The calcium-magnesium infusion is supposed to help with the neuropathy caused by Oxaliplatin. Neuropathy=finger tingling and throat that stings when exposed to cold (sometimes without the cold also). For now it is not that bad but I need to adjust like when I go to the hockey or figure skating practice. I wear gloves and it helps a bit. The effect is worst when I take something in my hands, when there is pressure on my skin. But again it is not all the time for now. It may become permanent later on, we’ll see.
I want to tell you about our last appointment with Dr L my haematologist but in order for you to understand the whole story I need to update you on my situation. I have not done that yet because I wanted to spare my children and I think that my eldest son reads my blog from time to time.
My last scan showed a small progression.Two new small tumours appeared, there 1 cm long (half an inch) and the tumour that was stable at 1 cm since January is now 2 cm (close to an inch). It’s not big but the progression triggered my haematologist to change protocol. Since there is no more choices for me we had to revert to the first cocktail that was used, FOLFOX, to which I had had a bad reaction in 2009 (drop in blood pressure, sweating etc.). In order to be able to try this again we needed to use a modified protocol on administration. Where it used to be infused in 2 hours is now 8 hours. Very diluted solutions at first with slow increase through the 8 hours. I also take anti allergic medication the two days prior to the chemo. The other effect of the progression is the cessation of Avastin (Bevacizumab). This product is one of the most recent discoveries of cancer research (about 10 years ago). It has to be given at the same time as FOLFOX (or FOLFIRI) and it increases progression free survival or straight survival time. But since there was progression while using Avastin, government says no more Avastin (it stops paying for it). But there are some data that suggests that Avastin should be continued because there seemed to be a benefit. Unfortunately these studies are open label and not randomised so the government do not consider them. As you may remember, Avastin in my case cost $2000 each dose to repeat every two weeks.
We discussed this situation with Dr L and MJ wants me to have Avastin. We both believe this product was fundamental in the great response I had in 2008 where my tumours shranked enough to open up the possibility of surgery. Dr L mentioned that it was possible to get Avastin in a private clinic if we had insurance. So MJ started working on it with Manon, her benefits manager, and with the extraordinary collaboration of the people from the insurance broker and support from her boss. They were successful in getting Avastin reimbursed for 6 months. I take this opportunity to thank everyone that work and make decisions that directly impact my life.
Back to the appointment
When we arrived in his office Dr L was anxious to hear from my wife if she was successful in getting the reimbursement. He sat back in his chair with his arms behind his head as if to say “so how did you do it”. MJ explained that she worked hard for two weeks and that she got Roche, Avastin’s manufacturer, involved. When she finished relating the details Dr L had a big smile on his face and said ”you’re very efficient, sometimes I wish you were on my team”. He added that he was not really surprised because he had come to know my wife in the last two years. He has witnessed her drive on a few occasions namely the white blood cells episode. MJ has a knack for getting her way without making enemies. He has come to know her character but he never asked about what she does for a living. What do you do for a living? He asked. Vice-president of Human Resources for a company of 4000 employees, I responded. I jumped in because MJ tends to say she is an HR manager which I believe is a huge understatement. Dr L nodded and said: you have what it takes to do that job.
I’m telling the story because I am extremely proud of my wife. I don’t think people that meet her have an idea of her qualities and the depth of her professional achievement.
Latest books
I just finished “My Life In France”, from Julia Child. It tells the story of her days in France in the fifties and the sixties. I stumbled on that book while browsing the Kindle catalogue. It was fun reading, light hearted and it takes you back in another era. It also made me curious about the recent movie Julie & Julia. I will definitely rent it soon.
Just before that I finished Outliers that I mentioned in my blog “crossroads”. I recommend this book to everybody. It is very interesting. Now I am reading Energy Leadership from Bruce D. Schneider. This book is the introduction to a certification course on coaching that MJ wants to register for. She was asked to read the book before making her final decision. The certification is spread over 9 months with four weekends in New York in a group. She is very excited about learning at a high level, a bit like it would be her masters degree. I am behind her 100%, she just needs to have the OK from her boss.
Have a good week!
