We just finished our intake appointment. This involved numerous blood samples, an EKG, and some information exchange with one of the nurses. Yesterday Penny had an echocardiogram, and a CT scan is scheduled for this afternoon. With that all the baseline information will have been collected in preparation for the new study.
The first biweekly infusion day is next Thursday. The local clinic has already had three or four subjects and there have been about 20 nationally in the study to date. We have received our education about potential side effects, but it sounds like things have been going pretty well for the subjects currently in the trial. Most of the side effects they have seen are inflammation related (because the drug can overstimulate the immune system) and tend to show up gradually over time, not as an immediate reaction to the drug.
Only time will tell how Penny and her cancer will respond. It seems Dr Lakhani was much more hopeful about the previous study, but it is hard to meaningfully quantify the chances that a new treatment will be effective. But Penny seems eager to give something new a try and see how it goes.
Comments
Jim Ludema: God bless you Penny and Randy. So many tests, so many treatments, so much uncertainty, but you maintain such a beautiful spirit. Much love. ππ»ππ»ππ»
George Monsma, Jr.: Praying that all goes well with this trial, and that the treatment will prove successful against her cancer.
Susan Langeland: Congratulations on almost finishing the prep check list! Praying the new study is just what Pennylyn Dykstra-Pruim needs!
Patricia Boer Fischer : Bless Her Heart β€οΈ.. Sendin Lots of Hugg's Love & Prayers Ur Waaaaay π β€οΈ π !!
Jane Warners: Keeping you in my prayers. I just finished reading βAn Elegant Defenseβ by Richtel and am convinced the only way progress (and cures) can be achieved is through willing, brave fighters like you! Blessings and hope for a good outcome with minimal side effects. (I highly recommend the book) Sending my love, Jane
Herm De Vries: Praying that this new trial treatment will exceed all expectations!