I can't believe it's been over three weeks since my last update. Then again, a lot has happened.
We decided on IL-2 as the best treatment option for me at this time. I passed all the pretests (stress echo-cardiogram, pulmonary function study, EKG, lab work) and spent 5 days at Lehigh Valley Medical Center in early March, receiving my first round of IL-2. Let's call it Round 1A. I will still need Round 1B, 2A, 2B, and if by then scans show shrinkage of the metastases, I will continue through 3A and 3B. Each round is followed by rest periods of 2 to 6 weeks, and lab work and other testing at certain intervals to see that my heart, lungs, kidney etc. are holding up to the stress of the treatment.
IL-2 is known to be a grueling treatment, and it was rather intense, but not unbearable. As my family doc said this week, "you come from tough stock!". Charles was with me and was a wonderful support and encouragement as I weathered each side effect. I am thankful for a supportive husband, family and many friends. We have had meals and rides for the kids and dozens of cards and emails and messages of love and support. Thankful for God's leading to Dr Nair (the kindest, most gentle doctor on the planet!) and for the fantastic nurses at LVHN.
I'm also thankful for the hope of IL-2. It's a small hope - 7% chance of a complete cure. But, cure is CURE and I'm willing to give IL-2 a try for that reason. NO other treatment for late stage RCC has any chance of a cure. Another 13% have partial responses, shrinkage of the mets, to varying degrees and for varying lengths of time - months to years. There is some evidence that even in the other 80% who appear not to respond to IL-2 initially, there is still a long term effect of better response to future treatments and a general trend to grow mets more slowly. The treatment is really a boosting of my immune system to fight the cancer with my own T cells etc. Other immune therapies are on the horizon for FDA approval in the next 6-12 months, which could piggyback onto my IL-2 exposure and which have even better response rates in clinical trials than does IL-2.
So, I am hopeful. Most likely I will continue to live with cancer, but as my son Evan wisely says, "So, I little bit of cancer won't hurt you, right Mom?" Yep. That's right Evan!
I will complete the entire treatment regime sometime in August, if all goes as expected. We are not posting the exact treatment schedule on the blog since this is a public forum. Adult friends and family members will be staying at our house anytime I am in the hospital. If you would like to pray specifically on the weeks I am in the hospital, please email me or my daughter Kristen, to be added to the more specific prayer email list. Explain to Kristen how you know us, and she will add you to the list.
Thank you everyone, for your continued love and support. And more so, your prayers. God has carried me through this so far with much peace and trust in His will for my future. I have my moments of despair but they are rare. I know He has me in his hands and his plans for me are best.
Love
Karen
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4 (Thank you Linette!)
