What is CPT-11?
Topic: Clinical Trials
As some of you know, the protocol my father is on calls for a drug called CPT-11 (aka Camptosar, aka Irinotecan). This drug is being used for the first time to treat brain cancer and has shown proven efficacy against Colorectal Cancer. If you'd like to learn more about this drug, follow any of these links below:

View a complete guide about this drug and learn about the side-effects

Overview of CPT-11 from Drugs.com

Download the PDF file from Pfizer

Dad's Birthday
Mood:  d'oh
Just a reminder that Dad's Birthday is May 20th. This is the first year that I've known exactly what he wants for a present. I wish I could give it to him.

He gets his MRI done on the 22nd. We are all hoping that this tumor is in remission and that this treatment is working.

Prayer for the Sick
Topic: Prayers & Hope

Omnipotent and eternal God,
the everlasting Salvation of those who believe,
hear us on behalf of Thy sick servant, Bill Beaton,
for whom we beg the aid of Thy pitying mercy,
that, with his bodily health restored,
he may give thanks to Thee in Thy church.
Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Grandpa Beaton and Baby Kyle
Mood:  happy
Dad had a great weekend with the kids. He's a bit exhausted and with good reason. Mom and Mark also came down for a short visit.

Dad finally got to hold his first Grandson, Kyle. I will post a better picture when I get it. The moment was very special.

Alex is here!
Dad and Alex have been entertaining each other at the house and monkeying around.

Molly will be here this weekend with the little monkey, Kyle. Mom and Mark will also stop by for a little while.

Dad is really enjoying having so much family around. Have a great weekend!

Kyle is coming to visit Dad!!!
...and he's bringing his entourage from Orlando. Molly, Mom, and Kyle will be visiting and staying with me (Will) this weekend. Alex will also come visit Dad tomorrow (Thursday & Friday). Basically, this post is just another excuse for me to post more pictures of Kyle. Can't wait to see Grandpa Beaton hold little baby Kyle.

Summary of Dad's treatment protocol...
Topic: Clinical Trials
Phase II Treatment of Adults with Primary Malignant Glioma with Irinotecan plus Temozolomide

Ron and Bill Beaton, a sight for sore eyes...
Mood:  a-ok
Ron and Carolyn Beaton came by South Florida on Friday and we all had a great time visiting with each other. The (partial) family reunion took place in an Ihop of all places and included Ron, Carolyn, Bill, Kathi and myself (Will). Everyone talked and talked until Ron and Carolyn had to leave to go back home. It was a wonderful day.

Dad and Ron, loving brothers. We've all been waiting for a picture like this for quite some time.

Some side effects...
Dad just had his second, heavy dose of CPT-11, which requires being plugged-in to a drip for over 4 hours!

He's starting to feel a bit sick from the treatment, but he's determined to destroy this "damn tumor". He's very focused on the goal and knows that he must be a soldier like Alex and destroy this horrible enemy.

The side effects may prevent him from traveling to Fort Lauderdale today (in hopes of having a brief visit with family from California). We'll see if he's able to make the long trip to Fort Lauderdale and I'll report back on this blog when I know more about how the day went.

Dad's feeling better.
The side effects of the chemo have been mild so far and Dad has been very upbeat. He will have another big dose of CPT-11 this Thursday.