After my microwave ablation, the next part of my treatment was clinical trials. I had hoped I would never reach this point, but in the back of my mind, I knew that there was a strong possibility that it would happen. I have mixed feelings. On one hand, it’s encouraging that I’m receiving the most cutting edge treatment available. On the other, it saddens me because my disease has progressed to a point where there are fewer options left. There was no guarantee that any approved treatment or therapies in clinical trials would work. For me, this clinical trial seemed equivalent to a Hail Mary pass.
I need James Banks and Casey Clausen on my team.
Through genomic profiling from Foundation Medicine, we discovered that my tumor growth was the result of a specific alteration in DNA. By knowing the tumor's unique genomic profile, researchers were able to locate all the active clinical trials in the United States for it. Currently, there are five.
My oncologist and I agreed on the clinical trial that would give me the best quality of life; I would be taking a drug called Afinitor® (everolimus). The drug has been approved by the FDA for treatment in advanced breast, kidney, and pancreatic cancers, but it's effectiveness for synovial sarcoma is still unknown.
Afinitor® comes in tablet form, and would be taken daily. If it worked, I would be taking it for the next two years. The major drawback is that for these next two years, having children would be out of the question since it can cause serious harm to unborn babies. In addition, this drug may have a negative effect on my fertility. Andrew and I aren't married, let alone ready to start a family. However, it's the principle; I want to have the option. I hate that my cancer dictates what I can or cannot do.
In any case, I had two weeks before starting Afinitor®, so to make the most of my healthy time, and to celebrate my 29th birthday, Andrew planned an Arizona National Parks Road Trip. It may not have had all the glitz and glamour, but it was one of the most memorable birthdays ever!
My oncologist and I agreed on the clinical trial that would give me the best quality of life; I would be taking a drug called Afinitor® (everolimus). The drug has been approved by the FDA for treatment in advanced breast, kidney, and pancreatic cancers, but it's effectiveness for synovial sarcoma is still unknown.
Carrizo Plain National Monument
Santa Margarita, CA
Soda Lake is the largest remaining natural alkali wetland in southern California and the only closed basin within the coastal mountains.
The area has spectacular views of the San Andreas fault-generated landforms. Some of the best paleoseimological data of any known fault in the world is collected here.
Los Angeles, CA
Saves the Day Concert
Saves the Day Concert
Thank you for inviting us Tammy and Erik!
Saves the Day was one of Andrew's favorite bands in high school.
Rock on.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame was established in 1958, and has more than 2,500 stars along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. It has attracted more than 10 million visitor annually.
We passed by many iconic locations such as the Grauman's Chinese Theatre during our 1.3 mile walk.
"One Ring to rule them all."
The Four Ladies of Hollywood was created as tribute to the multi-ethnic women of Hollywood. These caryatids are African-American actress Dorothy Dandridge, Asian-American actress Anna May Wong, Mexican actress Dolores del Río, and multi-ethnic, actress Mae West.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Simi Valley, CA
The Reagan Library was dedicated on November 4, 1991. At the dedication ceremonies, it was the first time that five United States Presidents were gathered together in the same location (Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush).
Sweeping views of Simi Valley.
This authentic piece of the Berlin Wall weighs 6,338 pounds and stands 9 1/2 foot tall. The West Side with its colorful graffiti and large butterfly is contrasted with the stark grey concrete on its East Side.
Ronald Wilson Reagan served as the 40th President of the United States from 1981 to 1989.
The Reagan Library was dedicated on November 4, 1991. At the dedication ceremonies, it was the first time that five United States Presidents were gathered together in the same location (Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush).
Sweeping views of Simi Valley.
This authentic piece of the Berlin Wall weighs 6,338 pounds and stands 9 1/2 foot tall. The West Side with its colorful graffiti and large butterfly is contrasted with the stark grey concrete on its East Side.
Ronald Wilson Reagan served as the 40th President of the United States from 1981 to 1989.
During Reagan's presidency, he acquired an awesome menorah collection.
Double date.
Early Years
Ronald Wilson Reagan was born in Tampico, Illinois, on February 6, 1911. He grew up in nearby Dixon and considered it his hometown.
During his time in Hollywood, Reagan made over 50 films. His best-known role was George Gipp in the 1940 film Knute Rockne- All-American.
In the 1950s, Ronald Reagan began his private collection of quotes, copying out each one by hand on index cards. The notebook became a valuable resource for his speeches, radio addresses, and letters.
"Man can't live without a heart, and you are my heart."
