I'm Not Going to be a Test Participant (for now)

After having a lovely chat with the researcher in charge of the new Melanoma test treatment, we mutually agreed that I was not an ideal candidate for this early testing run.  The primary reason being:

• I would have to halt use of the Gleevec for 30 days prior to starting the test treatment.  As this is a phase 1 test, they have to eliminate anything that would potentially muddy the results.  It just doesn't make sense for me to stop a treatment that has kept my condition from worsening to try an unproven treatment.

There are other reasons as well, as they typically focus on candidates who don't have anything working at all for their treatment.  So people who have tried the IL2, Yervoy etc. and haven't had real progress. The study has room for 6 people, and it wouldn't be right for me to take the place of someone who would immediately have a greater need.

Here are some basic details of the study for the class:

• Total participants will be 6 (2 groups of 3)
• The first group will be treated and observed over 2 months
• The second group will receive twice the dosage (amount somewhat depending on the effects seen with the first group)
• This is a combination of two immune system drugs:
•  one which increases killer cell production (white cell cousins).
• Some cancers can turn these cells off, melanoma in particular
• another which inhibits the ability of the cancer cells to affect the killer cells, thus keeping them effective and functional for your immune system

So for the time being, I'll be staying with the Gleevec and still have my planned scan on the 26th.

On another Gleevec related note, my new case worker tried to get approval for the insurance to cover my medication and I now am the proud owner of a second rejection letter... As long as it's still something I can buy myself, I'm not upset about this.

Happy Thanksgiving Folks...