MDX-1106, part three
Went for 7th infusion today of 10 mg/per kilogram of body weight of MDX-1106. Or Anti PD1. But first was the Doctor visit.
To rehash for many newer members, I had a left radical nephrectomy for stage 3 cancer in March 2011. Recovered well last summer with negative scans. In October 2011 found out I had numerous tumors in my lungs, liver, and chest lymph nodes. My local oncologist said she could do nothing for me. Maybe I would not make through March 2012. I needed to go to a bigger cancer center. A friend pulled some strings and got me to see a top rated oncologist at a bigger center. Bottom line is he said "Good Luck". He agreed that if I was his own family member then Interleuken 2 was worth the chance. But they didn't do it!
So I got to Yale in a bit of a panic. Yes. They could treat me with the Interleuken but......Maybe, I would like to hear about a trial drug of MDX-1106. This drug blocks the programmed die off of T-cells in our immune system allowing the T-cells to attack cancer cells. Specifically Clear cell renal cancer and melanomas....There were to be a limited number of candidates accepted into this trial. But I had to meet all the criteria. I really liked the idea and went for it.
Many weeks of blood work, genetic testing, ct scans, pet scans, bone scans, brain scans and biopsies took place. Then I recieved the news. My first infusion was to begin in December then every 3 weeks there after. Ct scans every 6 weeks.
By the end of December and in January, the cancer now had spread to my pelvis and spine. Very painful. I was needing percocets to get around the house.
But my pain started going away. I returned to exercise and running. I continued with treatment and my scans began to show healing in my bones. My lung and liver tumors were shrinking. Some are GONE!! I am feeling GREAT!!
So Today I go in for infusion #7. Pre-treatment, I meet with my Doctor to review my latest scans. Was I anxious?..Just lay it on me Doc. She says ,"So how are you?" I told her I'm excellent unless she tells me otherwise. She smiles and says," Some tumors are only half to a third of what they were. Some are gone."I am getting excellent response from the drug. Side effects are minimal. Not even worth mentioning.
I am getting better!!!!!!! How do I express how thankful and fortunate I am?
I want to thank all on this board who share their stories, support and love. We are going to win this challenge!
Now excuse me while I cry a little and finish my beer.
Comments
-
Yay!!!!YAY!!!!rae_rae said:Yay!!!!
Absolutely the best news! Tips a celebratory beer right along with you! I am deeply happy for you Fox! This gives so much hope to many!
Have another one with me.
We all know you're special but have you heard whether there are others doing as well as you?
It's no more than I expected but even so I'm going to sleep much sounder tonight after such great news.0 -
OthersTexas_wedge said:Yay!!!!YAY!!!!
Have another one with me.
We all know you're special but have you heard whether there are others doing as well as you?
It's no more than I expected but even so I'm going to sleep much sounder tonight after such great news.
Yes others are doing well. In the earlier phase 1 study some have been off the drug and have had continued response. I was told that one fellow had decided to opt out of the trial because of the committment. The doc reconvinced him to stay and he is now in full recovery.0 -
Amazing journey
Fox,
Your story is absolutely incredible. I am SO happy that you are getting such amazing results with MDX. I know it gives hope to a lot of people here and I wish you everything good on your road to recovery! Big hug & kiss.0 -
mdx-1106One Lucky Girl said:Amazing journey
Fox,
Your story is absolutely incredible. I am SO happy that you are getting such amazing results with MDX. I know it gives hope to a lot of people here and I wish you everything good on your road to recovery! Big hug & kiss.
Fox,
This why i like this site just when i think im losin my battle someone just says something at the right time to click the lightbulb on to start me rollin again. Thanks for lettin us know how good you done on that drug i do believe im callin the doctor today and askin for it. The only thing it can do it help cure me lol. So i dont see the harm in him turning me down, but Fox I really glad you are doing good. please continue with the updates.
Have a blessed day0 -
Congrats!
What a amazing journey. You fought hard for a long long time and you are winning. This is such great news and gives us all hope out here..Thanks so much for sharing your story and all of this valuable info with us..I am keeping a notebook of all the treatments that have helped others here and that might help me too. Congrats to you Fox and thanks for helping us too..
LD0 -
It's the beergarym said:Way to roll foxy!!!
Its probably a combination of MDX and green bananas, make sure they mention that in the studies.
Nah...i don't think it was the green bannanas. It was definitely the combo of beer and MDX! Congrats! Celebrate long and hard!
You've been so supportive of others, it's karma coming back at ya.0 -
weird addendumlittledarlin said:Congrats!
What a amazing journey. You fought hard for a long long time and you are winning. This is such great news and gives us all hope out here..Thanks so much for sharing your story and all of this valuable info with us..I am keeping a notebook of all the treatments that have helped others here and that might help me too. Congrats to you Fox and thanks for helping us too..