Throughout their marriage, Ronald Reagan composed over 700 love letters, notes, and cards to Nancy Reagan.
Throughout their marriage, Ronald Reagan composed over 700 love letters, notes, and cards to Nancy Reagan.
First Term Gallery
Reagan attracted votes from many Democrats and Independents, carrying 44 of 50 states. In addition, he led Republicans to control of the U.S. Senate for the first time in 28 years.
This room is an exact replica of the Oval Office during Reagan's second term. The decor used here and throughout the West Wing reflected his love of the West.
Spirit of America Gallery
State Gifts are a time-honored part of international diplomacy, and are accepted on behalf of the American people. Reagan received almost 2,000 gifts from foreign leaders!
Air Force One Pavilion
Air Force One Pavilion
Each nation's flag represents one of the 26 foreign countries that Reagan travelled to.
Air Force One, tail 27000 transported seven U.S. Presidents (Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush). President Reagan logged the most miles with 661,708 miles!
Reagan's 1984 Presidential Motorcade.
Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1).
Peter Rocha. President Ronald Reagan. Painted in oil, then covered with Jelly Belly® Beans.
Approximately 10,000 beans were used to create this delicious art work.
Approximately 10,000 beans were used to create this delicious art work.
Camp David (The Ranch)
Reagan loved the outdoors, and one of his greatest passions was riding a horse.
High fives.
Amazing Automobiles: Cars of Hollywood
2001 Honda S2000. 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003).
Batmobile. Chevy Impala. Batman Returns (1992).
The Batmobile is almost 20 ft. in length, and is powered by a 327-cubic inch V-I Chevrolet engine.
It has Rolls-Royce components, and parts scavenged from a British Harrier fighter jet.
This Ford was featured in the "Greased Lighting" sequence and the film's final scene in which Danny and Sandy ride off into the clouds.
A California Christmas
Every Christmas, the Ronald Reagan Presidential library showcases 23 trees from different California locations in honor of his time as Governor of California, and love for the holiday.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Ajo, AZ
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument has 312,600 acres of designated wilderness and shares 30 miles of international border with Mexico. The organ pipe is rarely found in the United States, although it is common in Mexico. The monument protects the bulk of its U.S. range.
Temperatures were below freezing in the winter, so we both wore our onesies to keep extra warm.
Visitor Center Trail
(0.15 mile; 5-10 minutes)
Desert plants grow in slow motion. A large organ pipe may be over 100 years old.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument has 312,600 acres of designated wilderness and shares 30 miles of international border with Mexico. The organ pipe is rarely found in the United States, although it is common in Mexico. The monument protects the bulk of its U.S. range.
Campground Perimeter Trail
(1 mile; 20-30 minutes)
Cacti are the most recognizable plants; 28 cactus species live here.
Cacti blooms usually in the heat of May, June, and July, opening lavender-white flowers after the sun sets.
(1 mile; 20-30 minutes)
Cacti are the most recognizable plants; 28 cactus species live here.
Cacti blooms usually in the heat of May, June, and July, opening lavender-white flowers after the sun sets.
Temperatures were below freezing in the winter, so we both wore our onesies to keep extra warm.
Visitor Center Trail
(0.15 mile; 5-10 minutes)
Desert plants grow in slow motion. A large organ pipe may be over 100 years old.
Cacti galore!
Victoria Mine Trail
(4.5 miles; 3-4 hours)
The trail meandered through the rolling terrain of the desert and crossed several arroyos, eventually leading to a historic silver mine.
Bath time.
(4.5 miles; 3-4 hours)
The trail meandered through the rolling terrain of the desert and crossed several arroyos, eventually leading to a historic silver mine.
Bath time.
Ajo Mountain Drive
(21 miles; 2 hours)
(21 miles; 2 hours)
The foothills of the Ajo Range offered beautiful scenic views of desert landscapes.
Nothing but wilderness for miles.
Since the southern boundary of the monument borders Mexico, illegal border activities occur including the smuggling of drugs and humans. Remember to stay on the designated trails and hike during the day.
Arch Canyon Trail
(2 miles; 1 hour)
Violent eruptions of ancient volcanoes created the rocks of this canyon. Hot ash blown from these volcanoes fell in layers, and as the ash cooled, it solidified into a rock (ash-fall tuff).
Mexico
Andrew surprised me with a trip to Mexico!
We spent a total of 15 minutes in Mexico.
Who says I can't be in two places at once?
Kitt Peak National Observatory
Tucson, AZ
Kitt Peak National Observatory has the largest collection of astronomical telescopes in the world with more than 25 optical and 2 radio telescopes used for research and public outreach.
