Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Red rover, red rover, send Eric back over

It has been wonderful to be home.  I forgot how nice our own bed is.

We talked with the doctors from Houston yesterday.  They have been talking with the immunotherapy board about what the next best step would be.  My tumor has at least two unique markers on the tumor cells.  One marker is called GD2 and the other is called HER2.  Our first time in Houston they designed cells to target the GD2 marker.  After reviewing the pathology reports they have decided that they would like to put in new cells aimed at the HER2 marker and see what that does.  The GD2 seemed to have killed about half of the tumor but the tumor could have died for other reasons.  We aren't sure.  The HER2 will be very similar to the GD2 except that they are going to give me 5 days of chemotherapy before injecting it.  The theory is that if you clear our some of your own T-cells that there will be more room for the injected, enhanced T-cells to expand and take over.  This will be the sixth time I have gone through chemotherapy.  Ughh...   We will probably have to be back in Houston in about 2 weeks.

We knew that this might be an option so when I was in Houston last time I had them take blood and prepare the genetically modified cells targeting HER2 just in case.  So, the cells have all been engineered and are sitting in cold storage waiting to be injected.  Oh, another important difference in this study is that they will keep injecting more T-cells every 6-12 weeks as long as the tumor is responding.  I really like that idea.  T-cells, even genetically enhanced ones, don't live that long.  I love the idea of sending in fresh troops over and over until the job is done.

This same doctor did this same study a year ago without the chemotherapy.  You should understand that to qualify for these studies you have to have exhausted all conventional treatments.  In other words, there is no known cure.  The last time he did this study 50% of the patients were still doing well at the end of a year.  That doesn't seem that great but when you consider who they are working with it is really very promising results.

So, last night JoLynne and I went for a walk around the block talking through all this stuff.  It's a "hard pill to swallow", so to speak.  Knowing what chemo is like doesn't make it easier I'm afraid.  Anyway, we came home and were laying in bed.  I was cold and had a blanket.  JoLynne said, "What do you think Eric?"  I told her that I had a very distinct burning in my bosom  Then I pulled back the blanket and showed her the electric hot pad on my chest.

10 comments:

  1. Yea for new treatments and beating cancer; boo for missing my dental appointment with you. (Okay, okay, I know, priorities and everything, but I miss my dentist!) Good luck with the new treatment!

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    1. I'm sorry. Honestly I would rather be at work.

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    2. No need to apologize. I knew you wouldn't be there. I just miss my dentist. But you do need to kick this cancer's butt so you will be at my next appointment, though. ;-)

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  2. I love you Uncle and I love the small joke in the end. That is you through & through. I have faith this new method will kick butt!!

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  3. Love that sense of humor you have! I really like the sounds of this new treatment you're going through. It all just sounds logical! You are truly a miracle man! What does Seth think of your treatment plan? Is he still doing studies on gleoblastoma? Thanks for all your updates!

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    1. You are so sweet Roma. Thank you. Seth's research has headed a little different direction but still kind of related. He is working on helping Swan cell to differentiate into neurons to help people with brain damage have better recovery.

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  4. Glad you already have them blood so you can start the treatment right away. Sorry you have to have more chemo! :(
    What about the gd2 tumors. Will they give you more T cells for that?
    You are a miracle and paving the way for many cures to come! What a blessing you continue to be! We love you!

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  5. Love you Eric. Go FIGHT WINNNN!!!!!
    Kelly

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  6. There is nothing quite like your own bed. When I was going through chemo, I couldn't do it if I didn't have a very specific pillow. I still have it. I take it whenever I have to stay in the hospital now. What comfort it gives :) Love you!

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