They finally let me go on Tuesday. I would have gotten out sooner but I got some sort of infection and spiked a fever right before my planned discharge.
It feels nice to be out. I still have to stay in the city until next week. My doctor required that I remain close by, should anything go wrong, plus I had a follow up appointment on Thursday. The hotel I'm at is right across the street from Sloan Kettering so it is very convienent. My aunt is here keeping me company and running all of the errands (I'm not allowed out in public anywhere, not even a grocery store).
At my follow up yesterday, I made a pretty big decision. I decided to take part in a clinical trial. I had been made aware of this trial from the beginning and was tossing it back and forth whether or not to take part. It's a phase 3, double-blind, placebo controlled study, using a drug that they believe may help prevent relapse in those high at risk (unfortunatly that would be me). The drug has already been determined to be safe, it is chemotherapy drug called SGN-35. Even though it is a chemo, it's supposedly very mild with little if any side effects.
To take place in the study, I have to come back to Sloan Kettering for one day, every three weeks, for a year. They will give me either the drug, or the placebo over the course of a few hours. As I was trying to make my final decision whether or not to take part, the doctor said to me, "Look,this is the closest thing to an insurance policy I have to offer." I think that's what sold it to me. They will reimbuse me for my travel and I can quit the study anytime. But it is still a big commitment, and the possibility that I get the placebo instead of the drug itself frusterates me.
Desipite all of the problems I had in the hospital, I am doing quite well now. Much more tired then usual, but I feel pretty good. Doctor is very pleased with my counts and how well I'm doing. So I start the clinical trial on Monday. Let's hope I get the drug and not the placebo so I can up my chances of a cure!
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Wow, you're free! So happy to hear you are done and heading home soon. I think you are making a good choice about the clinical trial.. Placebo or not, you'll know you are doing everything you possibly can to prevent reoccurence. Miss you! Take Care!
ReplyDeleteSuch wonderful news jess! ! It's got to feel wonderful. The trial sounds good- not only do you up your chances, you may very well up many other peoples chances. Beth and I couldn't be happier for you. Relax and recover!
ReplyDeleteOH JESS I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW PROUD I AM OF YOU.. yOU ARE DOING SO WONDERFUL AND I THINK IT IS A GREAT IDEA FOR YOU TO DO THIS.YOU KNOW YOUR SILLY AUNT DOESNT UNDERSTAND WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT BUT I AM SURE YOU ARE MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION. I AM SO GLAD THE STEM CELL IS OVER AND YOU WILL BE ON YOUR WAY HOME SOON.I AM GLAD YOU ARE FEELING BETTER. LOVE YOU,.....AUNT KELLY
ReplyDeletegreat for you. I hope you continue to feel better and continue to regain your strength. I wish you all the best and most of all health. I love you and I am so happy to hear good news for you. You deserve all great news.
ReplyDeletewish you the best. to fight cancer ist very hard, but its worth to fight and beat it. ich know what i`m talking about. i have a few friends with cancer and the chemo can be a trip to hell.
ReplyDeletei wish you the very best an i hope you are on a good way back to health.
best wisches from germany!
lisa
i hope my english was goog enough. i`m still learning ;-) )
Jessica,
ReplyDeleteYou did it! I couldn't be happier for you and I believe you make the best decision to go forward with the trial. YOU ROCK! Will continue to lift those prayers! They are working!! LYL Diane