Now that surgery isn't an option

February, 2009: Another scan reveals that in addition to the tumor in my jaw, there are now additional tumors in my spleen, neck and lower spine. At this point I'm still in no pain, but now that surgery isn't an option it's time to look at clinical trials and other options. Plus, Bend is not the best option if I have to do IL-2 or anything else, so moving to Seattle looks like the best idea. Over the next couple of months I apply for a clinical trial in Portland, a promising immunotherapy using Oncovex, a drug derived from herpes-simplex virus and genetically altered to attack melanoma cells instead of creating herpes. Phase one and two studies show much better than average results with few bad side effects, just what I would like to be part of. I have some conversations with Joyce and Rick Miner in Seattle about renting their houseboat, and it looks like I'm on my way to Seattle.
May, 2009: I've completed my move to Seattle and am now settled in the fantastic houseboat on Lake Union. Have had my first visits with Dr. Margolin at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (Part of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the University of Washington Hospital).
June, 2009: Can't participate in the Oncovex trial because of the bone tumors. Oh well. It's been 4 months since the last scan, so Dr Margolin schedules CT and MRI scans to get a handle on where I am now and go from there.