mbachini

Dear Reacher,

I have heard of some people using Nplates, I have not….here is a link and might be worth asking your doc about.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24414994

I was given several platelet transfusions after my treatment at NIH, but mostly it just took time for my body to kick into gear and produce them on my own. Keep us posted and sending high platelet counts your way!!
Melinda

Dear Cholangotango,

I have not at this time heard of the results of the most recent treatments of the TIL trial, but I will see what I can find out. I do know that there is a cholangio patient who is due to have treatment in about a week. She had tumors resected from her liver and she tells me her cells are growing, of course her outcome will not be determined for at least 2-3 months from now. The treatment takes a month….and then first checkup a month after that, but truly they wait for the 2nd month checkup to consider it is working. I am praying so hard for success for her! I have asked her to share her experience with us on the board as well and I believe she will.

I also know of lady with colon cancer who is due to repeat the TIL treatment soon….with very promising outlook. It sounds like they were able to narrow done her t-cells with a good response to mutation as well.

Thanks for the info on your dad’s trial….positive thoughts coming his way! Keep us posted!
Melinda

Dear Julie,
Wow girl…..you have been through the ringer. I sense how strong you are and I personally think you are making the right decision to sit out the chemo one more time.

You brought back some dreaded memories for me today….the weight gain….I literally gained about 25 pounds on the gem/cis combo as well…..the swelling…..my feet and legs used to swell quite a bit as well, especially in the summer heat. I absolutely DO NOT miss that chemo cocktail!

Hang in there….you are amazing and strong and I am praying for you!!
Melinda B.

Randi,

That is so awesome and so very inspiring!! Thank you so much for the good news today…..I was in need of a bit of a pick me up and you just gave me one!! Congratulations on conquering three different battles! You are my hero!
Melinda

Dear Melinda and Mary Beth,

I am keeping both your husbands in my prayers. I hope the wait is made shorter so the anticipation and anxiety will lessen. Please keep us informed of your results and sending all my positive thoughts your way!

Melinda B.

Here is a good explanation of sepsis from the Mayo Clinic…

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sepsis/basics/definition/con-20031900

Basically, a weakened immune system puts us at risk for an infection to turn into sepsis. I hope the antibiotics work quickly. Prayers to you both.
Melinda

Reacher,
All the information on the web can be so scary and overwhelming. Each person is different and I don’t believe for a second that we have an expiration date stamped on our feet. In the past almost five years that I have been fighting this disease I have never once asked “How long?” I have never wanted to know….because I feel strongly that none of us know how long. Each day is precious and a gift. I know it brings sadness and that is normal…nobody plans for this. You will find much support here…..prayers for you and your husband.
Melinda

I second that……..prayers for good news!!!
Melinda