July 11, 2011
Finally got the call we were waitng for this afternoon. Since the lab in Ohio only has 5 days to process the biopsy, the medical oncologist is scheduling Ernie for his first chemo treatment on Friday in anticipation of favorable results on Thursday. We do not have an exact time yet, nor do we know how long the chemo will take.
We do know that that first treatment will be longer than the rest. Evidently, the drug that is the subject of the trial causes a "severe" (i.e.-life threatening!) reaction in more than 30% of people. Because of this, the initial treatment is administered VERY slowly with people standing by to administer counteracting drugs if necessary. Ernie does not seemed terribly concerned about this. I, however, am a bit more nervous and will do my best to be in the room so I am at least aware of what is happening. Those that do not have a severe reaction are cleared to continue with the trial. The unfortnuate are put back on the "standard of care." Yet another hurdle for Ernie to jump.
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