Sandy spoke to her oncological gynecologist (Dr. Yamada) at the University of Chicago yesterday. They went over Sandy's options.
First, the clinical trial. Should she choose to accept this, Sandy could start almost immediately. This would include pre-tests to establish baselines. Sandy and I talked it over yesterday and decided that the benefits of the drug were not persuasive compared with its potential side effects (demonstrated with other types of cancer) and with the almost one and a half year commitment she'd have to make. Not to mention the fact that we'd never know if she is receiving the drug at all. She could be in the control group, being infused with a placebo. We ruled the clinical trial out.
The other options included a second look surgery within the next couple of weeks, followed by chemotherapy, or going into chemo ASAP. Dr. Yamada ruled out the second look surgery as a viable option. She believes it's best to begin chemo soon.
There it is. We go to the University of Chicago next Monday to have a port catheter inserted in Sandy and the chemo will begin 3 days later. Reportedly, the chemo could take up to 8 or more hours this first day. Dr. Yamada wants to start a slow drip while observing Sandy to ensure that she doesn't have an adverse reaction to the Taxol (paclitaxel). If she doesn't, they'll speed the infusion to a normal rate (In fact, this will be done by Connie, a nurse who's administered chemo for over 20 years, and not by the doctor).
Take snacks, bring entertainment, we were told. It's a long haul, sitting for so long without much movement.
Sandy is glad that this schedule has finally been set up and she can get started. There will be 6 cycles of three weeks each, with various tests taken at times to determine the progress of the chemicals. We are optimistic that she'll do well, in part because she is otherwise in good health.
First, the clinical trial. Should she choose to accept this, Sandy could start almost immediately. This would include pre-tests to establish baselines. Sandy and I talked it over yesterday and decided that the benefits of the drug were not persuasive compared with its potential side effects (demonstrated with other types of cancer) and with the almost one and a half year commitment she'd have to make. Not to mention the fact that we'd never know if she is receiving the drug at all. She could be in the control group, being infused with a placebo. We ruled the clinical trial out.
The other options included a second look surgery within the next couple of weeks, followed by chemotherapy, or going into chemo ASAP. Dr. Yamada ruled out the second look surgery as a viable option. She believes it's best to begin chemo soon.
There it is. We go to the University of Chicago next Monday to have a port catheter inserted in Sandy and the chemo will begin 3 days later. Reportedly, the chemo could take up to 8 or more hours this first day. Dr. Yamada wants to start a slow drip while observing Sandy to ensure that she doesn't have an adverse reaction to the Taxol (paclitaxel). If she doesn't, they'll speed the infusion to a normal rate (In fact, this will be done by Connie, a nurse who's administered chemo for over 20 years, and not by the doctor).
Take snacks, bring entertainment, we were told. It's a long haul, sitting for so long without much movement.
Sandy is glad that this schedule has finally been set up and she can get started. There will be 6 cycles of three weeks each, with various tests taken at times to determine the progress of the chemicals. We are optimistic that she'll do well, in part because she is otherwise in good health.
No comments:
Post a Comment