All is going well at Rush so far. The 3rd dose of IL-2 is flowing now as I write this post. Unlike the last series, Susan has not had blood pressure problems and therefore no additonal meds are needed to sustain it at reasonable levels.
And there is good news! Susan's LDH levels are at a normal level for the first time in months! (LDH levels are a measure tumor activity. ) Dr. Kaufman is very happy about this level and other good indications of a positive reaction. Not only is he hoping Susan's t-cells respond to the IL-2, but also the modified cells that were given to her when she was at NCI.
He also discussed with us the rates of response to IL-2, which are higher than we have read about in the literature. Every article sites a 6-11% response rate, but in actuality, a higher percentage of patients do respond:
6% have complete regression
10% have partial response
15% are stabilized for 3-4 years
We are directing our hopes and thoughts to be on the right side of those odds!
Lest you think it is all business here, we have lapped this floor a million times, are in pursuit of Bruce and others and have solved many family, local and national problems! Karen
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8 comments:
Wonderful news Normal HDL levels are a thing to celebrate. Karen and
Susan keep on trucking around those corridors. You have the system working.
Joan Steel
Dear Karen,
We are so glad to hear that Susan is responding well. We will also concentrate our thoughts on the good odds. Give our love to Susan.
Art and Ginny
The first line of your post says it all. "All is going well..." Hope to continue to see positive postings.
Stay strong Susan!
We're thinking of you, Susan, wishing you well, and praying for you. Your strength is inspiring.
'So glad the news is encouraging!
Susan, I admire your courage and strenght. Thank you for sharing your story and teaching us about this type of cancer, I thought melanoma was a skin cancer.
Keep fighting.
Heidi, Mexico
Wishing you success in your effort to bring a melanoma research center to Rush!
Ted
Thank you for sharing your story, may God bless you and your doctors!
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