Starting Clinical Trial Phase I

Discussion Board Forums Chemotherapy & More Starting Clinical Trial Phase I

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  • #51179
    marions
    Moderator

    Kathy……doubt always accompanies making a decision such as yours. It is my opinion to say: go with your gut instincts. As long as the trial has been explained to you, in detail, and you feel satisfied with the information given then nothing should stop you from making an informed decision. Remember that you can opt out of the trial at any time.
    Good luck and tons of good wishes,
    Marion

    #51178
    lainy
    Spectator

    Ksthy, we are counting on you to succeed! Can you just imagine??? I think your biggest problem with the scheduling is they are taking control away from you!!!! :):) Just had to kick that in. But really, can you just imagine being the one it works for. AWESOME!

    #51177
    kathyb
    Member

    Thanks Lainy!

    It took me sort of by surprise because I still feel quite “normal” and was planning on doing another cruise this summer.

    I go to Mayo Rochester for all my appointments and treatments. It’s only about two hours from our home in Iowa. It would be neat to meet you in person, though.

    The phase I part was a bit worrisome at first. A phase I trial has very few people in it and they are testing the safety of the drugs. Then when I found out I had to have chemo 3 times a month I had a little feel sorry for Kathy time. Outside of the fact that it messes up my schedule, I’ve heard they watch you very closely on clinical trials; and my oncologist will do what he thinks is best for me. I’m sure they are or will learn lots from this trial, and I’m sure the drug companies involved really want it to succeed :) The drugs have shown promise in research labs.

    Don’t know if this is true but my thinking is that the reason no one is lined up to take this trial is that there just aren’t many of us with cc (compared to other cancers) and those with other cancers have lots of phase II and phase III trials along with standard therapy to choose from. Who knows, maybe these drugs will bring new hope to many- like Gleevec did for those with a certain type of leukemia.

    Hope you are having a great day.

    #51176
    lainy
    Spectator

    Hi Kathy, our Super Woman! Now why in the world would the doctors think you could possibly want to hear that kind of news! I wondered about the Mayo’s. Does that mean you would do the trial from hom or come to one of those cities?
    IF you came to Scottsdale, I would love that and get to meet you. Where ever you have to be all my prayers and my strength are coming to you!

    #5331
    kathyb
    Member

    My June MRI showed my original inoperable Klatskin tumor is still stable! When diagnosed in July 09 the odds were <1% with inoperable bile duct cancer would survive 2 years. My symptoms of itching and jaundice started in June 09. I have "survived" two years and have felt good most of the time!

    Next news was not so good. There is now a “new area of disease”. Cancer has spread to my liver. I was told the options and since I am not a candidate for burning it off, I chose a phase I clinical trial.

    The clinical trial is for any tumor type of cancer – not just cc. I will have Gemcitabin (Gemzar) on day 1, 8 and 15 along with two daily oral medications, erlotiniv and gdc-0449.

    The trail is being conducted at Mayo Rochester, Mayo Scottsdale AZ, and Florida Mayo. It is presently closed but expected to open in about 3 weeks. Passing the requirements I will start at that time, as there is no one on the list ahead of me.

    As always I feel that God will direct my treatment plan.

    Kathy

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