Kitt Peak remains the leading center for astronomical research for over 50 years.
Mayall 4-Meter Telescope
Kitt Peak National Observatory has the largest collection of astronomical telescopes in the world with more than 25 optical and 2 radio telescopes used for research and public outreach.
It is located above the Sonoran Desert on the Tohono O’odham Nation. On 1958, the National Science Foundation signed a lease with the Tribal Council of the Tohono O’odham Nation for use of 200 acres of the mountaintop.
Kitt Peak remains the leading center for astronomical research for over 50 years.
Mayall 4-Meter Telescope
When the Mayall telescope was completed in 1970, it was the second largest optical telescope in the world. This 158-inch telescope allowed detailed measurements of bright objects in the sky, and gave astronomers the ability to study faint objects outside our galaxy.
Since it's a working observatory, astronomers sleep during the day. Make sure you keep the noise level down in their dorm areas.
This basketball court definitely needs some TLC.
McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope
On November 2, 1962, the McMath Solar Telescope was dedicated to honor Dr. Keith Pierce and Dr. Robert McMath.
This telescope is the largest solar instrument and unobstructed aperture optical telescope in the world. It stands nearly 100 ft. in height, and its shaft slants 200 ft. to the ground.
Its reflecting mirror design allows it to observe the Sun at mid-infrared wavelengths. Using this telescope, scientists made several fundamental discoveries about the Sun, such as discovering water molecules and helium isotopes on its surface.
The mount weighs an astounding 706,600 lbs.
Meade Solar Telescope Array
Meade Solar Telescope Array
The special hydrogen-alpha filters, or Calcium K-line filters allowed viewers to see sunspots.
Onward we go.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Tucson, AZ
Warden Aquarium
The Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) is one of the most biologically diverse seas on the planet, and is home to more than 5,000 species of micro-invertebrates and many migratory species.
Garden eels tend to live in groups, and get their name from their practice of poking their heads from the sea floor.
Reptiles, Invertebrates, Amphibians
Western diamondback rattlesnakes are most commonly found in Southwestern United States, and can grow up to 6 ft. in length. Be careful where you step; bites from this species cause more deaths than any other snake.
Bark Scorpions are distinguished from other scorpions by its slender tail and long delicate pincers. They tend to climb to the underside of objects and prefer cool, moist areas making them frequent house guests. Most stings are painful, but are usually not life-threatening.
Bats are uniquely adapted to fly at night by sending out high frequency sound pulses from their mounts and having these sounds reflected (echolocation). If a bat were our size, its ears would be humungous!
Earth Sciences Center
The allende meteorite was formed before the earth, and parts of it may be older than the sun. This was the oldest thing that I've ever touched.
Space: the final frontier.
Desert Grassland
Desert Loop Trail
(0.5 miles; 30 minutes)
Unlike pigs and hogs, javelinas are highly social animals, and form permanent herds with frequent intimate contact, much cooperation, and little competition among members.
A cactus family is defined by distinctive flowers and spine patterns that arise from areoles. During winters, many are covered to protect it from freezing.
Riparian Corridor
The North American river otter is nearly extinct in the Southwestern United States as a result of the fur trade. After an absence of almost 100 years, the river otter were successfully reintroduced into a remote section north of Phoenix, Arizona.
Saguaro National Park
Pima County, AZ
Continuation of our cactus adventure.
Saguaro reproduction begins during the hottest and driest weeks of the year (late spring and early summer) when white-winged doves, bees, and bats travel to the cacti blossoms, transporting pollen, and fertilizing as they go.
Young saguaros grow low to the ground, and those about the size of your thumb may be several years old. When a saguaro reaches about 75 years of age, they might begin sprouting branches or "arms." Tall saguaros with many branching arms can be 175 or 200 years old!
The saguaro's main stem and arms expand to hold water collected through its roots.
Ancient Giants.
Signal Hill Trail Prehistoric Rock Art
(0.5 mile)
Beware of prickly plants, poisonous rattlesnakes, scorpions, and gila monsters. Oh my!
These petroglyphs were created by the prehistoric Hohokam people more than 1,000 years ago perhaps while on a hunting or gathering expedition.
Rock art similar to the Hohokams' is found throughout the American Southwest. Scientists are uncertain what these artworks mean and hypothesize that it may have have religious significance, be solstice markers, or be simply ancient graffiti.
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Benson, AZ
Note: Photography was not permitted during the Cave Tour.
Images are courtesy of Kartchner Caverns State Park.
