Today made us realize that when one has a plan, one needs to be sure that everyone involved in the plan, is on the same page, and following the same map. I suppose it is also important that details are explained so that those who are not creating the plan, have a real sense of what the brainstorming means.
All that to say Bob and I were going down a different trail from what the doctors were planning. The treatment Bob is taking is NOT Car t cell therapy as I had earlier told y'all. This treatment has been proven for lymphoma but alas not near ready for multiple myeloma.
The treatment Bob is on is DARATUMUMAB which you can check out online if you are so inclined. I am sure that we hadn't heard that word before.
The brand name drug being used is darzalex
Daratumumab (Darzalex) is an anti-cancer drug. It binds to CD38.[1]Daratumumab was originally developed by Genmab, but it is now being jointly developed by Genmab along with the Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Janssen Biotech, which acquired worldwide commercialization rights to the drug from Genmab.[2]
Multiple myeloma cells uniformly overexpress CD38. We studied daratumumab, a CD38-targeting, human IgG1κ monoclonal antibody.
In step with the darzalex Bob also needs to take a lower dose of dex. Depending on results other chemo drugs may be added. In our heads we were hoping for no more chemo drugs. Alas this is not the cure we thought it could be however there is always HOPE and it may be yet. This dazalex was approved for use in Canada in Dec. 2015. Our doctors are really pumped about it. Success is pegged at 35-40%. Pray with us that this will be successful for Bob.
This is a long haul treatment. All the treatments are in hospital with the lab work done a couple of days prior. Once a week for 2mo. then every other week for 4mo. and then depending on results once a month. It is actually very doable.
Exploron Corp had extended Bob a short term disability which at Bob's age is unbelievable. Dr. Bahlis filled out the forms today and put down that the term would be until Dec. That is totally not reasonable for the company. We are waiting to see what HR has to say and what the future holds with them.
We have thought a lot about how today turned out. It was not how we had imagined,misheard, or thought it was going to be. We do know that God has cared for so many details in these past years that He will also walk with us and give direction for the future.
I am sorry that I got lead away on a rabbit trail and gave everyone wrong info. There is hope on the horizon and cures for cancer. It will come and we are proud to say that Bob is part of that hunt.
The first week begins tomorrow April 21. The first infusion time will be 10 hours (lunch is packed).
