Tuesday 9 March 2010

Patience

I've never considered myself to be a patient person. I'm much more of an instant gratification type of gal. Yet the entire past decade of my life seems to be revolving around waiting. Waiting for medical procedures to start - to finish - to be successful.

I have signed up for a drug trial. The drug company is in the US so my pathology was sent over last week and we are waiting to find if I am eligible. As I understand it the drug targets a certain mutant gene found in fast growing melanoma tumours and (they hope) turns the gene off, so the tumours stop growing, or at least stop growing so fast. Previous trials have shown that some tumours have reduced in size by around 30%. A lovely old Italian man sitting next to DH at the cancer hospital told us that he participated in the last trial. He had been given 3 months to live but now his tumour is 75% smaller than when he started.

Obviously, I really want to get on this trial.

The first hurdle is eligibility. It's a strange new world when I am hoping that my cancer contains a mutant gene that makes it grow faster! The oncologist is 80% sure that it will.

The second hurdle is that the trial is randomised. This means that a computer program on a computer somewhere in the States randomly chooses who gets to try the new drug and who gets the standard chemo treatment. I have been placed on a priority list to start treatment asap, but there is no compassionate bias.

I am trying to think positively. The oncologist thinks another trial will start later in the year if I don't get the new drug on this one. And anyway, maybe the chemo will be just as effective, and there are other new drugs that are also coming on to the market - such as immune system boosters - that are having good results too.

My fingers are crossed and many prayers are being sent off into the ether.

14 comments:

Stacie said...

I am sending my prayers out to the universe as well. I am hoping with everything I've got that the US gets it right and adds you to the study.

I continue to think of you often and send love your way. Much love as always...

(another) karen said...

thinking of you.....

karen

said...

I'm so glad you posted an update, I've been thinking of you. I just recently started reading your blog but I'm so touched by your story, and praying hard for a positive outcome.

ColourYourWorld said...

I have been thinking about you also. I am praying for you also. I so hope you get on that trial!

Meg. said...

I recently came across your blog, and my heart aches for you and your family. There are so many things in this world that I will never understand.

I'm wondering if this trial involves the drug that was developed at my place of business (don't want to give too much away, but feel free to email me at mrkhmeg at gmail dot com). If this is the case, I have so much hope for you. The biotech industry is taking on Melanoma in leaps and bonds.

Praying for you...

Lisa said...

Praying for you, for whatever you need.

Jungletwins said...

Hoping you get on that trial asap, and they give you the good stuff. Stay strong- you're amazing.

SassyCupcakes said...

I've been thinking of you and really hope you can get in the trial.

There's a kid we know who I've blogged about a bit who's been going the US to treat a cancer that he couldn't get treatment for here. At first it was so sad and hopeless. He's just got back from another round of testing and the results literally couldn't be better. I can't tell you how much I hope you get the same result.

LiL Moo & Mee said...

Sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers your way.

Natika said...

Good to her from you L.
I hope you get into the trials and that they work.
You are in my nightly prayers.

In Due Time said...

I'm glad to see an update. I've been praying for you.

Anonymous said...

No compassionate bias - seems odd that an old man can get treatment but a young mother might not necessarily. But I guess they have to randomize it - everybody's important to somebody. It's heartening to read that you do have options and I will pray that you are aligned with the one most suitable for you.

Stacie said...

You've been on my mind today. Sending love your way...

Anonymous said...

I'm sure (I hope) you're getting lots of support but I also wanted to let you know about this organisation if you aren't already aware of them: http://mummyswish.org.au/
Mummy's Wish is a not-for-profit charity focusing on supporting mothers diagnosed with cancer while either pregnant or with young children. They are a Queensland based charity (I don't know where you are) but they might be able to provide assistance.