Dr. Atkins wants Aimee to get on a clinical trial for something called MDX-010, which deals with CTLA-4. From the information the doctor gave us:
MDX-010 is an antibody against CTLA-4 .... CTLA-4 is a molecule that controls a part of your immune system by shutting it down. Researchers believe that one way cancers can escape the immune system could be through this shutdown system. An antibody against CTLA-4 can stop it from turning off the immune system and allow an immune reaction to continue.
It hasn't been as effective as Interleukin-2, but shows a response rate near 15% (which apparently is on the high end for Metastatic Melanoma). She has to have the right blood type for it though. So they took her blood today and will let us know in 2 weeks if she is approved.
The treatment itself will be less intense than the Interleukin-2: outpatient rather than inpatient, and milder side effects.
There are other options other than MDX-010, but they seem to be more severe treatments. One would involve Aimee heading down to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Washington, DC for 2 or 3 six week periods and combining chemotherapy with immunotherapy. It seems promising from what Dr. Atkins said about it, so we want to make sure this option is still open to Aimee if she opts for the MDX-010 treatment.
The good news, however, is that Aimee is still otherwise healthy and ready to continue fighting. She says she hopes to write her own cancer booklet after all this, like a sort of Frommer's guide to Melanoma. "The medicine was served lukewarm, the ambiance was drab at best, but the service was excellent." :)
20 comments:
Will and Aimee - we are so sad to hear the news. But we are praying for you constantly, and look forward to the chances of the new treatment.
We'll be coming over tomorrow night to bring you that pumpkin cheesecake I promised -
All our love, Lizzy and Court
Prayers go up too from us at your alma mater.
With all love,
Mary (Mumbach)
Will and Aimee,my heroes,
I am keeping you in my prayers and thoughts, day and night.
Lots and lots of love,
Veronica
Dearest Aimee and Will, not the news we were waiting for. However, we will crash ahead through the obstacles placed in your way. Prayers by the Giant earth movers (giant dump trucks)are speeding to you to make you strong and brave. Love unending will keep washing over you to keep you sure on your path. And we are all here for you when it seems that it is all too much to bear. You guys will triumph. You are our heroes. And mostly we can't wait to see you and have nine conversations at the same time. We love you.XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
There are dark moments in life so that the brilliant light of love and grace may shine more gloriously in our lives.
Your courage and love are just such brilliant lights that will shine the path to the right treatment, the right medicine, the right vitamins--whatever it takes--to make you both whole and well again.
You are in the sacred places of love, prayer, blessing, and care in our hearts--
Chris and Bainard
23 October, 2007 21:16
Dear Aimee and Will, You are always in my prayers. I love you very much. Sarah
You know, Aimee, that I haven't made any other dates for nearly 29 years now. So, I don't expect to be stood up. The Four Seasons it is. I've taken an advance on my prayer account (I'm sure God will give me a great rate) and will add even more to the zillions of others being said by so many for you.
Love,
Deborah.Ms. E
Dearest Aimee and Will, Dziz Dzia always said to me that courage and wisdom will be found at the foot of the cross. I will meet you there and together we will seek some heavenly peace, blessings and answers. When Peter was a litle guy and fighting for his life, his cousin Joe gave him boxing gloves because he said that Peter was just like Rocky. So Aimee, I think that "Rocky" is a very appropriate new nickname for you. Keep fighting the good fight sweetie, we are all with you. love, love, love, and more love, The jones family
All diapers changed, all toilets scrubbed, all dishes washed and all prayers said will be offered for you. Stay faithful and stay strong. I hope to see you on the beach next summer whether you be plump with truffles or not! Love The Connelly's (nee Kelly Maw)
I'm so sad to hear about this setback. The clinical trial sounds promising. Also don't forget the Lance Armstrong Foundation -- they have people who are like concierges for clinical trials.
love and hugs,
Michele
Dear Aimee and Will,
We are so sad and so sorry that the fight will have to continue. We know you will continue it with immeasurable strength and grace. You are at the center of my new prayers.
All of our love, hope, and faith,
Hilary and Kevin
You and your family are in my constant thoughts and prayers. It sounds like you are in very good hands with your doctor and caring hands with your family and friends. Lots of love- Laura
My dears,
Such a gallant pair! Such a graced doubleness! You two have found that vita nuova that comes in a true marriage. I’m asking Don (along with many other close ones in heaven) to intercede for you; and all my work and efforts still to accomplish something in this life will be offered up for you.
–with admiration and love,
--Gramdmama
Aimee, you don't know me, but you know my Dad, Robert up in New Canaan. Anyway, he has kept me updated on your situation. I think you are amazing! And you are being prayed for by my family and me!
I have 4 kids, and they're great with prayer requests! Except for my youngest, he's only 1!
Anyway, please know that I think about you all the time, and you are prayed for!
God Bless!
~Bridget
Dear Aimee and Will,
I love you both and my prayers are for you in French and English! you are a a fighter and Im always thinkin you two! i send all my love and prayers!!!! love mcuh,
Ohh . . I'm so, so sorry, Aimee and Will. Continued prayers and then some, and I'll pass the word.
I found your site through Simcha. I am so sorry to hear this. Your family is in my prayers.
I'm so sorry to hear this news. I have foolishly gone on thinking all these past months that you were in the clear - - and I hadn't even thought to check your blog. Future prayers (and past ones, too, since God does things in His own time) will be offered up for you and your family. Love, Tiffany
We said goodbye to our oldest son when stage 4 neuroblastoma overwhelmed his little body. But miraculously, he held on to life one more day... two more days... Seven years later he is a perfectly healthy boy. The doctors assured us they had all given up, they were all (even an atheist!) convinced it was the prayers of our friends and family that saved him.
His is now praying for you every night, as is our whole family. God be with you.
I found your blog via another and am adding you to my prayer list. God bless - from another cancer survivor.
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