Some of you may not know that I am here at the IU Med Center because I am participating in a clinical trial.
I’ve learned that very few cancer patients do this. In fact, one website said the number was only five percent. That’s why I thought I would share some things I’ve learned about clinical trials.
Some people fear that enrolling in a clinical trial means they may not get any treatment at all or that their care might be inferior. The reality is, patients in clinical trials receive either the best treatment currently available, or a new and possibly more effective therapy. Placebos (sugar pills) are never used when an existing standard therapy exists. I received a lengthy informed consent for my clinical trial that outlined details of everything from treatment procedures and schedules to potential risks and benefits. I have the best doctors available who give me a lot of attention and excellent care. Much diligence is paid on clinical trials!
My oncologists here are seeing positive results from this particular clinical trial. One patient has been cancer free now for a year. Of the four currently enrolled, two are ready for surgery. They think what I am doing now may become the standard protocol for pancreatic cancer.
The IU Med Center is also fortunate to have Dr. Keith Lillemoe on staff as head of surgery. He is a pancreatic cancer specialist and is here after many years with Johns Hopkins. Some of you may remember when baseball player Eric Davis had cancer. Dr. Lillemoe was his surgeon. Dr. Lillemoe will be the first one I will consult with if my tumor becomes operable. I met with him when I first arrived here and I didn’t like him because he made me cry. Perhaps surgeons are trained to be detached and I suppose I can live with that…if Dr. Lillemoe can help me live!
If you would like more information about clinical trials try this website:
www.CancerTrialsHelp.org or call the National Cancer Institute at 1-800-4-cancer.
Meanwhile…today is the half way point and I am doing well. “Urpy” and exhausted, but holding up just fine. Again, I could never do this without your love, your prayers, and your support. I am so fortunate to know so many people who know Our Lord and Savior! You have blessed my socks off!
Much Agape,
Ann
Awesome news for you and your family!!! God is Great
and hears all of our prayers! May He uplift you even
higher through the rest of your treatment and see you
through it all. Cancer is definitely a roller coaster ride
with many ups and downs but it sounds like you are
riding it with both arms straight up in the air and
screaming right back at it! Keep up the fight Ann!
In Christ,
Also, Ann, There is the government’s website on clinical trials on ALL diseases. It is http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. It is a huge site, but by putting the name of the disease into a search box it limits the research.
ann.
i love to get on here and read what you write. you are such an inspiration to me as i fight an incurrable disease that is very painful everyday. You will not give up and i will not either. God has a bigger plan for both of us and we will keep asking, knocking at the door like HIS word says and believing
for all of the prayers to be answered. What a testimony you and your family will give one day.
praise god and bless you.
melanie
Annie – Am visiting Brittney in Georgetown , watching your site. Thinking of you. Hang in there. Hi to Erin & all. Ben K.