Got into chemo around 1:45. The first thing they do in chemo is put in an IV to hydrate you w/a liter+ of fluid and then hit you with a lot of anti-nausea meds to make sure you tolerate taking the chemo drugs and then they administer the chemo meds one at a time. Each of the chemo meds takes about a half hour and there are two of them that I am taking, Irinotecan and Cisplatin. This week I didn't get the experimental drug, Bevacizumab (aka Avastin), as I only get that every 3 weeks. This cut 90 minutes off of the overall time and I finished up around 4. On the way home, I stopped by the grocery store and bought a whole bunch of stuff. Since I got home, I've been resting and eating like a pig. Feeling pretty good, all things considered.
I'd meant to give more of a summary of my treatment this last weekend when I had some time but that didn't work out too well this time around so I'll give a quick overview now. For the chemo, I'm 2 weeks on/1 week off over 12 weeks. This means next week, no chemo (yeah). At week 6, they will run some more tests to see how I'm responding to the treatment and then they will add in radiation treatments - radiation will be 10 minutes/day, 5 days/week over 6 weeks. I will be getting the experimental drug (Avastin) every three weeks during this time frame as well. It doesn't have the side-effects that the chemo drugs have and is pretty well tolerated overall. Dr I mentioned today that he has been trying to get it for clinical trials in the treatment of this cancer for the last 2+ years but FDA approval was slow in coming despite its positive results in similar cancers - he just got approval in August.
Swallowing has already become easier for me and I asked Dr. I if this was likely just placebo effect. He said that, based on trials w/other cancers, the chemo & Avastin had quite likely shrunk the tumor considerably already. It'll be interesting to see the results when they retest me at the end of week 6.
All the best
--Dr. D
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7 comments:
I am glad that today went well and that you sound very "upbeat" about everything. It is amazing that the tumor may have already shrunk. Good to hear that you got groceries and are eating tonight.
M
Ditto on M's comment. How about that timing for the experimential drug - getting approved in August. It's great you are able to get it for your treatment. - goc
So happy all is so positive and that you are feeling better. I talked to T yesterday so I am sure you have heard from him or will very soon. Thanks for all the info,answered many of my questions that I forget to ask when I talk with you..I pray you have a good day
dco
Is there a way to avoid surgery if the drug eradicates enough or is it mandatory to get rid of the bad tissue?
Either way, sounds very positive and am looking forward to Thursday and then Japan.
d
WooHoo!, sounds great so far, looks like you will have no problem eating some of that tasty food on Thursday, cool.
GOC - yeah, the timing was remarkable. MSKCC is the only place in the nation where the treatment is available and only to about 60 patients. There is a similar drug in clincal trials in Boston that I was going to look into but that would have involved a lot of travel which I'm glad I don't have to make.
Mom - thanks for talking w/Tony, haven't heard from him yet but I expect I will once he is ready.
Dave - While there is good chance that the Avastin/Chemo/Radiation combo will cure me completely, I will still have to go through the surgery just too be sure. Technology is not to the point that they can ascertain with 100% accuracy that I am clear of cancer so this is still the best way to help prevent a reoccurance.
Oh yes, still need to buy a travel book for Japan.
Jerry & Dave - looking forward to the food on Thursday. And the company of course. Just don't forget the food. ;)
Excellent news! Keep it coming.
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