LD
Thanx all. Lets stick together. The support is a powerful tool. Here's the thing. I should be giddy as a school girl. But I am emotionally flat. I want to get better but I don't like being teased. Remaining cautiously optimistic. Maybe a feeling of guilt. I know just how unbelievably fortunate I am. But I can't stop thinking about all the people who are going to die because they don't have access to this drug. A friend mentioned to me, "Just think about how the doctors feel knowing they have something that can save thousands of lives and they can't use it." ..So, I better keep improving. I have to help prove that this drug is a wonder drug. Now the pressure of waiting 6 more weeks for my next scan. Remember, FLY.
Fox Loves You!!!0 -
survivor guiltfoxhd said:weird addendum
Thanx all. Lets stick together. The support is a powerful tool. Here's the thing. I should be giddy as a school girl. But I am emotionally flat. I want to get better but I don't like being teased. Remaining cautiously optimistic. Maybe a feeling of guilt. I know just how unbelievably fortunate I am. But I can't stop thinking about all the people who are going to die because they don't have access to this drug. A friend mentioned to me, "Just think about how the doctors feel knowing they have something that can save thousands of lives and they can't use it." ..So, I better keep improving. I have to help prove that this drug is a wonder drug. Now the pressure of waiting 6 more weeks for my next scan. Remember, FLY.
Fox Loves You!!!
Don't let such thoughts get to you. You've been doing everything you possibly could and thereby raising hope for countless others. Just stick to plan and get fully well asap and remember ELF.0 -
wonderful news!
Fox - I'm crying with you. And tonight--when I get home--John and I are going to click stemware filled with good wine and celebrate with you. (Sorry never liked beer.)
John is tentatively scheduled to begin the MDX1106 and Votrient/Sutent trial on May 10. I only hope he has similar success.
You do MDX1106 justice by educating so many on this board of its existence and successes. Thank you for exposing us to it and for being a BEAM of LIGHT on this board.0 -
Yeee haaaa
I hope that was some expensive beer,I know leading up to path report you had a lot of thoughts going thru your mind from good to not so good and then you ended up with the most awesome news.Well a huge congrats from me !!!!,well enjoy and keep on rockin!!!0 -
I will celebrate for you!
Fox.. That is FANTASTIC news! I am so very happy for you that I will drink a beer in your honor!! I HATE beer.. but my hubby tells me to have a Guiness. That is such wonderful news and thank you so much for stepping up to the plate and doing this trial. It could have gone either way for you and the fact that it went the RIGHT way is remarkable!! Please never feel guilty that you are doing well. Just think about the help you are rendering to others. If they see how marvelous this drug works they will have a lot to offer in regards to speeding up the drugs' availability for other people in other Countries. Continued success to you and please, keep smiling!! Big hugs coming your way. This should give faith to others (including you TW) that help is on the way. Never, ever give up!
One question if you don't mind Fox. Is this chemo based?0 -
You're rightDogRescuer said:It's the beer
Nah...i don't think it was the green bannanas. It was definitely the combo of beer and MDX! Congrats! Celebrate long and hard!
You've been so supportive of others, it's karma coming back at ya.
Not likely the bananas. Much more likely the beer and MDX. Probably has to do with keeping my good kidney flushed.0 -
Guiltangec said:I will celebrate for you!
Fox.. That is FANTASTIC news! I am so very happy for you that I will drink a beer in your honor!! I HATE beer.. but my hubby tells me to have a Guiness. That is such wonderful news and thank you so much for stepping up to the plate and doing this trial. It could have gone either way for you and the fact that it went the RIGHT way is remarkable!! Please never feel guilty that you are doing well. Just think about the help you are rendering to others. If they see how marvelous this drug works they will have a lot to offer in regards to speeding up the drugs' availability for other people in other Countries. Continued success to you and please, keep smiling!! Big hugs coming your way. This should give faith to others (including you TW) that help is on the way. Never, ever give up!
One question if you don't mind Fox. Is this chemo based?
I am crying like a baby... Literally... As I type this.... So many others deserve better than me. I have been a caregiver for 35+ years.I take care of others. I watch people who don't deserve to suffer pass away. Today, another classmate is in the obits. Such a sweet girl..... Even had lost 2 husbands!....Believe me, I never expected this to continue...So much to do. But I guess when you go , you don't have to worry anymore...A neighbor recently committed suicide because he couldn't deal with some bad decisions. He will never see his kids have grand children... He doesn't worry anymore... He even hugged me when I got a good report after my surgery....I'm rambling and sorry. But I can share my random thoughts and emotions here....More to come.
Fly.0 -
Chemo basedangec said:I will celebrate for you!
