On Tuesday I began my Clinical Trial. They take it slow for the first round to check your reactions to all 3 drugs. The first day I was there about 8 hours and had Rituxan which I have had over 20 times before with little or no reaction. I also got a drug to prevent pneumonia and this was given thru an inhaler. This time my reaction was a little different. I developed a slight fever before I left the infusion center, but nothing major. When we go back to our hotel I started feeling worse, with flu like symptoms, chills, and my fever went up to 100.5. I was concerned that I was going to get worse, but I knew this was a common reaction to Rituxan, but one that I had not experienced. I took 2 Tylenol and 2 hours later I felt fine.
This morning I had a full breakfast and went in for my next infusion, this time a drug called Bendamustine or Treanda. They drew my blood first and my WBC went from 53K too 28K in one day, which is pretty much expected from Rituxan. It was a quick infusion (45 min), but because of the trial they have to do a blood draw on a continuous schedule for the next 6 hours. We did have 2 hours between the last two tests, so we got to get out and go the mall. We even got to go out to dinner with Lisette and Angelo, which is always fun. So far I have had no real reations to this drug. I am hoping it will last.
Tomorrow I go for a second dose of Bendamustine and the first dose of the Clinical Trial drug. I am hoping the non reactions continue, but it will be a long day, 8 hours of blood draws. the next two days I only get the trial drug and am not sure how long they will keep me.
Thanks for all the emails, facebook posts and prayers. I definitely helps me get thru all of this.
Terry
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Dear Terry,
I am just getting ready to take my dose for the night and will "drink" to you! I take it at night now because it makes me sleepy. I took it in the morning when they wanted to know all the side effects. I really do not have lots of side effects from it though. I pray that will be true in your case as well. Glad that the Bendamustine and Rituxan went well. I will pray for protection for your body and for the CLL to get way under control. Do you know the % of your bone marrow involvement?
I really like your Rituxan photo shoot. I should do that. By the way, ask Dr. Kipps if you should watch the Tylenol. The company told me to really limit the amount of it as it can raise liver enzymes and so can the ABT-263.
Prayers,
Lori Dobbins
Dear Terry,
So far, so good! I continue to pray for no intolerable side effects - and of course for this clinical trial drug to do the trick! You're already the "poster child" for Rituxan so let's keep up the good work!
Blessings,
Lynne
Post a Comment