Doug,
I will not tell you I know how you feel because that could not be true. But I can tell you that you are in my heart and thoughts.
If faced with the news you heard yesterday no two people are going to have the same reaction. Mine would be to head for a clinical trial matching service. Now having said that there is a lot to consider when dealing with clinical trials. I would not be interested in phase one clinical trials that is the first phase and most never make it past that phase. A phase three trial would tell us that they have had some success and are moving forward with it. Also it it a blind trail that is blind using placebo's? I would not want to be one of the ones getting the placebo if my reason for doing the trail was either curative or life extension. Quality of life is a real consideration what are the side effects and will it be worth it in the long run? It is something that would have to be worth the risks so there would be a lot of questions to answer and a lot to consider. If a clinical trail is of interest to you here is a link to the American Cancer Society's clinical trail matching service web page.
www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_6_1X_Clinical_Trials_Matching_Service.asp
If a clinical trail is not of interest then I would have a talk with my health care team about palliative care and the options open to you. Knowing what to expect and knowing your choices will help you make the decisions that are right for you.
Please remember that we are here for you and your loved ones you are a part of our family.
