I'm going back in!
Results are in from latest scan. My remaining tumors have been shrinking from the IL-2! I will be readmitted on the 30th for round #3 of IL-2. Still some issues with bone mets but we will deal with that later if they remain. I look forward to the treatment. I don't look forward to miserable side effects. I'll be out of circulation until at least thanksgiving. Who wants to come and visit? I'll need someone to rake leaves! I probably won't feel good again until the snow flies. My post Il-2 skin peeling and redness will be a hit on Halloween. Can't wait. I think that for the next week and a half I am giving myself a green light to eat, drink, and party too much. Just more fun and games. See, there is life with cancer. Sometimes we have to look a little harder.
There have been many new people on board. Sorry about that. But here is a brief synopsis of my past couple years.
I have been very strong and fit since always. March 2011 brought me a radical nephrectomy. By oct. 2011 I was loaded with mets. I began the clinical trial of MDX-1106 in dec. 2011. I responded beautifully and was nearly cured until a few new mets developed in june 2013. I then began with the IL-2 in july 2013. Results are above.
To everyone. Keep looking for the right treatment. Don't take the first suggestion from your Dr. It may limit future options. There is plenty of information out there now. Read and learn. Choose carefully. Good luck to everyone. We can do this. FLY. Fox loves you!
Comments
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Shrinking! What a tremendous
Shrinking! What a tremendous sound to that word!!!! You still make smiles Fox!
Couldn't be happier with the news. Sorry you have to return to the hell chamber though. Wouldn't it be nice if they could just put you out for the duration?
Anyway, we'll be with you vicariously and sending back to you all that good karma you so graciously give to us. You know we love you!
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Talk about No Prisoners....
A man who walks the talk... what can I say but you're an inspiration! Be sure to write when you get work!!!
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Proud of you Fox! You've got
Proud of you Fox! You've got a strong constitution:)
Will you start a new "Live from the Cuckoo's nest" thread while you're in there? I need something to motivate me while I'm in the hospital too.
Best of luck to you, and best wishes xoxo
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FOX! This is AWESOME news! I
FOX! This is AWESOME news! I am so glad that it seems to be helping! Party all the way through and don't look back. It is a pity the stuff doesn't work on bone mets but I thought you already had radiation on them. Did it not work? Sorry for the memory not working. In any case, it is good news and i hope this puts this C word on the back burner one day soon! Love ya!
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So glad to read the news! Go
So glad to read the news! Go get them Fox you got this! Shrinking is an awesome report! So excited for you! Lots of huggss and well wishes as you step back into side affect hell..but its going to be so worth it!
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I AM the warrior!Eims said:fox you are the ultimate
fox you are the ultimate warrior....go get em xxx
But not to seem invincible, I will admit that I am scared. IL-2 is hard. Passing away is not in my plan. But I do hate thinking about how sick I will become with IL-2. But you know what? Bring it on. Ask Tex if he would trade places with me. We NEED to fight because only the accumulation of data will find the solution. I am amazed at the amount of people who won't attempt a clinical trial. Try that first. Then you are part of the solution. Not a byproduct. I'll tell you that trials are available. Search them out. Accept approved drugs only when necesary. They will always be there but so far they haven't become the cure.
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The foxy guy will ride againfoxhd said:I AM the warrior!
But not to seem invincible, I will admit that I am scared. IL-2 is hard. Passing away is not in my plan. But I do hate thinking about how sick I will become with IL-2. But you know what? Bring it on. Ask Tex if he would trade places with me. We NEED to fight because only the accumulation of data will find the solution. I am amazed at the amount of people who won't attempt a clinical trial. Try that first. Then you are part of the solution. Not a byproduct. I'll tell you that trials are available. Search them out. Accept approved drugs only when necesary. They will always be there but so far they haven't become the cure.
All my hugs sent cross country. Let's hope #3 series meets the challenge of the cancer cells and we can lift your arm as the winner of that round.
No Harley riding on US 101 this weekend...it's raining here in southern Oregon.
Good Luck.
Donna
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Fox, you ARE the warrior!foxhd said:I AM the warrior!
But not to seem invincible, I will admit that I am scared. IL-2 is hard. Passing away is not in my plan. But I do hate thinking about how sick I will become with IL-2. But you know what? Bring it on. Ask Tex if he would trade places with me. We NEED to fight because only the accumulation of data will find the solution. I am amazed at the amount of people who won't attempt a clinical trial. Try that first. Then you are part of the solution. Not a byproduct. I'll tell you that trials are available. Search them out. Accept approved drugs only when necesary. They will always be there but so far they haven't become the cure.
