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Posted 8/3/2008 5:57 PM (GMT 0)
I assume that most of the old-timers don't post on this site for one reason or another and I include myself in that group. However, I made a promise to Susan (myman) that I would post one more time, about a clinical trial I am about to join, in the hope that someone else here may benefit from it.

The drug, Sprycel (generic name tasatinib) is made by Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS). It has shown great success in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patients who no longer respond to the old standard Gleevec and BMS thinks/hopes it will be effective against solid tumors and is apparently starting with hormone refractory PCa. Sprycel is a tablet which is taken at home every day and is given in conjunction with Taxotere infusions given every twenty-one days.

Wikipedia and Google speak mostly to Sprycel vs. CML, but the number of Sprycel vs. PCa links seems to be growing.

The lead doctor is John C. Araujo, MD, PhD, my doc at M.D. Anderson in Houston, but, the trial is being conducted at a number of hospitals around the country.

-Les
Posted 8/3/2008 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
Les--I'm glad you posted an update at Susan's behest about the clinical trial and chemotherapy you are undergoing.  I had wondered about this since you mentioned that you would be doing this.  It sounds very hopeful and promising.  And as you write, others in a similar situation may be interested in learning more about this. Take care and hang in there...Tim
Posted 8/3/2008 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Les

It is good to hear from you. I hope this works for you.

Mika
Posted 8/3/2008 11:54 PM (GMT 0)
Glad to see you posting again. I hope you continue to keep us posted on your progress! All the best to you as you move forward with treatment!
Posted 8/4/2008 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
Les, best wishes to you as you continue with another treatment! please check in again as things move along. take care, kat
Posted 8/4/2008 2:19 AM (GMT 0)
Les I can't speak for everyone but I personally value your posts and opinions. Good luck with the upcoming trial, and please keep us posted.

peace and love
Dale
Posted 8/4/2008 2:32 AM (GMT 0)
Les,
Good to see you posting. My best wishes and good luck with the upcoming trial and good results from the treatment. Every little victory by each one of us, no matter how uphill our battle against this rotten disease, is a victory for us all. Maybe a little too philosophical but true nevertheless. Please keep us informed of how you go.
Bill
Posted 8/4/2008 5:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Les,

Yeah, its hard to post here sometimes when the condition we are dealing with does not apply to the majority of people here. However, I take solace just from staying in touch with those that have helped my so much. Its like a friendly touch and reassurance that I am not alone. But that's just me. I don't know much about how you handle your situation except that your words always strike a chord with me.

Best of luck with the trial. You never know what will work in this fight against cancer.

Jim
Posted 8/4/2008 1:15 PM (GMT 0)
Les

Great to hear from you and just know that we are thinking about you and pulling for good sucess in the trial treatment plan. Stay in touch and good luck my friend

Norskie
Posted 8/4/2008 4:13 PM (GMT 0)
Les

Wishing you success in your trial, and my best wishes.
Posted 8/4/2008 6:44 PM (GMT 0)

Gordy,

Good luck with your trial treatment.  You shall be in my thoughts.  Please keep in touch with us through this site.

Frank

Posted 8/6/2008 1:55 AM (GMT 0)
Beginning of trial is now pushed back to Monday, 8/11 because blood draw is required 47 hours after start of trial, which would make it Saturday morning and office is closed on Saturday. In addition, blood draw on 7/24 is now too old, so will have new blood draw on Thursday, 8/7. Will also have echo cardiogram on 8/7. Oh, didn't I mention that an echo cardiogram is required before starting trial?

And just to make it a perfect day, we saw breast surgeon today who did biopsy on suspicious area on Carol's breast. Have to wait for Thursday, 8/7 for path report to come back, but surgeon is almost positive it's cancer.

And so it goes......

-Les
Posted 8/6/2008 4:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Les,

So sorry to hear about Carol's biopsy and of course we all hope its benign. It seems like it never stops. And I'd rather got through it myself than have MaryLu get cancer.

Hoping for the best for both of you...

Jim
Posted 8/6/2008 4:58 AM (GMT 0)
I'm so sorry to hear about your wife's possible cancer, Les, on top of all you're going thru. It just doesn't let up does it.
Posted 8/6/2008 9:44 AM (GMT 0)
Sheesh, there's got to be a whole lot of good news headed your way. You've had way more than your fair share of bad. All the good karma I can muster is headed your way.
Bill
Posted 8/6/2008 12:09 PM (GMT 0)
Les and Carol, all the best to both of you.... take care, kat
Posted 8/6/2008 2:55 PM (GMT 0)
Gordy, here's wishing for good news for you and your wife.  Keep on hanging in there, guy.

Posted 8/6/2008 4:15 PM (GMT 0)

Gordy,

It seems you and Carol have certainly been given a disproportionate share of issues and concerns, to say it lightly.

Take care you two.

Frank

Posted 8/6/2008 11:34 PM (GMT 0)
Les-
Wishing you and Carol the best in these difficult times. I will definitely be thinking of you both and hoping you both catch a break here soon. Keep us posted.
Posted 8/7/2008 12:09 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks from both of us for all your kind thoughts.

-Les
Posted 8/8/2008 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Les,

I just read your post and then your wifes bad news too. I'm hoping that its just the opposite of what is expected from the biopsy. I guess there is nothing I can say except that I wish all good for both of you and I'm always thinking about y'all.
Kent got a bit of news too. Found a nodule thats not supposed to be there. Going to Colon/Rectal doctor on the 27th. Just when you think you can take a breath....
Again, please let us know how things are going.
My best
Cindy
Posted 8/8/2008 10:23 PM (GMT 0)
Cindy-

Nope - cancer wins again! But fortunately for us, it's small and the cells are very well differentiated. Surgery (lumpectomy) is scheduled for August 29 and then Carol undergoes 5 days of what sounds like brachytherapy - a balloon is inserted into the (now) empty space with a catheter and a radioactive seed is placed in the balloon for a given amount of time. I haven't had a chance to research the procedure yet.

It never ends, does it? Please know that Carol and I appreciate your kind words and that we've both got our fingers crossed for Kent.

On the other front - my start-of-the-clinical-trial was pushed back from yesterday to next Monday, 8/11. I've been told to bring dvds and lots of reading material. After the one hour infusion at 8 AM, they will be drawing blood hourly for 10 hours.

After a while, all that goes on with Kent, Carol, me and everyone else here starts to sound and feel surreal. It seems as though it can't really be happening to all of us. I don't know, I just don't know.

Be well and good luck on the 27th.

-Les
Posted 8/8/2008 11:20 PM (GMT 0)

Les,

I am very sorry to hear this.  All of of our positive thoughts for you both!

Tony

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