cathyr Posted February 18, 2005 Share Posted February 18, 2005 Hi all, I wanted to let you know what was happening with this vaccine trial I started. I had the Cytoxan chemo 2 days before the vaccine. No problem. The day of the vaccine I had to have a series of skin test that include tuberculosis, clyamedia, and other things as well as a test to check my immune system. I have to go back to the med center every few days for them to "read" my skin results. The vaccine procedure was pretty tedious and stressful. You lay still for a couple hours while the top of your foot is being given xylocaine. They inject a blue dye to find out where the lymph channel is in the foot. When located they cut the skin and inject the needle with the (in my case) donated cells directly into the vein. They have to do this slowly. You can feel it go up your leg and thigh. Then they stitch the foot and we repeat this process in 2 weeks for up to 8 weeks. I also have to give myself an injection of leukine under the skin in my thigh every day for 8 days. Needless to say, I am grateful I can do this. It was very emotional and stressful. I am praying so hard that it works (if not for me then for future patients). Again, they are accepting new patients everyday into this trial. I know people who have nothing but medicare who are on it. They doctor works out of St. Vincent Medical Center. They have a lot of out of towner patients and have living provisions for them at the Medical Center. They take stage 4 patients. If anyone is interested, please contact me and I will be happy to give phone numbers. Anyway, that's it for now. I am resting today. First day without having to see a doctor in a week! My love to you all! CathyR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted February 18, 2005 Share Posted February 18, 2005 Cathy: congratualtions on gettting into a vaccine trial. And, thanks for sharing your experience. I hear these techniques are promising. Of course, I hope you have good results. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janetg Posted February 18, 2005 Share Posted February 18, 2005 Congratulations! That's one under your belt. Hoping for success with treatment and am admiring your outlook. Have a wonderful weekend!! Janet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAnn Posted February 18, 2005 Share Posted February 18, 2005 Cathy, Wow! That sounds like it is a very tedious process, but worth it if it works! You are one brave girl. I really admire your positive outlook. Good luck with the future treatments, and stay off that foot! Isn't it great to have a day to rest and not go anywhere???? TAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daggiesmom Posted February 18, 2005 Share Posted February 18, 2005 Cathy, You're a brave trooper. I truly hope this brings great results for you. Joanie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elnodel Posted February 18, 2005 Share Posted February 18, 2005 Cathy, How much I admire you! Sounds like quite a procedure, and then having to follow it up with giving yourself injections. Let's hear it for you're being the person that shows that it works! Get some well-earned rest and relaxation, Ellen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted February 18, 2005 Share Posted February 18, 2005 Oh I am so happy for you! I really hope this kicks the cancer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.C. Posted February 18, 2005 Share Posted February 18, 2005 Way to go Cathy, you are brave. Sending you prayers for good results during all the treatment and many years after. J.C. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Lamb Posted February 18, 2005 Share Posted February 18, 2005 Cathy, as always I admire your fighting attitude.I'm glad you were able to participate in this and I sooooooo hope it works for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lindseysmom Posted February 18, 2005 Share Posted February 18, 2005 You go girl! Best Wishes, Dee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addie Posted February 18, 2005 Share Posted February 18, 2005 Boy, Cathy....you are so brave and have my deep admiration. I SO hope this works for you and will continue to send you only success vibes and all good thoughts! Keep that smile in your voice and kick some cancer butt, girl! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay A. Posted February 18, 2005 Share Posted February 18, 2005 Cathyr, Just a note to say thank you for your bravery in attempting a treatment with an unknown outcome, from someone who may benefit from this at some future date. I'm keeping it all crossed that YOU benefit from it NOW! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhutch1366 Posted February 18, 2005 Share Posted February 18, 2005 Congratulations, Cathy. That's step one! XOXOXOX prayers, always MaryAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyCW Posted February 18, 2005 Share Posted February 18, 2005 Go, Cathy! Just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you. BeckyCW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted February 18, 2005 Share Posted February 18, 2005 Cathyr. You are an amazing woman. Thanks for being you. Cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa O Posted February 18, 2005 Share Posted February 18, 2005 I am praying that the vaccine does the trick for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karen335 Posted February 19, 2005 Share Posted February 19, 2005 Hi Cathy, Happy to read you are doing good. Thinking about you every day. I have a lot of admiration for you and pray this vaccine is the cure for you... God Bless, prayers and hugs, Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gail p-m Posted February 19, 2005 Share Posted February 19, 2005 I admire your strength and perseverance you have shown in looking for a trial. I pray it works for you and ends up helping many others. I look forward to your updates. Gail P-M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted February 19, 2005 Share Posted February 19, 2005 Cathy, Prayers coming from Mike and I that this works for you. Love, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chloesmom Posted February 19, 2005 Share Posted February 19, 2005 Cathy, All my hope that this one works for you and for many in the future. Please keep us posted with this. Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betplace Posted February 19, 2005 Share Posted February 19, 2005 Cathy, Wow! Hugs and prayers being sent to you. I am in absolute awe at your courage! Blessings Betty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimmek Posted February 19, 2005 Share Posted February 19, 2005 Cathy I am so happy that you finally are able to get this treatment. I know its been long tedious journey to this point. You have perservered and your strength is amazing. But when you said in your post, that if not you, maybe someone else could benefit from what you are doing, I realized what a truly incredible woman you are. This will work for you, i can just feel it. Keep us posted and you are in my prayers. God Bless Kim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rogfam Posted February 19, 2005 Share Posted February 19, 2005 Cathy, you're in my prayers, always. I'm believing that God is going to use this vaccine to do awesome things in you! ((hugs)) CC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted February 19, 2005 Share Posted February 19, 2005 Oh Cathy you are so brave. You are going through so much, that I feel this will all work out for you. Keep us posted as to your progress. Hang in there, your plate is so full. Thinking of you and sending meditation healing. Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dadstimeon Posted February 19, 2005 Share Posted February 19, 2005 So glad for you and praying for the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.