Fox, you ARE the warrior! And now that you know what to expect, it won't be so bad. (Yeah, listen to me...I've never gone through it. Easy for me to say, huh?) You have done it before, and while it wasn't fun...it sure as hell wasn't fatal. You are a hero in my eyes and I say a prayer for you every day. You are the man with the machete, cutting through the jungle, in order that the rest of us will have a clearer path to travel. Hugs!
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Great News!!TillieSOK said:Fox, you ARE the warrior!
Fox, you ARE the warrior! And now that you know what to expect, it won't be so bad. (Yeah, listen to me...I've never gone through it. Easy for me to say, huh?) You have done it before, and while it wasn't fun...it sure as hell wasn't fatal. You are a hero in my eyes and I say a prayer for you every day. You are the man with the machete, cutting through the jungle, in order that the rest of us will have a clearer path to travel. Hugs!
I am so glad to hear this news. I know you are dreading it. But it doesn't last that long. You just got to make it through it. When I went in I would be focusing on the things I would be doing a week out of the hospital. That is about the time I started to feel normal again. If you keep this up You will get to go back a thrid time like me!! It is rough stuff. But I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Keep it up. Prayers headed your way.
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NanaLou said:
Great News!!
I am so glad to hear this news. I know you are dreading it. But it doesn't last that long. You just got to make it through it. When I went in I would be focusing on the things I would be doing a week out of the hospital. That is about the time I started to feel normal again. If you keep this up You will get to go back a thrid time like me!! It is rough stuff. But I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Keep it up. Prayers headed your way.
Nancy, no-one could have failed to be impressed with the way you handled IL2 and to be utterly delighted with how it's treated you - particularly with your having, like me, a very unfavourable high sarcomatoid component.
Likewise, we were knocked out by the way John took it on (even allowing for the inestimable asset of having the lovely Alice at his side).
However, true to what we've come to expect, what a display of courage by Fox!!! This is a strong man who says he was "broken" by his earlier experience on IL2 and yet he's got the grit to go back for more! He's a tough guy and still he's not shy of saying he's scared! No wonder we're the crew who are changing the numbers.
As Fox says, we need folks to commit themselves to trials (when appropriate - so far all the adjuvant trials looking at preventing recurrence have been an almost complete waste, other than that if they hadn't been tried we wouldn't have known!!) because it's a major source of discovery and progress, albeit far, far too slow. I'm working on trying to get back to a status that would enable me to get into a trial, should there ever be one that accepts a heavily metastatic sarcomatoid chromophobe case who's now had to be taken out of a first line TKI treatment.
Here's to Fox getting a total response to HD IL2 - if anyone ever earnt the right to it, it must surely be him.
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only moderate panicTexas_wedge said:Nancy, no-one could have failed to be impressed with the way you handled IL2 and to be utterly delighted with how it's treated you - particularly with your having, like me, a very unfavourable high sarcomatoid component.
Likewise, we were knocked out by the way John took it on (even allowing for the inestimable asset of having the lovely Alice at his side).
However, true to what we've come to expect, what a display of courage by Fox!!! This is a strong man who says he was "broken" by his earlier experience on IL2 and yet he's got the grit to go back for more! He's a tough guy and still he's not shy of saying he's scared! No wonder we're the crew who are changing the numbers.
As Fox says, we need folks to commit themselves to trials (when appropriate - so far all the adjuvant trials looking at preventing recurrence have been an almost complete waste, other than that if they hadn't been tried we wouldn't have known!!) because it's a major source of discovery and progress, albeit far, far too slow. I'm working on trying to get back to a status that would enable me to get into a trial, should there ever be one that accepts a heavily metastatic sarcomatoid chromophobe case who's now had to be taken out of a first line TKI treatment.
Here's to Fox getting a total response to HD IL2 - if anyone ever earnt the right to it, it must surely be him.
Nana, this will be my 3rd week of IL-2. A week off, then #4. I'm amazed at how you could recover in a week. I don't think I felt like myself until 6-8 weeks after discharge. So weak. Mentally drained. I am fine now but I wondered if I would make a comeback. I began to feel like our old friend Paula who admitted she just couldn't do it anymore. I relied on my comprehension of the process and the fact that I believe that I can recover from anything if it doesn't kill me first. And I'll admit that at times I worried it might kill me. What is most amazing to me is that I could only handle 6 doses the first time as I was on the verge of insanity and have never been that sick before. (give me a nephrectomy any day). The second round I was hanging in until my physiology dictated the end. I expect the liver and kidney complications will determine the number of infusions this time also. There will be no mental or emotional issues. Now that I know what I'm in for. The biggest worry I had the second time was when I could no longer urinate. Dialysis is not my definition of fun.
