Helen Bronckovic
Over Easter, it occured to me that I hadn't done much Renal Cell Carcenoma (RCC) research recently. Finding out how we might cure Quent is by far the greatest priority in my life and I had been neglecting it.
No longer. This past week, I have been back reading about all the available treatments and who does them. I feel like Erin Bronckovic - not because I have suddenly developed fabulous cheek bones and a wonderful smile (sadly), nor because I think I am about to uncover a scandal. I'm thinking of the scenes where she stays up late at night, reading a load of medical information she doesn't really understand and thinking she might be onto something.
I am still drawn to the highly toxic Interleukin-2 (IL-2) because of its claims of "complete response" (cure!), albeit in a very tiny proportion of cases. It's only done in the USA and is administered in Intensive Care, so it's probably not a sensible route, but I want to ensure we have checked out every avenue.
In general, the more I read, the more hope I have. This is a field full of ideas and trials and "early encouraging results". (Generally a small percentage of people getting stable disease for a few months, but at least it's progress.)
I get the feeling that if Quent had been diagnosed 3 years ago, there would have been very little hope. And that if he had been diagnosed in another 3 years' time, they would really know what to do. As it is, there are lots of new treatments, but little experience of using / combining them. It seems there will be luck and guesswork involved in determining Quent's treatment regime. It's nail-biting stuff and I'm not looking forward to Quent's having to plump for a course of action.
Quent is also reading up and also, in general, encouraged. But he has to look after his body, which means lots of rest, so I drive the search engine while he sleeps. It's definitely a team effort.
In conclusion, dear-readers-except-one, take heart. We feel very optimistic. The remaining reader (Dr Savage) is probably dreading my arrival in his office on Friday. Once he has answered my record breaking list of questions, I will be heading off for a Mastermind audition - Specialist Subject; RCC treatments 2007. General Knowledge; non-existent.
No longer. This past week, I have been back reading about all the available treatments and who does them. I feel like Erin Bronckovic - not because I have suddenly developed fabulous cheek bones and a wonderful smile (sadly), nor because I think I am about to uncover a scandal. I'm thinking of the scenes where she stays up late at night, reading a load of medical information she doesn't really understand and thinking she might be onto something.
I am still drawn to the highly toxic Interleukin-2 (IL-2) because of its claims of "complete response" (cure!), albeit in a very tiny proportion of cases. It's only done in the USA and is administered in Intensive Care, so it's probably not a sensible route, but I want to ensure we have checked out every avenue.
In general, the more I read, the more hope I have. This is a field full of ideas and trials and "early encouraging results". (Generally a small percentage of people getting stable disease for a few months, but at least it's progress.)
I get the feeling that if Quent had been diagnosed 3 years ago, there would have been very little hope. And that if he had been diagnosed in another 3 years' time, they would really know what to do. As it is, there are lots of new treatments, but little experience of using / combining them. It seems there will be luck and guesswork involved in determining Quent's treatment regime. It's nail-biting stuff and I'm not looking forward to Quent's having to plump for a course of action.
Quent is also reading up and also, in general, encouraged. But he has to look after his body, which means lots of rest, so I drive the search engine while he sleeps. It's definitely a team effort.
In conclusion, dear-readers-except-one, take heart. We feel very optimistic. The remaining reader (Dr Savage) is probably dreading my arrival in his office on Friday. Once he has answered my record breaking list of questions, I will be heading off for a Mastermind audition - Specialist Subject; RCC treatments 2007. General Knowledge; non-existent.
posted by Helen at 4/16/2007 12:28:00 am
8 Comments:
Good luck to you all on Friday, Dr. Savage included!
John, Helen, Joseph and Harry
xxxxx
May God go with you and go boldly. All our thoughts are with you, best of luck for Friday. You are both a true inspiration.
Lots of love and hugs and a few glasses of wine.
Paul Janice Holly and Hannah xxxx
Hope all goes well on Friday, we will be thinking of you.
Lots of love
Jules, Jason, Isabella & Claudia
xxxx
Hi, Q & H.
Lovely to talk to Q earlier. I read the blogs and can't believe all the research, H. I just want to wish you well and let you know
I'm praying every day, mostly 5.45 a.m. or so. Hoping to see you soon, maybe with the 1% chance of a May Fair visit.
Keith
PS I tried blogging earlier, but failed. Sorted now!
Why just mention her cheek bones?
I'm not sure what time the appointment is on Friday nor if Dr Savage likes a pint.He sounds more of a bloody mary man to me. However the Lamb and Flag is not so far from CX so if you guys need some drips attached let me know.
Love Clive and the Tilleys
Lots of love and best wishes for Friday, I'll light up Chiswick church with candles and prayers for some good news from that man Savage............I agree he sounds like a bloody mary man so perhaps me and Q should take him out and get him blitzed on cider?
Love always
Les, Sarah and Ellie
xx xx xx
Dear Helen and Quent,
Warmest thoughts for Friday.
Lots of hugs and positve thoughts winging their way to you from Italy
love Yasmin x
Hi Helen and Quent,
Like everyone else, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lots of love
Claire Smillie x x x
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