We had a UCLA visit today with Dr. Ribas. Dad is negative for BRAF mutation. This means he is not a match for clinical trial drugs. Dr. Ribas suggests treatment discussions continue with Dr. Newman in Santa Barbara.
Now dad will decide whether to take standard chemotherapy treatment with limited results. If so, it will likely be oral Temodar. A 6 week daily dose followed by 2 weeks off. CT imaging will be used every eight weeks to view effectiveness. Temodar would continue until unsuccessful. Success equals tumor shrinkage.
Life timelines discussed.
Dr. Newman opened his schedule and will see dad tomorrow am.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Perfect timing
This is a very timely link. After the consultation visit with my dad, Dr. Ribas, dads doctor, was on his way to a national press conference regarding the new promising drugs for melanoma patients. Here is the link to August 25th AP release.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/38854903#38854903
Fingers crossed for BRAF tissue gene match mutation!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/38854903#38854903
Fingers crossed for BRAF tissue gene match mutation!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Radiation Begins
Last week Jack had an appointment with Dr. Antoni Ribas, MD Director of Cell and Gene Therapy at UCLA. During the meeting, Dr. Ribas ruled out treatments such as Interferon and Interluekin-2, an Immunotherapy treatment as not being effective for Jack’s stage 4 melanoma. His recommendation is to attack the cancer while also building his immune system, and suggest Jack enter into a trial. But, before Jack can be part of the trial, he has to have a particular mutated BRAF gene. Jack will find out if he has such a gene next week. In the meantime, traditional treatments begin.
Jack was eager to start radiation, and last week it began on Thursday. Once each day, Jack will undergo a radiation beam directed at his tumor on the back of his head to stop growth and reduce its size. There will be 15 treatments in all – he’s done 5 to date. He’s experienced some side effects from radiation, but he remains his ornery self ready to fight anything that threatens his fun.
His sense of humor and desire to talk to and be around friends and family have not diminished so don’t hesitate to call or visit (do call first). And prayers, happy thoughts and all around good vibes sent this way are much appreciated.
Next update will be posted after September 9th folow up visit at UCLA with Dr. Ribas when we find out whether Jack is accepted in the trial.
Bruce
Jack was eager to start radiation, and last week it began on Thursday. Once each day, Jack will undergo a radiation beam directed at his tumor on the back of his head to stop growth and reduce its size. There will be 15 treatments in all – he’s done 5 to date. He’s experienced some side effects from radiation, but he remains his ornery self ready to fight anything that threatens his fun.
His sense of humor and desire to talk to and be around friends and family have not diminished so don’t hesitate to call or visit (do call first). And prayers, happy thoughts and all around good vibes sent this way are much appreciated.
Next update will be posted after September 9th folow up visit at UCLA with Dr. Ribas when we find out whether Jack is accepted in the trial.
Bruce
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