Tuesday, May 22, 2012

The big reveal...

Before I head off to bed I thought I'd post an update.

Today was the big reveal.  Actually, when Reid checked his MD Anderson schedule online this morning he saw where he had a blood draw, doctor's appointment and an infusion for SGN-35 (Brentuximab Vedotin) listed for today.  We knew that SGN-35 (Brentuximab Vedotin) was Adcetris and that had to mean that he had been given the placebo in the trial.  Of course, when we got down there the doctor also told him.

He had the infusion and so far he's feeling fine.  In the past when he received chemo he was sometimes sick on the drive home, but Adcetris doesn't have as many side effects as other treatments.  Hopefully, that will last or at least any side effects won't be as bad as in the past.

Adcetris received accelerated approval from the FDA last summer because of promising results.  Approximately 34% of patients went into complete remission and 75% had positive results during one of the studies. I believe it's actually the first new drug for Hodgkin's since the 1970's.  It's a rare cancer with normally a high cure rate, so not much research is done. I'm grateful that Adcetris has become available at this time. My hope and prayer is that Reid goes into remission.  We're due for some good news one of these days.

He goes back now every 21 days for an infusion...just like he did for the clinical trial.  I believe there can be as many as 16 infusions, but there might be less.



4 comments:

  1. Hi, Betty, finally. Hope it puts Reid right into remission for good.

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  2. So good to hear you finally know whether Reid had the placebo or the real thing.
    I'm praying he has an easy time with this....and for perfect healing!
    Glad you updated....

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  3. Thanks for the update Betty! I know how busy you are with everything going on there. I'm glad that you now know that Reid wasn't given the real medicine and that he now is getting the real medicine to help him. I pray the real medicine takes care of it all for him Betty.

    Hugs,
    Angela

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  4. I missed this - where in the world have I been?

    I am glad if you can say that - he got the placebo - now he can have the real guns and get better once and for all.

    I am so happy.

    Love, sandie

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