Tomorrow I begin the new treatment protocol. Labs and tests on Monday, Doctor consult and first combined infusion on Wednesday. This cycle consists of 4 infusions spaced 3 weeks apart, so if all goes well it will end on Dec 30th. Just another of the many reasons to want 2020 to end.
Concerns are the change in risk profile for the side effects. Since this treatment removes my body’s cellular protection from my own immune system and also enhances the immune system, the labs results will be critical to ensure no collateral damage is done.
If something were to present (at a level of concern) we then have to use an immuno-suppressant to stop the new medicine, wait for the side effect to resolve, then restart the cancer immunotherapy.
The goal is to monitor and control everything at a low enough level that it doesn’t require a pause in the cancer treatment
I was concerned with the end of year timing and impact to insurance and approved leave but have had great support from the insurance company and the support services provided by AbbVie. So…good to go.
This year seems to be all about being excited to do something you don’t really want to do. With that in mind I am excited to get this next stage started, and over.
Stay safe, Be Kind
The profile is expressed basically in three different ways;
- Manageable by patient with commonly available treatment
- Impactful to patient quality of life, but not requiring change or pause in primary treatment
- Impactful to patient quality of life, indicative of potential future damage and requiring halt to treatment to allow for corrective treatment
Number 3 is what we want to avoid. In the single drug therapy that is about 5% of patient population. In combined therapy it jumps to 25%. The other levels rise as well, so I am planning for more impactful effects with the side effects I am already experiencing at a lower level
Dear Chuck and Ellen, We are thinking about you everyday and wishing you a rapid recovery.
Love,
Ruti and Cliff.
Love you so much! So, a pressing question- did you get a chance to take the canoe out?!😁😁😁
Hang in there my friend! We miss you terribly in ABV1 – it just is not the same! Part of our team has returned to work and it is nice to see familiar faces – the rest continue to work from home. These have been interesting times in navigating remote work, performance and productivity. I will look forward to the possibility that you will be back in the new year and help me!!! 🙂
I’m with you on getting to the end of 2020. Hoping you tolerate this new regimen with minimal side effects and impact on day to day things… sending virtual healing hugs…