This is a repost from Wednesday as somehow how it got deleted. No doubt Operator Error.
The basic treatment plan is in place and we honestly believe we have everything moving in the right direction.
The plan consist of 33 radiation treatments which we hope will start Wednesday of next week. Treatments will be 5 days a week with the weekends and the 4th of July off. If I have counted correctly the last treatment will be August 1st. During this time I will be taking a chemotherapy pill, Temador. I take this pill 7 days/week through-out the radiation period.
I have also been accepted into a clinical trail at Duke. This is a pretty cool test that they are seeing very good results. The basics are we will go back down next week and I will undergo LeukaphBeresis. This is like giving blood to yourself. They draw blood from one arm, run it through some contraption that extracts the white blood cells and then returns the blood to my body in the other arm. The white blood cells are immediately taken to the lab where they will harvest them and develop a unique vaccine for me. The blood cells need to be harvested prior to the start of radiation. The vaccines will start 2 to 3 weeks after radiation, 1 every other week for 6 weeks and then once a month for 7 months. There are no side effects to the vaccine. My only concern is that after they pull out the white blood cells the only thing left to go back into my other arm will be Miller Lite.
The doctors at Duke said they were only accepting patients in the early stages of GBM and only those with the best chance of success. He also said this was the most promising strategy. Tom Baeker agreed and said he believed immunotherapy had the best chance of making quantum leaps forward in the not too distant future.
This is really exciting stuff and as I have said before I can't wait to get started.
Thank you for caring.
Hi Bill
ReplyDeleteTrying to tell Kathy how this works Hope you had a good day Such great news Your enthusiasm and spirit is keeping everybody positive and upbeat Haven't started running 101 in the shade and I don't sweat so it is miserable.
Bill, this is such great news !! I just love your positive attitde and enthusiam!! Please know that you all are always in our prayers !
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed this "blogging". I'm sorry I haven't posted anything until now. We have had internet problems ( Most of the time it is user problems ! Ha )
love to all, Kathy
Bill:
ReplyDeleteGreat news on the treatment plan. I might be joining you in Lousiville for the 13.1. I am getting up early with you. Apparently when you have a pregnant wife that is not comfortable, you are not allowed to be comfortable. Shea was up at 4:30 a.m. with indegestion, so I was up at 4:30 a.m. I figured I would make the most of it and workout.
Great news, Uncle Bill. The therapy sounds extremely promising. Wonderful research! I'm really happy for you.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous above is Stephanie. Kathy should find another teacher.
ReplyDeleteMiller Lite should be okay. If they suggest PBR graciously decline.
Based on your current pace (and my rough calculation)Aug. 1st is most significant because it represents "230 miles later" with treatments along the way.
Did I tell you about my new running shoes? Brand name is Trek... I know. I know. Stop harassing me.
Finally! Yea. All good news again. We're so pleased. It is really wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that the second anonymous above named his wife. For awhile I thought it was my son-in-law whining about waking up at 4:30. Sorry Allan, I should have known it was Bob's son!
This is great news.
ReplyDeleteTrick for those of you trying to run for the first time in a long time. Wear your running closes to bed. It worked for me once. Trying again tomorrow.
Love to you all.
Chris
Glad you are able to receive such phenomenal care :) Take care.
ReplyDeleteBecky