Second round of SGN-35

So many of you have been asking, and I hesitate to jump for joy, but rather knock on wood when I say I have been doing much better after my first treatment back in April, nearly 3 weeks ago.

A round of this targeted chemotherapy, which is administered each time in Rochester, is 21 days. And so this week is already time for the second round of SGN-35.

On May 1st we had a very emotional day. Our beloved Pope John Paul II, born Karol Wojtyla, was beatified. In our hearts, he was always a saint - we had been witness, first hand, to his miracles. On this day it was official.. I explained to Karolek in church that sometimes adults cry happy tears. I think he understood, but thought it was a silly concept at the same time ;)

In front of the church, May 1st, 2011. Beatification of Pope John Paul II

My fevers went away within about 24 hours on this drug (they were gone by Sunday, I got the treatment on Friday). I look and feel better, gained 5 kg much needed weight to build back strength. I have had low energy and fatigue, and regular visits at the clinic here to check blood have helped with this -- I get blood transfusions when needed to raise Hemoglobin levels and as the doctors say, 'top me up' (like gas in a car, keeps me going).



At the clinic, waiting to go home after receiving a blood transfusion.

Racer Karolek (taking after daddy) visits me in full gear.

Overall, I have been smiling more, able to meet with friends and loved ones more often, and enjoying the recent warmer sunny weather, even if I'm just sitting and sunbathing in our backyard while Karolek plays :))) This past weekend was busy and though I was asleep by an embarrasingly early evening (in bed before my 4 year old son), I was able to join Konrad and Karolek at a friend's son's second birthday party, meet with friends we hadnt seen in a long time, and to be out and about with family for Mother's Day. It was a great Mother's Day weekend. Every moment with Karolek is very special to me and this year I am very thankful.

Spring in Oakville

If all continues to go well, we go to Rochester this Thursday to get the second round of SGN-35. We do bloodwork here the day before leaving to cut costs of doing it there, and they are cooperating with this which is nice (I just need to present a print-out of my blood results to the doctor I see there before the treatment).

For anyone who is interested, there are forms under the Ontario Ministry of Health website for a program called 'Prior Approval' with which you apply to receive funding for OHIP insured hospital and medical services out of country. Having just found this, we are trying this, however, it usually doesnt cover treatment with a drug that is 'Experimental', as this one is at the present time. We will see what is decided..

Hope all you moms had a wonderful Mother's Day and I will write again soon,

Paulina