An update from me.

[Mackey Mouse]

I know I am quiet, I am reading and posting, but I am quiet.

Our battle against Pancreatic/Ampullary Cancer has been a long one, we have been battling it will be 5 years this November. Tom is thin, and tired, but doing the best he can against the beast.

We are now doing a clinical trial offered at Mass General, it is two chemo drugs given one right after another and sponsored by a British Drug company....good for them that they are doing research and trying to find something that works against this cancer. This is our first week, and he has only had the one drug, we will go back to the hospital to pick up the second one, and at that time, they will test his blood, make sure he is doing ok before we start it. They will be watching platelets and kidney functions, etc. If he does not do well, we have a few more options on the table. I do hope that he responds well.

I am a realist, I know that there is no cure for this cancer, short of a miracle, which we pray for. He has seen this past year the birth of his second grandchild, a little girl, Eva, and the marriage of his youngest daughter June 13, he walked her down the aisle proudly and they had hydrated him the day before at the hospital and he looked pretty darn good..

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs083.snc1/4768_1166442276580_1093614619_30504494_2686345_s.j pg

Tom and his youngest taken by a very dear friend.....hope it does not come out too big..

[lisah0711]

A big :hug: to you, Tom and your whole family. I am glad that Tom lived to see so many exciting family milestones in the last year. I know from your various postings that you have been fighting the good fight and I hope that the new chemo regime works for him. Please remember to take care of Marsha while you are taking care of Tom. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Mackey Mouse]

Just one more thought here, as I was talking about milestones, I thought I should mention Tom and I are married 40 years this Sunday, July 12..

And Lisa, thanks for the sweet words, I see that you have a birthday the day before.. Happy Birthday.

[CarolynU]

I have kept checking for updates Marsha. Keep going the pair of you. I am thinking of you constantly.

[safetymom]

Marsha thanks for the update. I hope the new trials go well for Tom!!!

[TyRy]

Mackey Mouse - here's hoping that all his blood tests come back good and you can start on the second round of this clinical. And if it's ok to say, I'd like to say congratulations on your 40th anniversary...that is an accomplishment!

I'll be sending good thoughts and prayers your way. :flower3:

Ty

[Towncrier]

Thanks for the update. Hang in there. Prayers that the experimental treatment is successful.

[lisah0711]

Just one more thought here, as I was talking about milestones, I thought I should mention Tom and I are married 40 years this Sunday, July 12..

And Lisa, thanks for the sweet words, I see that you have a birthday the day before.. Happy Birthday.

Cogratulations on celebrating your 40th wedding anniversary, Marsha! That is an accomplishment in this day and age no matter what battles you are fighting together.

Thanks for the birthday wishes, too.

My grandmother was a Mackey and the Mackey clan needs to stick together! I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. :hug:

[Mrs. M. Mouse]

Marsha, I continue to say prayers for you and Tom. I hope his new treatment works for him!

Congrats on your 40th anniversary!

[Elfstar]

I'll be praying that this goes well for him and does some good.:hug:

Congratulations on your anniversary - how wonderful that you've been together for 40 years!:lovestruc

[antmaril]

Marsha:

I've been thinking about you and Tom and I hope and pray that he responds well to this clinical trial.

I would also like to wish you both a very happy 40th anniversary!

Marilyn

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Marsha, thank you for the update. I want you to know that I think of you and Tom often, and I want you to know it is because of the strong love and bond that you have with each other and not the battle. Such an inspiration for me. It keeps me real and helps me to remember not to sweat the small stuff. May you have some sunshine in your day! Diane.

[TB'sWidow]

Thanks for the update I have been following your struggle for awhile and I am wishhing you many more milestones Prayers for you and your family

[frdeb1999]

Thanks for the update. You and Tom are in my continued thoughts and prayers. :hug:

[karen l]

Marsha, congratulations to you & Tom on your 40th. I hope all goes well with the treatment. You are two very brave & strong people. Continued prayers for the both of you. :grouphug:

[luvmarypoppins]

Marsha, thanks for the update. Blessings to you both and congratulations on your 40th anniversary!! Praying that the new trials would help Tom. You both show such strength courage and determination to keep fighting. It encourages me too as well as all of us that are fighting the beast. Blessings to you both always.

[kdzgon]

Congrats on your 40th! Prayers and best wishes for a good outcome with this latest trial. How wonderful that he was able to walk his "little girl" down the aisle - I'm so happy for all of you that you were able to enjoy and celebrate such an eventful milestone together!

[Deesknee]

Marsha Congratulatins to you and Tom! As always prayers. Ditto to the drug companies that continue to search for cures for this and all cancers. I too have been wondering how things with you and Tom are going. Congrats on the wonderful experiences your family was blessed to have experienced this year. You and Tom must have been married very young to be celebrating your 40th year. :) Enjoy the summer in NE. Stay out of the humidity.

Continued prayers.

[MinnyGranny62]

:hug:Marsha...my thoughts and prayers are with you both. Shirley Happy belated Anniversary

[Pea-n-Me]

:hug:

[mommasita]

Happy Belated Anniversary!

You are both in my constant thought and prayer Marsha and Tom :grouphug:

[TyRy]

I know I'm late with this, but I hope you had a very Happy Anniversary this year. Hopefully things are going ok.

[breezy1077]

Miracles do happen. :hug: Still praying for you guys :hug:

[minniebeth]

Marsha, you are still in my thoughts and prayers too...:hug:

[kimis]

You all are still in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there!