Monday, April 24
Let’s return to last Wednesday when Laurie and I were at OHSU to consult with doctor and trial coordinator, as well as receive the second infusion of Pembrolizumab. As we listened, it was made perfectly clear that the initial results with this treatment may not be impressive. The drug is different then chemotherapy drugs, in that it is not designed to specifically and immediately kill rapidly dividing cells, instead it is designed to assist my own immune system in battling the cancer cells. They said this might take time.
For the past year, we have been programmed to monitor my PSA. We know there are other indicators of tumor activity due to prostate cancer but PSA is very reliable. So, you all might not be surprised at our thundering dismay and utter shock and sadness when we logged onto the portal that afternoon and learned of the newest PSA reading – a whooping 70! Yes 70!
Are you kidding me? Another doubling after only 3 weeks! Isn’t this where we were last year at this time……. but now we are on the 4th therapy. I know we were told not to expect immediate stellar results, which Chris confirmed with Laurie after checking the portal that afternoon, but 70 and a very nasty trajectory at that! I don’t like this one bit!
From last week, there you have The rest of the story!
Mike, it is not the Rest of the Story, it is the Story is Rest. Take care.
Mike,
Yikes, another PSA doubling in just 3 weeks? That is crazy! But like your Dr. said, your body immune system may be preparing to launch a new attack against those cancer cells and it may take a bit of time to do just that. As always, Best Wishes to You My Friend! You are always in our thoughts and prayers. Bill