Let me start by saying Thank You. This site has allowed me to manage my relationship with this disease by being able to occasionally set it aside from daily concerns. I realize that I could never thank everyone who has sent comments, support, and well wishes through the site. It was not my intent to reply to every single comment, but I want everyone to know that I receive them all in multiple ways (e-mail, text, website) and I value the support and caring that they provide. Again, thank you all for helping me through this time
We met with the oncologist yesterday and reviewed the latest MRI. If you are following along, the MRI was done to obtain better clarity than what we were receiving with the CT scans. As expected, there was some growth from initial diagnosis to current date. However, the growth was greater than what would historically be expected in a couple of the large lesions. With this in mind we decided to move to the cocktail approach by adding the second drug in combination for a 12-week protocol and then return to current treatment for maintenance. Once completed, we will review ongoing treatment and monitoring at that time.
The existing drug I’m on inhibits the enzyme which cells use to protect themselves from the body’s own immune system. The new drug will increase the t-cell production and strength to further take advantage of the original drugs effect (details in Nitty-Gritty). This combination often results in a new set of more extreme side effects. We will monitor and adjust treatment, as needed, if they present. This was not unexpected and has been part of the potential treatment all along.
We continue this journey on the same path, just with a big hill. I can see now what all my endurance training has been for.
Both of these drugs are defined as checkpoint inhibitor type of immunotherapy which energizes your body’s own immune system to attack cancer cells.
Nivolumab is an anti-PD-1 drug which blocks your body’s cells ability to fend off attacks from your own immune system.
Ipilimumab is an anti-CTLA-4 drug that strengthens your immune system promoting the function and growth of T cells.
They are administered as a single infusion every three weeks, for a period of 12 weeks (4 infusions).
In combination, the first strips the protection away from the cancer cells and the second creates stronger T cells in your immune system to attack the cancer. Unfortunately the same thing happens with all the cells in your body, so monitoring of enzyme levels is key to ensure no damage occurs in other areas and organs.
If lab testing shows potential to create long-term or permanent damage this protocol is halted and immune-suppressants are used to correct the changes.
Chuck…with you all the way.
Ruti and Cliff.
Dear Chuck
Sending you hugs and love. We’re both thinking of you and sending healing thoughts. Power and good luck to you! Can’t wait till this is behind you 🙌💪❤️