lostsoul…. The good news is that you had some shrinkage and that other treatment options are available to you.
The biopsy is mandatory for clinical trial eligibility. I wish it were different. I have brought this up at numerous cancer meetings focused on eligibility criteria for clinical trials. A tissue sample has to determine (without a doubt) the presence of the specific disease. My arguments in re: to the difficulty of obtaining such tissue were acknowledged, but changes to the ruling are highly unlikely to come about.
Switching to a different protocol is not unusual with this disease and other cancers. At times it is required due to non-response to current treatment or when the patient has reached maximum benefit.
Enjoy your little break and please keep us posted. Fingers are crossed for a uneventful biopsy procedure and for the next protocol to wipe out the remaining tumors.
All my best wishes,
Marion