The thing with drug trials is that everything must be done in a timely and methodical way. There is a schedule to follow and deviations should be minimal. All parameters must be consistent or at least as consistent as possible. And this is where it all falls apart. We are humans and sometimes it is difficult to be consistent. At least that is my take. More on this later.......
My first trial treatment was Tuesday March 24th. The treatment consists of a chemo drug (Gemcitabine) administered via IV and a mystery drug administered orally. These drugs must be delivered together and the trial drug again within 24 hours. Before treatment began blood sample was taken and an hour after treatment began another blood sample was taken. After this blood samples were taken at prescribed intervals until I finished up 8 hours later. Total chemo infusion time was only about 2 hours from start to finish but I had to wait around for the blood samples. The very next day I had to take more of mystery drug and then 4 more blood samples were taken on a similar schedule and then I could go home. This regiment of blood sampling is only for the 1st treatment and I believe at a later date.
The week before I started this trial I battled a cold with a mild dry cough. Nothing major but 2 days after treatment I was in a bad way. Fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and general flu like condition. Into hospital I go and spend the next 4 days on antibiotics, pain killers, potassium and for a couple of days in isolation. Not a great start to a trial. On day 2 of hospital stay I develop a nasty rash on my lower extremities. Another kick in the head. Rash is hot and itchy. So Benedryl comes into the picture.
After all this I have to get back down to Princess Margaret for 2nd treatment on March 31st. I still have nasty rash but fever is non existent and I am feeling a little better but still kind of beat up. They take one look at me and my bloodwork and determine I am in no shape for treatment so off I go home to recover from whatever all this was. And that is the kicker. No one seems to know what the cause is. So many things are present: new chemo treatment, new trial drug (or not), underlying cold and cough, flu bug...... who knows but it just knocked me down.
This past week (April 7th) I had my next treatment. It is not considered number 2 but number 3 as per the schedule. No make up treatment here. This is the adherence to the schedule I spoke of above. No matter. Onward and upward. The good researchers at PMH decided to cut back on my dosages to avoid the extreme reactions I had. They are not really sure but this is the best option for now. In addition I have another Skin biopsy and Tumour biopsy taken on April 9th. I figure all hell is going to break loose again with all the activity but I am coming through it pretty well. A little help with good meds doesn't hurt either. I felt a some flu like symptoms yesterday and am still a little weak today but I can do things slowly but surely around the house.
And the best thing......the ascites seems to have calmed down. I hope this treatment keeps it under control for awhile. Nothing sucks as much as not having your clothes fit.....
The weather is finally starting to warm up. It has been a long and hard winter. All of our snow is finally gone!
