Emma Kinniburgh: Update 19 - 4th November, 2013

SORRY AGAIN!!! Late and short as usual. Lots to tell and very little time at the moment. In short Emma has continued to do pretty well health wise. She has no symptoms to speak of and is still keeping really fit and swimming loads and really just getting on with normal life. She has spent the last couple of months discussing and planning for a clinical trial via the Surrey Clinical Research Centre which is attached to the hospital and university.
We have a new protagonist in the form of Research Oncologist Dr Ajaz (of course know by us Ajax - son of a Greek God - can't remember which one). Very suave chap although not quite so Saville Row, Rolex and Mont Blanc blinged up as some of the other consultants. Smart casual I would say. We haven't established if he drives a Porsche yet.
He is running a Phase 1 Clinical Trial using immunotherapy. This is basically loading Emma up with a modified form of Vaccinia (smallpox vaccine). This should hopefully kick-start Emma's immune system to fight the cancer itself. This is potentially exciting but clearly it is early days. We hope and pray that this will have an impact.
Side effects are mainly flu like symptoms after each treatment and she has to stay in what amounts to a bio containment facility in the research centre during the treatment - basically a self contained metal lined box with a door. Prisoner in Cell Block H here we come. This week will be the longest stay from Monday to Friday and then it is weekly for 1 or 2 nights up to Christmas Eve. So it is quite a long treatment but very worthwhile.
The lead up has been a bit of a nightmare with loads and loads of every conceivable scan known to man, biopsies, cardiograms etc etc. However we are now here and I shall be in a gown and mask for the rest of week for visiting. Emma is fully wi-fi'd up so please send her a cheery message if you get chance. She may even honour us all with a personal blog during her time doing porridge - OH YES!!!!! Photos below are a bit random of the children from Spain in August but they are lovely and they are all I have got at the moment.
Love to all in the meantime and God Bless.
Andrew xx