Today we are officially in maintenance phase! Her spinal tap procedure went well and quick today. Like antibiotics, we are just continuing her chemo treatments to make sure the cancer doesn't come back. She has been in remission since December 2014 and we want to make sure she achieves complete remission.
From now until the next year and a half, Olivia will follow the 'ARM B' path based on the randomization results yesterday. This means she will be getting IV chemo every 4 weeks, with continous oral medications at home. In terms of frequency of chemo, it is the same as the 'ARM A', or the standard path, if we hadn't signed up for the study. The dosage of chemo however is increased. The doctor was explaining that there used to be 12 arms/paths before and now has been decreased to 4. Even the time span of treatment has significantly decreased from where it has been. It is through all the data from other kids that lead to this. And now we feel proud to be part of this worldwide study that one day could lead to a better cure for cancer. None of the medication are clinical trials. All meds are the same as what she has been taking. The clinical study really is just about the frequency and dosage.
For the first cycle (every cycle in maintenance is 3 months), Olivia is scheduled for more frequent check ups as her blood counts are expected to come down again.
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