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Barbara H. · 08-16-2008, 10:39 AM

Hi Irene,
If your tumor markers are coming down you will probably see some good results from your scan. I did have a fever after the first infusion and one again a few weeks ago. However, the fever was just a little over a 100. I have few side effects from the trial, except for nosebleeds which are annoying.

Unfortunately, I have developed inflammation in my lungs and it has been progressing since January. They think the drug is causing it, but there is a slight chance that it could have a different cause. My oncologist will wait for one more scan at the end of this month. If the inflammation is stable or has decreased than we will continue to monitor it. If it has increased I will have to have a surgical lung biopsy to determine what is causing it. If it is the drug, I may have to go off of it for a few cycles, or I may need to stop the trial. This new development is very upsetting to me because I tolerate the drug well and it has put me into remission. My tumor markers have been normal since last fall.

I wonder if you are having a difficult reaction to the drug because you receive a higher dose on the three week cycle. My total dose is higher but it is spread out by having weekly infusions. This drug does affect the liver enzymes and sometimes treatment is held when mine are too high. I never had high enzymes until I was on this drug. Hopefully, you are having all of these reactions because the drug is making an impact on your tumors. I wish you the best and keep us updated.

I have related your story to my team and my excitement that you were allowed to enter the phase 2 trial. I think of you often.

Best regards,
Barbara H.

08-16-2008, 10:39 AM	#2
Barbara H. Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Newton, MA Posts: 951	trial Hi Irene, If your tumor markers are coming down you will probably see some good results from your scan. I did have a fever after the first infusion and one again a few weeks ago. However, the fever was just a little over a 100. I have few side effects from the trial, except for nosebleeds which are annoying. Unfortunately, I have developed inflammation in my lungs and it has been progressing since January. They think the drug is causing it, but there is a slight chance that it could have a different cause. My oncologist will wait for one more scan at the end of this month. If the inflammation is stable or has decreased than we will continue to monitor it. If it has increased I will have to have a surgical lung biopsy to determine what is causing it. If it is the drug, I may have to go off of it for a few cycles, or I may need to stop the trial. This new development is very upsetting to me because I tolerate the drug well and it has put me into remission. My tumor markers have been normal since last fall. I wonder if you are having a difficult reaction to the drug because you receive a higher dose on the three week cycle. My total dose is higher but it is spread out by having weekly infusions. This drug does affect the liver enzymes and sometimes treatment is held when mine are too high. I never had high enzymes until I was on this drug. Hopefully, you are having all of these reactions because the drug is making an impact on your tumors. I wish you the best and keep us updated. I have related your story to my team and my excitement that you were allowed to enter the phase 2 trial. I think of you often. Best regards, Barbara H.