A bit of a break

Sunday, March 12, 2023. The clinical trial I’m participating in is broken down into eight 21-day cycles. Last Wednesday was Cycle 3, Day 8. Cycle’s 1 and 2 required me to get an infusion of Magrolimab and Sacituzumab, as well as pre-meds for both, on Day’s 1 and 8 and Magrolimab only on Day 15. This was considered the break-in period. That first cycle both drugs were administered very slowly with an hour of observation after each one. Cycle 2 didn’t require any observation and the infusions were administered more quickly reducing 8-9 hour infusions to 5 or 6.

Me and my friend June on my first 2023 Spring Fling hike. Two miles down 73 to go.

Now in my third cycle, I’m given Magrolimab and Sacituzumab on Day 1, taking about 5 hours (if everything moves along without delays), and on Day 8 I get Sacituzumab only which takes under 2 hours from pre-meds to infusion. Then on Day 15 (this coming Wednesday) I get a break. A week off from any clinical trial cocktails at all! That will be the treatment regimen for the remaining five cycles of this Cohort. I am stoked.

I’m happy to report that, at this point in time, the mass that resides in the vascular area just below my right collarbone is so small it can’t be felt by me or anyone on my care team. The carcinoembryonic antigen (tumor maker) numbers continue to fall–from 15.0 on February 22 to 12.6 on March 1 to 12 on March 8. That is the lowest that number has been since January 2022. Factor in the reduced size of all my lung nodules and the now barely-there mass leads me to believe that this treatment regimen might really work for me.

Don’t be afraid of the space between your dreams and reality. If you dream it, you can make it so. —Belva Davis

28 Replies to “A bit of a break”

  1. Love you so much! Such good news to hear and a nice break on top of that. So good to see that you are up to getting out and getting fresh air with June.

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  2. Wow, this is super exciting to hear. I love the photo you shared and am glad you’re out moving. Having a break from treatment is certainly a nice bonus to your nodule and markers decreasing. Hallelujah!!!!

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  3. Lana and Steve enjoy this well earned BREAK! Even if it’s a short one! We are so thankful to read this update – Love Ya

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  4. That is such good news, Lan!!! Very encouraging!! Have fun on your hikes .. you’ll have that next 72 miles knocked out in no time! Love you❣ 🌻 🌻

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  5. So very thankful for your progress, Lana
    I can just picture the big smile on your face and the little giggle you have
    Enjoy your hiking adventures
    Love you much🙏🏻💕

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  6. YAY!!!!  😃   I am also convinced that this just might (and will) be the “it” thing to take the numbers down. What an amazing progression, in the right direction!. I can picture those black lines getting smaller & smaller (and right into oblivion where they belong).  It IS happening!!I can imagine a world where you are cancer free and these grueling SF trips are long past.  I can imagine you being in the clear, and others benefitting from this clinical trial, in the same way.  I’m so glad you’re hiking with friends. Hiking is such a wonderful experience, & hiking with treasured friends is the best❤️.  I used to hike & backpack, before my legs went south .. (I even did Mt. Whitney,  twice)(Nice weather we’re having)…🤡🤣Sent from my Galaxy

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  7. Lana you look so cute and still so brave.   Love you, Betty 

    Sent from my iPhone

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  8. Lana! I just read your email and I literally got tingles all over my body. Tingles of joy for the possibilities of your new regime leading to a new life. My spirits are lifted now.

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