and money for pancreatic cancer research, trials, and resources. I am honored to be giving the Survivor Speech before the walk. I will be telling my story and even having my song “Wash Me Away” played. I will share video of the speech soon after. If you would like to donate to PanCan PurpleStride, here is the link for our team: https://tinyurl.com/RallyRyan

For the rest of the weekend, Asher and Everlie have a piano recital on Sunday. They are excited to show what they have been practicing. Asher is also busy with baseball and flag football. We have very few days per week where there is not something going on.

I hope you all have a great weekend! Thank for all for your continued support in helping my family and I fight pancreatic cancer.

Ryan