Courage? I think not. I have been given the 2 biggest opportunites at curing kidney cancer. MDX-1106 and IL-2. I am incredibly fortunate. I will not squander the chances I've been given. What a shame that would be to me, my family at home, and here. Desparate may be a more fitting description of me. I want to live. I've realized that the only short term goals I have are doing well with my treatments. I am thinking long term goals. 5 year plan at least to finish up my projects. I have no plan B in the works. If the IL-2 is a failure, then new plans will be made. All my eggs in one basket? So., I'm committed and going for it. No other thoughts in the way.
Adjuvant trials. I guess there are some who have had several years of benefits. But nothing curative. Having been offered a votrient trial in the beginning just didn't sit well with me. But trials are the basis of research. I have always been very pro-trial. I encourage that anyone offered a trial choose carefully. It may mean changing doctors and clinics. Not everything is offered everywhere. We enter trials to contribute to science,research, and recovery. To find the cure. Do what is right for yourself and family first. Find a way to stay alive. Let science learn from that.
. It bothers me when new people come here in a panic. Then after a few posts we never hear from them again. I don't know if that reflects their character or not. I wish they would hang around for a while. We all share in the joy or misery experienced. They look for information and compassion then drop us like a blind date gone wrong. We have made strong friendships here. Friendships that would not have happened if we were next door neighbors. Sometimes it takes a while. I know that I am now slower at welcoming new people. Sorry. I'm hoping new friendships become self generating.
Tex, I'll keep on moving forward. I am doing well despite mets that are getting tougher. But I'm clear cell. Not sarcomatoid or chromophobe. I do have a greater chance for response. (there is a survivors guilt there too.) So I entirely commit to doing well. Just as I expect everyone on this board to do. I have no more right to good health than you or anyone else. No fighter has ever won by taking a dive. I'll follow your lead. In the meantime I have this week to enjoy living. I've got plans for golf, motorcycling, beer and pizza. My granddaughters say, "Poppy, you are squeezing me too hard!" Maybe someday they will get it.
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Trials & decisionsfoxhd said:only moderate panic
Nana, this will be my 3rd week of IL-2. A week off, then #4. I'm amazed at how you could recover in a week. I don't think I felt like myself until 6-8 weeks after discharge. So weak. Mentally drained. I am fine now but I wondered if I would make a comeback. I began to feel like our old friend Paula who admitted she just couldn't do it anymore. I relied on my comprehension of the process and the fact that I believe that I can recover from anything if it doesn't kill me first. And I'll admit that at times I worried it might kill me. What is most amazing to me is that I could only handle 6 doses the first time as I was on the verge of insanity and have never been that sick before. (give me a nephrectomy any day). The second round I was hanging in until my physiology dictated the end. I expect the liver and kidney complications will determine the number of infusions this time also. There will be no mental or emotional issues. Now that I know what I'm in for. The biggest worry I had the second time was when I could no longer urinate. Dialysis is not my definition of fun.
Courage? I think not. I have been given the 2 biggest opportunites at curing kidney cancer. MDX-1106 and IL-2. I am incredibly fortunate. I will not squander the chances I've been given. What a shame that would be to me, my family at home, and here. Desparate may be a more fitting description of me. I want to live. I've realized that the only short term goals I have are doing well with my treatments. I am thinking long term goals. 5 year plan at least to finish up my projects. I have no plan B in the works. If the IL-2 is a failure, then new plans will be made. All my eggs in one basket? So., I'm committed and going for it. No other thoughts in the way.
Adjuvant trials. I guess there are some who have had several years of benefits. But nothing curative. Having been offered a votrient trial in the beginning just didn't sit well with me. But trials are the basis of research. I have always been very pro-trial. I encourage that anyone offered a trial choose carefully. It may mean changing doctors and clinics. Not everything is offered everywhere. We enter trials to contribute to science,research, and recovery. To find the cure. Do what is right for yourself and family first. Find a way to stay alive. Let science learn from that.
. It bothers me when new people come here in a panic. Then after a few posts we never hear from them again. I don't know if that reflects their character or not. I wish they would hang around for a while. We all share in the joy or misery experienced. They look for information and compassion then drop us like a blind date gone wrong. We have made strong friendships here. Friendships that would not have happened if we were next door neighbors. Sometimes it takes a while. I know that I am now slower at welcoming new people. Sorry. I'm hoping new friendships become self generating.
