Last year, we tried three courses of treatment that failed to halt the growth of cancer tumors in my liver. As Autumn approached, our oncologist learned that a new drug in clinical trials was having above average positive results in treating persons with the type of cancer I have. The drug is Zactima, made by AstraZeneca. The double blind protocol assures that no one involved in the study knows whether the participant receives a placebo or the actual drug. The study site is in Charleston, South Carolina.
Here are elements of the decision:
1 - Do we travel to Charleston, a round trip of 850 miles, for an initial interview to see if I qualify?
2 - If I qualify, are we willing to be there for seven appointments in the first three months?
3 - How will we know if I get the placebo or the Zactima? If I get the placebo, I will have received no treatment for three months while the cancer tumors grow unchecked.
4 - If I receive the Zactima, are we willing to make regular return visits every 3 months for check ups and to receive another supply of the oral one-a-day tablets?
5 - Are we willing to give the time involved? Driving requires a two day trip each way.
6 - How about other typical travel expenses: meals, lodging, transportation?
7 - Will Michael be willing to take on the additional tasks associated with such a strict schedule?
Each element required thoughtful consideration and discussion with each other about the further implications of each decision. Here’s what we decided each point and the results of each decision.
1 – Yes. A preliminary telephone screening was hopeful. Other than the cancer, I have a long history of robust health. The risk of being turned down seemed minimal.
2 – Difficult, but do-able. Much tiring travel and a long time away from the comforts of home, family and friends for support. Telephones and email minimized the isolation we felt.
3 – A risk, but a moderate one. One of the three months is necessary anyway to “wash out” traces of all previous medications before I could start the trial drug.
4 – Yes. If we see positive results in blood work lab values, imaging to compare the status of the tumors versus the previous images, and the appearance of expected side effects the contribution to improved health trumps all other considerations.
5 – Yes. In the event, we chose to travel by Amtrak from Richmond. The costs averaged out to be almost the same, and we saved two full days of travel time on each trip.
6 – Some are reimbursed. That helps.
7 – He has been by my side throughout this journey. He understands what is needed and says “Bring it on!”
When we say “Next week we are going to Charleston,” we have paved the way with all these decisions and look forward to returning on that yellow brick road of hope and glad tidings.
Copyright 2008
www.lindalater.blogspot.com
Posted October 4, 2008
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