Fox.. That is FANTASTIC news! I am so very happy for you that I will drink a beer in your honor!! I HATE beer.. but my hubby tells me to have a Guiness. That is such wonderful news and thank you so much for stepping up to the plate and doing this trial. It could have gone either way for you and the fact that it went the RIGHT way is remarkable!! Please never feel guilty that you are doing well. Just think about the help you are rendering to others. If they see how marvelous this drug works they will have a lot to offer in regards to speeding up the drugs' availability for other people in other Countries. Continued success to you and please, keep smiling!! Big hugs coming your way. This should give faith to others (including you TW) that help is on the way. Never, ever give up!
One question if you don't mind Fox. Is this chemo based?
No. It is not chemo based in a typical sense. MDX-1106 is a monoclonal antibody. I believe it binds to the molecule that triggers the die off of T-cells. Therefore allowing them to persue the cancer cells. It then eliminates them.......How far can this go?0 -
OK here's the thingfoxhd said:Chemo based
No. It is not chemo based in a typical sense. MDX-1106 is a monoclonal antibody. I believe it binds to the molecule that triggers the die off of T-cells. Therefore allowing them to persue the cancer cells. It then eliminates them.......How far can this go?
It seems hard to believe that something like only 3% risk undertaking a trial. Maybe I should stay away from words like "undertaker."0 -
WONDERFUL NEW!!!foxhd said:Chemo based
No. It is not chemo based in a typical sense. MDX-1106 is a monoclonal antibody. I believe it binds to the molecule that triggers the die off of T-cells. Therefore allowing them to persue the cancer cells. It then eliminates them.......How far can this go?
Fox I am soooooooooo happy for you. I am crying too with joy. What good news. This has made my day!!!0 -
So Glad!angec said:I will celebrate for you!
Fox.. That is FANTASTIC news! I am so very happy for you that I will drink a beer in your honor!! I HATE beer.. but my hubby tells me to have a Guiness. That is such wonderful news and thank you so much for stepping up to the plate and doing this trial. It could have gone either way for you and the fact that it went the RIGHT way is remarkable!! Please never feel guilty that you are doing well. Just think about the help you are rendering to others. If they see how marvelous this drug works they will have a lot to offer in regards to speeding up the drugs' availability for other people in other Countries. Continued success to you and please, keep smiling!! Big hugs coming your way. This should give faith to others (including you TW) that help is on the way. Never, ever give up!
One question if you don't mind Fox. Is this chemo based?
Fox I am so glad you are having such great results.
I am new here but I can tell you have contributed so much to everyone.
I understand about the guilt. I almost didn't post about my not having cancer.
I am afraid to answer the phone now for fear that Mayo will call back and say they made a mistake.
Thanks again for your bravery and care for others.0 -
That sounds pretty good andfoxhd said:Chemo based
No. It is not chemo based in a typical sense. MDX-1106 is a monoclonal antibody. I believe it binds to the molecule that triggers the die off of T-cells. Therefore allowing them to persue the cancer cells. It then eliminates them.......How far can this go?
That sounds pretty good and it is working. I wonder if they give trials at sloan Kettering in NY for this. Methodist Hospital told my mom about chemo because she had a positive node and renal vein margin. But i know chemo does not work for this so why posison her with that? Glad things are working out for you. Sorry about your classmate and neighbor. Times are tough for people right now and alot of them are taking their lives. Prayers for everyone. Go ahead and have a good cry, but please don't be sorry that things are good for you. A caregiver of 35 years deserves something good for himself. Just enjoy and don't think about it. Here's a hug for you {{oo}}0
Discussion Boards
- All Discussion Boards
- 6 CSN Information
- 6 Welcome to CSN
- 121.8K Cancer specific
- 2.8K Anal Cancer
- 446 Bladder Cancer
- 309 Bone Cancers
- 1.6K Brain Cancer
- 28.5K Breast Cancer
- 397 Childhood Cancers
- 27.9K Colorectal Cancer
- 4.6K Esophageal Cancer
- 1.2K Gynecological Cancers (other than ovarian and uterine)
- 13K Head and Neck Cancer
- 6.4K Kidney Cancer
- 671 Leukemia
- 792 Liver Cancer
- 4.1K Lung Cancer
- 5.1K Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin)
- 237 Multiple Myeloma
- 7.1K Ovarian Cancer
- 61 Pancreatic Cancer
- 487 Peritoneal Cancer
- 5.5K Prostate Cancer
- 1.2K Rare and Other Cancers
- 539 Sarcoma
- 730 Skin Cancer
- 653 Stomach Cancer
- 191 Testicular Cancer
- 1.5K Thyroid Cancer
- 5.8K Uterine/Endometrial Cancer
- 6.3K Lifestyle Discussion Boards