Tex, I'll keep on moving forward. I am doing well despite mets that are getting tougher. But I'm clear cell. Not sarcomatoid or chromophobe. I do have a greater chance for response. (there is a survivors guilt there too.) So I entirely commit to doing well. Just as I expect everyone on this board to do. I have no more right to good health than you or anyone else. No fighter has ever won by taking a dive. I'll follow your lead. In the meantime I have this week to enjoy living. I've got plans for golf, motorcycling, beer and pizza. My granddaughters say, "Poppy, you are squeezing me too hard!" Maybe someday they will get it.
I am a big believer in trials. They are our way forward, no doubt. BUT I have been told numerous times by my insurance company that they will not cover trials. Now, how does someone who is not independently wealthy get involved in trials without insurance?
I know if you can find a trial at NIH, they cover everything, but they are an exception. Living in Mississippi like I do, I'll have to travel to participate in any trial. I'm not one to give in to many things but this is one time I'm close to saying enough. I made myself a promise when this all started 2 years ago that I would not leave my wife bankrupt. I enjoy life and want to keep on living but I will keep that promise.
I had to go out of network (insurance) for IL2 treatment. Even though we had the treatment reclassified as in-network, just about every charge that came through was billed at the out-of-network rate and we had to appeal all of them. 5 months after treatment we are still dealing with incorrect charges. This takes a toll mentally and emotionally. Money isn't everything, I totally get that, but it takes money to exist in this world.
I don't mean for this to sound negative or like an attack on trials, it's just another viewpoint. I encourage everyone to participate in trials. I still keep up with what's out there. I wish I could participate.
Fox, I hope I didn't rain on your parade. That's the last thing I would want to do. I'm so very happy you are getting another round of IL2. You'll do well. Nancy is showing you the way forward.
By the way, I'm back putting in the miles on my bike and enjoying life. My next scan is on Thursday. I'll move forward from there!
David
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I applaud your grit; I thinkfoxhd said:only moderate panic
Nana, this will be my 3rd week of IL-2. A week off, then #4. I'm amazed at how you could recover in a week. I don't think I felt like myself until 6-8 weeks after discharge. So weak. Mentally drained. I am fine now but I wondered if I would make a comeback. I began to feel like our old friend Paula who admitted she just couldn't do it anymore. I relied on my comprehension of the process and the fact that I believe that I can recover from anything if it doesn't kill me first. And I'll admit that at times I worried it might kill me. What is most amazing to me is that I could only handle 6 doses the first time as I was on the verge of insanity and have never been that sick before. (give me a nephrectomy any day). The second round I was hanging in until my physiology dictated the end. I expect the liver and kidney complications will determine the number of infusions this time also. There will be no mental or emotional issues. Now that I know what I'm in for. The biggest worry I had the second time was when I could no longer urinate. Dialysis is not my definition of fun.
Courage? I think not. I have been given the 2 biggest opportunites at curing kidney cancer. MDX-1106 and IL-2. I am incredibly fortunate. I will not squander the chances I've been given. What a shame that would be to me, my family at home, and here. Desparate may be a more fitting description of me. I want to live. I've realized that the only short term goals I have are doing well with my treatments. I am thinking long term goals. 5 year plan at least to finish up my projects. I have no plan B in the works. If the IL-2 is a failure, then new plans will be made. All my eggs in one basket? So., I'm committed and going for it. No other thoughts in the way.
Adjuvant trials. I guess there are some who have had several years of benefits. But nothing curative. Having been offered a votrient trial in the beginning just didn't sit well with me. But trials are the basis of research. I have always been very pro-trial. I encourage that anyone offered a trial choose carefully. It may mean changing doctors and clinics. Not everything is offered everywhere. We enter trials to contribute to science,research, and recovery. To find the cure. Do what is right for yourself and family first. Find a way to stay alive. Let science learn from that.
. It bothers me when new people come here in a panic. Then after a few posts we never hear from them again. I don't know if that reflects their character or not. I wish they would hang around for a while. We all share in the joy or misery experienced. They look for information and compassion then drop us like a blind date gone wrong. We have made strong friendships here. Friendships that would not have happened if we were next door neighbors. Sometimes it takes a while. I know that I am now slower at welcoming new people. Sorry. I'm hoping new friendships become self generating.
