Archive by Author | Ken
Sep 7, 2011  

Preparations

Radiology mask

Here I am getting fitted with a radiology mask. It will hold my head securely in place and ensure that radiation beams are delivered precisely. I was also instructed on taking the oral chemo treatment, Temodar.

Decisions, decisions

We are moving forward with the Standard of Care treatment (radiation and chemo). Emory currently has one Phase II clinical trial available to me — RTOG 0837. It uses a drug called Cediranib which has a pretty nasty list of possible side effects. We are not willing to travel that path right now.

Tina, in her tireless efforts, found another Phase II clinical trial being offered by Rush University in Chicago called ICT-107. This study has some encouraging write-ups and basically no side effects. Rather than testing an experimental drug, it is testing immunotherapy — creating a vaccine from my own white blood cells. I had blood work taken today to see if I qualify for the study.

Sep 6, 2011  

Restrictions

1997 Electra Glide

No riding/driving until I’m seizure-free for six months. My seizure occurred on August 11, 2011 so that puts me at February 11, 2012. That’s just in time for cold, bad riding weather here in Atlanta.

Other restrictions I’m faced with include:

  • Alcohol — I guess this makes sense. Hopefully it won’t be forever.
  • Meat — I’m not convinced on this one entirely but I am making a change to eating more living and raw foods.
  • Sugar/chocolate — I haven’t heard it conclusively, but “sugar feeds cancer” is a saying that we must have heard along the way so I’m being good about cutting out sweets (in excess).
  • Caffeine — I miss coffee and British tea, but have been enjoying a diverse selection of teas and maté.

Not so bad a list. We meet with doctors today to discuss the treatment plan.

Newer Posts »