Yesterday was the start of the cancer study for a new drug that is targeting endometrial cancer. the company is called Werewolf Therapeutics and is a fairly new company. It already has an excellent reputation.
I had to be there at 7 and I went to the Honor Hospital on Shea and the 101. I have (unfortunately) had a lot of experience with the hospitals. For the most part, they have been wonderful. Everyone there was so nice and kind which I appreciate very much. When a person is going through this, you don't need grouchy people to deal with!
The first procedure is a biopsy. Mine was a biopsy of a lymph node. All cancers can spread and do crazy things. Endometrial cancer has no place to attack since a hysterectomy has taken place. So it goes after the liver, lungs, etc.
The nurses made me feel comfortable and got me ready to go into a room that was like a surgical room. This procedure does not require being put out. They just use lidocane to numb the area. I have had one previously so I new what to expect.
A nurse from the research institute was there to collect the samples. We had a chance to talk while waiting. She told me that they have 13 people in this study right now which is really great because it means that it is working for those 13 people. She also told me that Pat Shannon, my nurse throughout this time, is one of the best oncology nurses around and that she just received an award from the Oncology Society for her outstanding work.
The doctor was super kind and explained everything as he went along. About half way through, he asked me how I was doing. I responded that I was doing fine, but more importantly to me, I wanted to know how he was doing, He laughed and said no one had ever asked him that and I told him that I wanted to make sure he was doing well. Everyone in the room had a good laugh. Everyone who knows me, knows my sense of humor is always there.
When he finished, he again asked me if is was doing okay and said something about not hitting him or anything. I had my cane under the sheet so I pulled it out and told him that I was prepared with more than just my fist. Once again, we all had a laugh. I think humor is so important and it relaxes people.
I came home around 12:30 and felt fine. I was a little tired as I have been through a lot in the last week with the hospital stay, my blood pressure being out of control, and all of the pain medications that I was given. Under the circumstances, that is pretty amazing that I am doing so well!
Monday I have to be there at 7 a.m. and will be there for 10 hours. I'm not sure what they are going to be doing as there has been so much information that I have been given that I can't remember a lot. But I absolutely trust them which is very important.
I am very hopeful and positive about this opportunity. I have responded very well to other drugs, but the side effects were too much. The side effects on this one so far haven't been like what I dealt with before. I do know that quality of life is very important and that it isn't worth taking meds when you can't function.
The name of this company is Werewolf Therapeutics. It is a fairly new company but it is developing a good reputation.
So here is to Monday and here is to "kicking cancer's butt"!!!!!!!!!!!
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