I know you all were left hanging at the end of my last post, so now we have a new plan. I will begin the Clinical Trial on May the 11th. End of Short Report.
I did have the lung biopsy on April 19th and we were waiting for the results so we could figure out what to do. On Friday (the 23rd) they called me and told me that the preliminary evaluation showed no lung cancer or identifiable infections. They also said that they could not determine what it was, and they would continue looking at the biopsy and the films. Today they called me and said that after they cultured the biopsy there were no infections found, and they have determined that it is scar tissue from some previous infection of unknown origin. This is good news because they don't have to do anything to get me ready for the Clinical Trial.
Because of the nature of this study, there was a fear on my part that I would have to redo all the tests that I have done in the past month (EKG, Echo, and CT Scan). Also of concern was the fact that my last bone marrow biopsy was done in January and I was afraid they were going to have to do that test again. But apparently the Clinical Trial coordinator from UCSD called Abbott and cleared me to NOT have any more tests except for one more physical exam and round of blood tests. That appointment will happen on May 4th, and I will begin the Clinical Trial on May 11th. The first round is for 8 consecutive days with drugs being given the first 5 and tests given the last 3. The second round is 28 days later and is only for 3 days. They monitor you pretty closely during this trial and I will have blood tests every week. This cycle continues for 5-7 months depending on how I respond. As of right now there are only 4 people in the entire U.S. that are on this particular trial so the results will be of great interest to everyone.
So now I am just waiting for all the confirmations on my appointment schedule and we will begin.
Let the show begin.
Terry
1 comment:
Terry,
I am SO glad that your lung biopsy came out so favorable. I continue to do well on the ABT-263. I didn't have to have another bone marrow biopsy. They determined that I was doing so well and that my last biopsy showed such improvement that I can wait that out some more. I go on the 3rd for ct, echo and labs. Right now I am having a terrible time with my left knee. I am seeing a surgeon on Friday for that.
I continue to envy you for being with Dr. Kipps. I miss him and his team so much. I am getting good care in Tucson though and it is as far there for me as La Jolla is for you. You're right about how they will monitor you closely but you are having other drugs with yours. I just had 4 rounds of Rituxan with mine. I do have monthly IVIg though.
Keep us posted. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lori
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