When it rains it pours...

Well, I thought it was about time for an update. We are still waiting to get a result from the B-RAF test and thanks to Cleve's boss Dr. Traul we now know why its taking so darn long. Apparently they have run the same test three times now and still can't get a clear read. They may need another sample from the tumor. Also, because of this we have missed out on the case study in Houston, so we will not be traveling there it looks like. We are now looking at different locations like L.A. and New York. When we get more information regarding those places I will pass it along. Another new bit of information is we now know for sure that Cleve is a stage IV cancer. His lower back has been causing him pain and discomfort, that is conformation that the tumor is growing there too. As for his axillary lymph node, it continues to grow. When he holds his arms up, you dont even need to push to feel it anymore, it feels larger than my hand and that is just the part near the skin where I can feel. So, i guess this leaves us back at square one, trying to find a place to get treatment (we are opting not to go to Portland because we disagree with how he would like to proceed with treatment) and feeling the pressure of time. It seems nothing can happen fast enough and nothing is. I apologize for the negative tone of this update but I/we are feeling a bit defeated at the moment. We are simply hoping and praying something will go our way and quickly.