Benson, AZ
Note: Photography was not permitted during the Cave Tour.
Images are courtesy of Kartchner Caverns State Park.
In 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts, discovered a narrow crack leading into the limestone hills at the base of Whetstone Mountains. Wanting to preserve the near-pristine cavern, the cave's existence became public knowledge later in 1988 when its purchase was approved as an Arizona State Park.
Big Room Tour
(0.5 mile; 1 3/4 hours)
The cave started forming spelothems approximately 200,000 years ago. Water percolates from the surface and calcite formations grow continuously, including stalactites dripping down and giant stalagmites reaching up from the ground. The Big Room is an astounding 50 ft. high and 90 ft. wide!
Ribbon helictites.
Benson, AZ
The Singing Wind Bookshop was opened in 1974 by Winifred Bundy. It's located off the beaten path in the middle of a working cattle ranch.
The bookshop is filled with over 10,000 volumes of varying subjects, with an emphasis on Southwestern and Western theme.
Who wants salsa?
Fort Bowie National Historic Site
Bowie, AZ
For more than 20 years Fort Bowie and Apache Pass were focal points of military operations by the U.S. Army against the Chiricahua Apaches for control of the region. This bitter struggle ended with the surrender of Geronimo in 1886.
After Geronimo's defeat, Fort Bowie was no longer useful as a military installation. The fort was finally closed on October 17, 1894, when the last troops were withdrawn.
After the fort's closure, the remains of 72 individuals were removed for reinterment at the San Francisco National Cemetery.
The Visitor's Center was located 1.5 miles from the trailhead. Of all the National Parks we've been to, this was the farthest we traveled by foot to reach a visitor's center.
Barracks, officer houses, corrals, storehouses, and a hospital were among some of the structures built at Fort Bowie. This collection of crude stone and adobe ruins are all that remains today.
Powder magazine.
The hills around Fort Bowie lie within the Upper Sonoran life zone and contain several biotic communities. Desert grasslands dominate the lower slopes, while oak, juniper, and pinyon pine are found on the higher slopes.
View from the Overlook Ridge.
Chiricahua National Monument
Willcox, AZ
Willcox, AZ
Turkey Creek Volcano erupted 27 million years ago spewing ash over 1,200 square miles. The volcanic ash cooled and hardened, and eventually eroded to form these spectacular pinnacles.
Big Balanced Rock.
Sugarloaf Trailhead
(1 mile; 450 ft. elevation gain)
The monument comprises 11,985 acres; 86 percent designated as wilderness. An amazing four ecosystems meet in the Chiricahua Mountains (Rocky Mountain, Chihuahuan Desert, Sierra Madrean and Sonoran Desert.
Our trip wouldn't be completed without snow.
A historic fire lookout tower was at the end of the trail.
Sugarloaf Mountain (7,310 ft.)
View of the Rhyolite Canyon.
Tombstone, AZ
Tombstone was one of the last boomtowns in the American Old West. The town prospered from 1877 to 1890, during which time the mines produced $40 million worth of silver, the largest productive silver district in Arizona.
Tombstone was one of the last boomtowns in the American Old West. The town prospered from 1877 to 1890, during which time the mines produced $40 million worth of silver, the largest productive silver district in Arizona.
Making our way to Tombstone for that silver and pizza.
Tombstone is most famous for the gunfight at the O.K. Corral where lawmen Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan Earp, and Doc Holliday killed outlaws Billy Clanton, and Tom and Frank McLaury.
In 1882, the Cochise County Courthouse was built at a cost of $45,000, and it became a symbol of law and stability in turbulent times.
Boothill Graveyard
Boothill was established as Tombstone's cemetery in 1879.
It's the final resting place of the Wild West's most legendary, including those killed in the O.K. Corral shootout.
The historic Jewish cemetery at Boothill was once defined only by a crumbling adobe brick wall. In 1983, the site was restored and rededicated to all Jewish pioneers who helped to settle the west before the turn of the century.
Coronado National Memorial
Hereford, AZ
The monument commemorates Spanish conquistador and explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado's expedition and the cultural influences of Spanish colonial exploration in the Americas in the 1500s.
Between 1540 to 1542, Coronado set out to find the mythical Seven Cities of Gold. A Plains Indian, nicknamed "The Turk" led the expedition to Quivira as a plot to lure them onto the plains to die of starvation. Coronado's expedition was considered a failure and he died in obscurity in 1554.
Coronado Peak Trail
(0.4 miles, 289 ft. elevation)
Panoramic view of the San Rafael and San Pedro Valleys.