Tex, I'll keep on moving forward. I am doing well despite mets that are getting tougher. But I'm clear cell. Not sarcomatoid or chromophobe. I do have a greater chance for response. (there is a survivors guilt there too.) So I entirely commit to doing well. Just as I expect everyone on this board to do. I have no more right to good health than you or anyone else. No fighter has ever won by taking a dive. I'll follow your lead. In the meantime I have this week to enjoy living. I've got plans for golf, motorcycling, beer and pizza. My granddaughters say, "Poppy, you are squeezing me too hard!" Maybe someday they will get it.
I applaud your grit; I think it a bit harsh to judge those who for one or another reason, choose not to do trials.
i understand that progress on treatments is made through these trials yet not everyome will choose participation. This does not mean that they are either selfish or lack courage.
my husband is not at this point but he certainly could be facing this choice; as a breast cancer patient 22 years ago, my gyn referred me to a private oncologist so that I would not be steered into any trials. Thankfully, in my case, this was never an issue and I am a long-time survivor (breast cancer never gets cured).
i needed to get my 2cents in and I think this is such an excellent information resource.
wishing you the best!! Sarah
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Didn't judge anyonesrbelle1 said:I applaud your grit; I think
I applaud your grit; I think it a bit harsh to judge those who for one or another reason, choose not to do trials.
i understand that progress on treatments is made through these trials yet not everyome will choose participation. This does not mean that they are either selfish or lack courage.
my husband is not at this point but he certainly could be facing this choice; as a breast cancer patient 22 years ago, my gyn referred me to a private oncologist so that I would not be steered into any trials. Thankfully, in my case, this was never an issue and I am a long-time survivor (breast cancer never gets cured).
i needed to get my 2cents in and I think this is such an excellent information resource.
wishing you the best!! Sarah
srbelle1, I've made no commentary about people enrolling in trials or not. Specifically, I said, "Do whats right for yourself." There are numerous variables affecting ones treatment. There is no judgement what so ever. Do what is right for you. Todays kidney trial drugs include the anti-PD1. It has been the most effective drug to fight kidney cancer to date. Many more indications are being found. Including, melanoma,colon, prostate cancer and more. This category of drugs wasn't available 22 years ago. There is no comparison. Every news article re: new cancer treatments includes the anti-PD1 immunotherapy drug. It will cure many people. It is nearly side effect free. Thank you for the best wishes, Sarah.
David, maybe living in southern new england affords greater opportuniy for clinical trials. The large drug companies like Bristol meyer squib fund the studies. Not personnal health insurance. Charges are only for things like office visits,some blood work, etc. Most insurance doesn't cover clinical trials anyway because the drugs used are not approved by the FDA. Where I live, I can be in Boston or New York in 2 hours. Dana Farber, Sloan Kettering offer trials. I am at Yale New Haven where the MDX-1106 was offered. I don't know what is available in Ole Miss.
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my apologies forfoxhd said:Didn't judge anyone
srbelle1, I've made no commentary about people enrolling in trials or not. Specifically, I said, "Do whats right for yourself." There are numerous variables affecting ones treatment. There is no judgement what so ever. Do what is right for you. Todays kidney trial drugs include the anti-PD1. It has been the most effective drug to fight kidney cancer to date. Many more indications are being found. Including, melanoma,colon, prostate cancer and more. This category of drugs wasn't available 22 years ago. There is no comparison. Every news article re: new cancer treatments includes the anti-PD1 immunotherapy drug. It will cure many people. It is nearly side effect free. Thank you for the best wishes, Sarah.
David, maybe living in southern new england affords greater opportuniy for clinical trials. The large drug companies like Bristol meyer squib fund the studies. Not personnal health insurance. Charges are only for things like office visits,some blood work, etc. Most insurance doesn't cover clinical trials anyway because the drugs used are not approved by the FDA. Where I live, I can be in Boston or New York in 2 hours. Dana Farber, Sloan Kettering offer trials. I am at Yale New Haven where the MDX-1106 was offered. I don't know what is available in Ole Miss.
my apologies for misunderstanding; 22 years ago, the experimental treatment for aggressive breast cancer was stem cell transplant. I had 3 friends who underwent this, at their expense since insurance wouldn't cover "experimental".
There was also a lot of mixing and matching different chemos. As I mentioned, I bucked medical advice and went with no chemo (cancer was not in the nodes) so trials would have never been offered to me.
it is too soon to know what and where my husband's kidney cancer will go and what treatments he will be offered. For now, after nephrectomy, lumbar surgery and cyberknife radiation will be it with frequent scans.
again, my apologies for misunderstanding and my gratitude for sharing your treatments. Sarah
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