Albert's treatment - decisions and reasons.
I can't sleep, so you are getting a very long update on Albert's cancer treatment, mostly to set it straight in my own mind.
We are going to go with the experimental treatment program.
Reasons:
Its a much more aggressive program. It uses both of the most effective chemotherapy drugs, plus the new vaccine that they are developing. If we try this, we won't ever have to wonder if, just maybe, the other one would have worked better for us. We will know that we tried everything we could.
Being an experimental program, Albert will be monitored much more closely than on the standard program. We will have weekly meetings with the consultant, weekly blood tests, and monthly scans to assess progress or lack of it. I know some people would find this a disadvantage, but we are both people who NEED to know. We will be happier with the full information.
If we find that the side effects are too much to bear, or are affecting the quality of the life that we have left in an unacceptable way, we can withdraw from the program, and move immediately on to the standard treatment. We can't go the other way - once we start the standard treatment, we wouldn't be eligible for the experimental one. It's only open to patients who have never received any form of chemotherapy before.
It gives us a glimmer of hope. Ok, they don't know how effective it will be until they have tested it, but we do know how effective the standard treatment is, and that's not very good at all. So we've nothing to lose by trying.
If it doesn't work for us, at least the doctors will learn something from the attempt. It may help another person in our position in the future. If it does, then this whole thing won't seem quite so pointless.
So that's it. . We should get the notification of the date of the first treatment in the next day or two. Then we will both feel that we are beginning to fight back 
12 Answers
I have read this, and my mind is in this. Just so you know, you can PM me if you need someone to talk to in private. I don't know you well, but I know pain, and I am willing to listen and try my best to answer and help.
There are no wrong decisions in this journey of yours. Do whatever is right for you and your loved one - no questions asked, no choices questioned. We wish you two all the bravery and strength in the world. This is your challenge... embrace every moment together... and you will without a doubt become stronger in eachother.
Hi Sheila
I admire the sensible approach the both of you are taking in tackling this insidious disease. I truly wish Albert every success with the chosen treatment.
I think you are doing the right thing, Sheila, one must not let anything undone or not even tried. You are all going to have a very rough time, we will be here if you need to talk.
I am generally new to the site and to you, Sheila, but I wanted to tell you that you and your husband are in my prayers. Don't give up!
It seems you have thought this through well and whatever happens you have the possibility of a postive outcome.Some of this is so dependant on outlook at times. Keep letting us know how things are going.
Were this paper on which I am writing, it would be stained..I always otherwise see your name and know that I am about to read a delightful post full of insight into Spanish. Here we read your insights into Life itself.
I have checked "watch this one" and hope to hear in some next post that this new vaccine turns out to fulfill what it wants to be promising.
I send you all my best wishes and e-hugs.
¡Que seas fuerte, Sheila!
Sheila, I am so glad to see that you have such a positive attitude going into this fight. This positive outlook will no doubt be a great benefit to both you and your husband in the coming battle. If you or your husband ever feel your spirit flagging, leaving you with a need to vent, I am here for you. I have been praying for you since I first found out about your situation and I wish you both the best possible outcome. Whatever comes, never lose your faith, and keep that fighting spirit alive!
Whatever decision you make, never give up. Little by little as you gain wisdom from life... from God... you'll begin to see the results reflected in those decisions. Glad to hear from you Sheila...
I've added you and Albert to my prayer list, too. I think you are taking the right actions for the right reasons.
God willing, there will be an acceptable and tolerable conclusion to this.
Remember, hope, happiness, and a positive attitude are infectious and just as important as the medication.
