Well, I went to Johns Hopkins this morning to find out what was in store now, after getting my scan results showing increasing cancer in my lymph nodes. I was unsure about continuing in this trial if they wanted me to, since it was becoming obvious to me that I am getting little if any benefit from it. When I met with Dr. Sharfman it turns out my decision was made for me. Apparently he appealed to Bristol Myers Squibb to treat me for one more cycle of 4 infusions, but since I had shown progression two scans in a row, they said no.
He told me that he wasn't crazy about radiation followed by Keytruda, like my local oncologist had mentioned in the spring before I started this trial. He said that we could do oral chemo — I forget the name of the drug — which he said he has gotten good responses to from some other patients. But he said he thought my best option, and best chance at regression, was to participate in the TIL trial at the National Cancer Institute.
So we agreed to proceed with that, and he said he would set the wheels in motion. And that's where things stand with me at the moment. I'll admit to being a little frightened of this — it sounds like I'm going to be in for a month or so of extreme unpleasantness. But I've read about this treatment and I'm hopeful that it will be the one that finally works for me.
As usual, I'll keep you all filled in.
-Bill
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