From 0 to 50 in … a year!
Brilliant news! Prof Hawkins kindly rang us this afternoon to tell us that the news from Quent’s scan is good. All existing spots have reduced (to greater or lesser degree) and no new ones have appeared, so we are all set for more IL-2 on Monday.
It was a year ago yesterday Quent’s cancer was first diagnosed, and Quent has asked me to summarise his progress since then. So, here’s the story so far:
Oct 19th 2006… Quent told he has advanced kidney cancer. It is incurable and hard to treat. The only treatment has a low success rate and doesn’t extend your life by much, even if it works. If it doesn’t work for Quent, he has 8 to 12 months to live.
Late Oct 2006. Told that, very occasionally, the spots freeze or regress after treatment and people can live several years. One Doctor knows someone (out of several hundred patients) who has lived 11 years, another Doctor’s record is 7 years to date. Chance of long term survival creeps above 0%, but not as far as 1%. Surgeon and Consultant more optimistic about life expectancy than the Doctor who diagnosed him.
Early 2007. We find out about Interleuken 2 which claims a 5% complete response rate in the USA. Advised against it by everyone we speak to in UK.
Post Easter 2007. Investigate Interleuken 2 further and agree with Consultant that it could be appropriate for Quentin, as he might be one of the 16% of people suitable for treatment.
July 2007. Referred to Christie’s, the only place IL-2 is done in the UK. Find out Quent is suitable for treatment and that they have almost 20% cure (long term survival) rate to date among those treated.
July 2007. Find Quent is in the “top set” giving him 75% chance of response, of which approx half are cured / enjoy long term survival. Chance of survival has jumped to 37%.
October 20th 2007. Prof Hawkins calls with scan results telling us Quent is one of those who responds. His chance of long term survival is now 50% (albeit figures on very low base - if Quent makes it, he will join just a handful who have been cured in the UK).
What a year. And not once has Quent doubted that he will be a survivor - even when we were told there wasn’t a hope.
It was a year ago yesterday Quent’s cancer was first diagnosed, and Quent has asked me to summarise his progress since then. So, here’s the story so far:
Oct 19th 2006… Quent told he has advanced kidney cancer. It is incurable and hard to treat. The only treatment has a low success rate and doesn’t extend your life by much, even if it works. If it doesn’t work for Quent, he has 8 to 12 months to live.
Late Oct 2006. Told that, very occasionally, the spots freeze or regress after treatment and people can live several years. One Doctor knows someone (out of several hundred patients) who has lived 11 years, another Doctor’s record is 7 years to date. Chance of long term survival creeps above 0%, but not as far as 1%. Surgeon and Consultant more optimistic about life expectancy than the Doctor who diagnosed him.
Early 2007. We find out about Interleuken 2 which claims a 5% complete response rate in the USA. Advised against it by everyone we speak to in UK.
Post Easter 2007. Investigate Interleuken 2 further and agree with Consultant that it could be appropriate for Quentin, as he might be one of the 16% of people suitable for treatment.
July 2007. Referred to Christie’s, the only place IL-2 is done in the UK. Find out Quent is suitable for treatment and that they have almost 20% cure (long term survival) rate to date among those treated.
July 2007. Find Quent is in the “top set” giving him 75% chance of response, of which approx half are cured / enjoy long term survival. Chance of survival has jumped to 37%.
October 20th 2007. Prof Hawkins calls with scan results telling us Quent is one of those who responds. His chance of long term survival is now 50% (albeit figures on very low base - if Quent makes it, he will join just a handful who have been cured in the UK).
What a year. And not once has Quent doubted that he will be a survivor - even when we were told there wasn’t a hope.
posted by Helen at 10/20/2007 07:12:00 pm
10 Comments:
This is superb news! We are so chuffed for you both! Thinking of you both as you embark on round 3 of the IL-2 treatment. Lots of love - R, K C, and L xxx
That is the best news, EVER. Good luck ın the next phase Quentın.
Bryony
x
Excellent news, so happy for you both! Good luck on the next phase, thinking of you.
Ed and Lisa x
What super news! We're so pleased that all the 'orribleness with the IL2 treatment is paying off. We've got everything crossed here, may the next round prove just as effective!
Big Hugs,
Rob & Renee!
Really great news.I am full of admiration for your courage,optimism and excellent written information.With very best wishes to you both.Roger N.West.
Not once have we doubted Quentin's determination and strength. Sometimes his taste in appropriate clothing, but no-one's perfect.
Not once have we doubted your vital support, resolve or shear bloody doggedness at research and the flowing down of that information and Q's progress.
We may only be one year into a longer road, but the pair of you remain an inspiration.
With love,
Ben x
Phew!
I sure that will make the rigors easier to bear this week.
Good luck in knocking down the next 50
R
Thinking of you lots for this week.
Take care
Sylvaine and Panny
Wahooo!
Andy W
That is fantastic news, you really are both very inspirational and a great team.
Batchworth went to the Tate Modern yesterday (well Emma, Andy, Michael, Charles and the minibus)and met the Chief Scout, photos available soon.
Good luck with the next treatment regime, we will be thinking of you.
Love from The Turners xxxx
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