Coronado Peak (6,864 ft.)
Coronado Cave
(0.75 mile)
(0.75 mile)
Coronado Cave is one of the few open, undeveloped caves in southern Arizona. The natural limestone cavern is 600 ft. long and about 70 ft. wide.
The back of the cave is pitch black, so don't forget to bring two sources of light when exploring.
San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area
Hereford, AZ
The conservation area encompasses 57,000 acres. It features some of the richest wildlife habitat in the Southwest with more than 350 species of birds, 80 species of mammals, and 68 species of amphibians and reptiles.
Hereford, AZ
The conservation area encompasses 57,000 acres. It features some of the richest wildlife habitat in the Southwest with more than 350 species of birds, 80 species of mammals, and 68 species of amphibians and reptiles.
The San Pedro River is one of the last free flowing rivers in the Southwest. It supports one of the largest cottonwood-willow forest canopies remaining in Arizona.
Tumacácori National Historical Park
Tumacacori, AZ
On January 1691, Jesuit Catholic missionary, Father Eusebio Kino, was the first European to visit the village of O'odham. It was here that Kino founded mission San Cayetano de Tumacácori, the first mission of Arizona.
Padre Kino was noteworthy for the good relations he established with the indigenous peoples.
Many architectural features of the church reflect cultures that the Spanish had come in contact with over time. The statue niches were a Roman introduction, while the pointed arches of the two niches beside the window are Moorish in style.
There were no pews, and people usually stood or knelt during services. In addition, the church is in the form of a long hall, rather than a cross.
Foods were stored in the storehouse for distribution to the community. Prior to the Spanish, the local diet consisted of squash, beans, corn, game and wild plants. The Spanish brought domestic sheep, goats, and cattle, adding protein to the diet.
The melhok ki was normally constructed of mesquite timbers, ocotillo sticks, and mud. This modern reconstruction closely resembles the O'odham housing that was once part of the mission complex.
The mission complex includes an orchard with fruit trees such as peach, pomegranate, quince, and fig. These trees are not native to the area, and were brought from Europe.
Tucson Mountain Park
Pima County, AZ
The park was established in 1929, and is approximately 20,000 acres. It's the largest natural resource area and is owned and managed by a local government in the US.
The park was established in 1929, and is approximately 20,000 acres. It's the largest natural resource area and is owned and managed by a local government in the US.
It's very rare for the Sonoran desert to get a snowfall, and it usually never lasts for long.
Saguaros can survive a few hours of below-freezing temperatures. This extreme weather condition causes ring-shaped indentions to form around the cactus.
Ironwood Forest National Monument
Tucson, AZ
Normally, Ironwood grows in the sandy desert washes and valleys of the desert.
In addition, the area has more than 200 sites from the Hohokam period (600 to 1440 CE).
Having some saguaro fun.
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
Coolidge, AZ
The Ancestral People (Hohokam) lived in Arizona for several thousand years. By 300 CE, many lived in permanent settlements along the Salt and Gila rivers.
The Hohokam devised a calendar system based on the sun and moon and incorporated that knowledge into their architectures. For example, the circular hole in the upper left aligns with the setting sun at the summer solstice.
The Hohokam society suffered a decline from which it never recovered, and compounds were abandoned in the mid-1400s. The reason for this is unknown.
Sonoran Desert National Monument
Maricopa County & Pinal County, AZ
The Sonoran Desert is described as a "desert jungle". More than 200 species of animals and 600 species of plants live here.
Ocotillo leaves drop during dry times and sprout again when the soil is moist.
Andrew, the explorer.
Chollas reproduce by hitchhiking. Don't forget to carry a comb to remove attached cholla joints!
Joshua Tree National Park, CA
Riverside County & San Bernardino County, CA
Riverside County & San Bernardino County, CA
Much of the park lies in the overlap between the Colorado and Mojave deserts. This transition zone is home to species characteristic of each desert ecosystem.
Don't cuddle the teddy bear cholla.
Joshua trees are actually a species of yucca. These wild-armed trees can grow over 40 ft. tall.
Lost Horse Mine
(4 miles)
The Lost Horse Mine represents the area's gold prospecting and mining history.
10-stamp mill and mine site.
(4 miles)
The Lost Horse Mine represents the area's gold prospecting and mining history.
10-stamp mill and mine site.
Warming my hands up beside the fire.
Joshua tree clusters of cream-colored flowers bloom from February through April, while branching occurs shortly after.
Which way now tour guide?
Key's View
View of the valley, mountain, and desert from 5,185 ft.
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