Penny was discharged at around 1pm, after getting a parting infusion of potassium and electrolytes this morning. We went directly from the hospital to the START clinic to enroll in a new clinical trial.
The trial will begin as soon as the pre-study screening visit, scans, and echocardiogram can be scheduled — most likely next week or the beginning of the week after that.
This trial is another immunotherapy trial like the first one, but targeting a different mechanism to achieve roughly the same goal. This particular drug targets the cancer microclimate, which is generally hostile to the body’s immune system and attempts to make T cells more effective by “turning off the brakes” (disrupting signals that slow down the T cells) and also “stepping on the gas”.
As with the first trial, the drug will be delivered via biweekly infusions, so Penny will log some more hours in the infusion chair. As with all new drugs, the complete side effect profile is unknown, but Dr Lakhani expects it to be tolerated pretty well since the previous study drug was. They will monitor thyroid production closely since the first trial disrupted that. The daily dose of synthetic thyroxine Penny has been taking since then can be adjusted up or down as needed in response to the new drug.
Meanwhile, tomorrow is back to a more normal routine, plus a previously scheduled COVID vaccine and flu shot for Penny. It’s good to be home and turning attention to more normal things.
Comments
George Monsma, Jr.: Glad she is home. Praying that the new trial may be successful for her.
Alisa Tigchelaar: So glad to hear that Penny was able to enroll in the new study yesterday, and that you are anticipating a return to a more normal routine. Praying for you all, and especially dear Penny: time and energy for vaccinations and other essential health things, continued weight maintenance and gain, and strength to continue this challenging journey. Much love. 💗