My Introduction

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  • November 10, 2015 at 2:58 am #80404
    iowagirl
    Member

    Or…are you drinking a LOT of black tea?

    November 9, 2015 at 10:30 pm #80403
    mbachini
    Moderator

    Matt,

    Just a thought for you to ponder……maybe the rise in the CA19-9 is that the Keytruda is demolishing the cancer cells and it is in your blood. For me, the only time my CA19-9 was high was when my tumors were shrinking. So I choose to believe that for you as well!!

    Melinda

    November 9, 2015 at 10:08 pm #80402
    iowagirl
    Member

    Matt, I was going to stay off the boards for a while until after scans this week, but something drew me back in…..and then I saw your post….so had to see what was up. Congratulations on Merck providing the Keytruda for free…..such fantastic news. And….equally fantastic is that you are not having any nasty side effects.

    Julie T.

    November 9, 2015 at 5:24 pm #80401
    middlesister1
    Moderator

    Now I can add Matt and Merck to my hero list . I love the zero side effects. What’s great is we have heard that it can still be doing wonders even without them. I can’t wait to hear that is the case for you too Matt!

    best wishes,
    Catherine

    November 9, 2015 at 4:38 pm #80400
    lainy
    Spectator

    WAY TO GO, MATT! That is fabulous about not having to pay for the treatment! Better usage with all the planned trips! You are truly a CC poster boy! Keep up the great work and thank you for the update.

    November 9, 2015 at 3:53 pm #80399
    mattreidy
    Spectator

    Just a brief update “for the record”.

    I had my second infusion of Keytruda on 11/4/15. I’m still feeling zero side effects from the drug, thankfully. I feel well.

    Insurance (Aetna) denied claims and related appeals to pay for the Keytruda. The great news is that Merck, the manufacturer, has agreed to provide the drug for FREE going forward. I was not looking forward to shelling out $12,000 every three weeks.

    My CA 19-9 continues to climb even though I’ve started the Keytruda. My oncologist assures me that I shouldn’t worry about it, but it’s hard not to. I’ve updated my CA 19-9 history graph and attached it to this post.

    Scans are being scheduled as a new baseline for use in tracking how well the Keytruda works for me.

    I’ve got several trips planned. NYC for Thanksgiving and the parade with the family. Puerto Rico in January with my 80 year old father and two brothers, Salt Lake City for the Foundation’s annual conference, and Turks & Caicos with the family for Spring break in March.

    -Matt

    pubchart_oid_1271136665_format_image.jpg

    October 27, 2015 at 2:03 am #80398
    mbachini
    Moderator

    Matt,
    Can’t wait to see your great results and that line on your graph going way down!!! Happy there are no side effects and that life is good! You are always in my prayers! Hugs to you!
    Melinda

    October 20, 2015 at 9:20 pm #80397
    gavin
    Moderator

    Hi Matt,

    Will so join in with the keeping things crossed for you with the Keytruda and am sending loads of positive vibes your way as well. Love your pics in the other thread as well and looking forward to hearing from you in the good news section of the site!

    My best to you,

    Gavin

    October 19, 2015 at 10:34 pm #80396
    marions
    Moderator

    Matt……we have seen these incredible, positive responses to Keytruda; can’t wait to see your name attached to it.
    Fingers are crossed on this end. Did you know that Lainy crosses her eyes as well?
    Hugs,
    Marion

    October 19, 2015 at 2:36 pm #80395
    mattreidy
    Spectator

    Unfortunately, the downward trend did not continue. My CA 19-9 level from a week ago (10/14/2015) was up, to 1114.

    Now that I’ve started Keytruda, hopefully it’ll work and the CA 19-9 will start coming down over the next few months.

    CA199.jpg

    October 18, 2015 at 8:28 pm #80394
    middlesister1
    Moderator

    Can’t wait to hear the numbers!!!! (and I love the graphs)

    October 18, 2015 at 5:08 pm #80393
    lainy
    Spectator

    You go MATT! Being Sunday all I will say is TOUCHDOWN! It is apropos for you as well!

    October 18, 2015 at 3:50 pm #80392
    mattreidy
    Spectator

    Infusion was this past Wednesday and it’s Sunday now. Still no noticeable side effects from the Keytruda. I should have my latest CA 19-9 results (from before I started Keytruda) in a few days and will update my chart and see if there’s a downward trend without any therapy. Thankfully, we have the financial means to pay for the Keytruda, if necessary, without a GoFundMe or similar campaign. That doesn’t mean I won’t fight insurance and Merck for coverage and/or a discount. :)

    October 16, 2015 at 1:22 am #80391
    middlesister1
    Moderator

    Matt, not for all, but for some we have heard about keytruda working wonders without side effects. I really believe you will be another. But especially if it shows it’s working, I hope insurance will cover. If not, do we set up a “go fund me” page for you?
    Thinking of you and the family,
    Catherine

    October 15, 2015 at 10:54 pm #80390
    marions
    Moderator

    Matt……..you do nice work. I have been told that both, chemotherapy and radiation affect the CA 19-9 tumor markers . One could assume that the marker upswing is attributed to the radiation which now has leveled off. Is there a trend downward or is the current status based on 1 blood test result only?

    Hugs
    Marion

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