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If Medicare sends their approval, Mel starts new chemo next Wednesday. This will be a combo of Opdivo and Ivolumab, two of the new immune type chemo in a clinical trial designed to treat people witn rare tumors which have failed other treatment. It will be given by IV, or he may decide to get a port in his chest, as his left arm can't be used and veins in right are getting harder and harder to use. Opdivo will be every six weeks and the other overy other week. The nurses say most people only get some nausea with these drugs perhaps a bit worse on weeks together. Will be praying it stops cancer and does not flare his psoriasis. The clinical trial is nation wide at several sites, luckily one at UCD where we go. Trial,pays for drugs and Medicare for the medical care. Unsure how long he will need the drugs, but first we have to see if they can halt growth of cancer. It's going to be a busy next week: labs Monday , visit nurse practitioner Tuesday so Dr can authorize final approval for trial, and Wednesday at 9 nurses put in IV, draw trial labs, and chemo begins. Hopefully on time because we need to be at audiology by 2 for hearing test then to ENT Dr to evaluate results of audio gram. Long daupy, then home through rush hour probably about 4. Fortunately he will not need chest tube drained that day.
Velda

Prayers for this treatment to bring good results

Velda, wishing you & Mel the very best and praying for good outcome.

Velda, here's hoping Medicare approves and that this WORKS!

Velda, you have my prayers.

Velda praying this will be the right mix so you and Mel can have a Merry Christmas!!

Linda

Thank you everyone. It's been a long haul but if this turns out to be the answer it will be worth it. Merry Christmas everyone.
Velda

From personal experience, a port will make it much easier for him with frequent treatments. Prayers for positive outcome and little or no side effects.

Send ing prayers..

praying of course hoping as well that it will be the answer!!!
sheila

Mel and you will be in my prayers Velda. Praying all goes well.
Sandi

Velda, hoping this is the answer to a lot of prayers!

Thank you everyone! The support means so much.
Tomorrow morning we hope to hear by 11 that Medicare has approved some can go for blood work as the precursor to chemo start.
Velda

I'll be thinking of you both as you continue this journey.