FYI and Thurs. update

FYI: some points of interest that I have picked up:

1) Dr. Sosman told us on Tuesday that it was unusual to see kidney problems with melanoma patients. IL-2 is approved for use with both melanoma and kidney (renal) cancer--guess that they see kidney problems more with their kidney patients...makes sense. So...when has Woody been "usual" in this treatment?!

2) Here's how scientists make Interleukin 2 (IL-2): They transfer the gene for human IL-2 into bacteria. The bacteria then make the IL-2 protein in large quantities. These quantities can then be purified as a drug.

3) Interleukin 2 (IL-2) is administered in bolus dosing. A bolus dose is a large volume of fluid or dose of a drug given intravenously and rapidly at one time. So Woody, during his treatments, was getting 3 bolus doses in a 24 hour period. Each dose took 15 minutes to be given.

4) Interleukin 2 can't be given in a saline solution--it is given in a Dextrose 5% solution. Prior to giving the IL-2, Woody's IV drip was always changed over to the Dextrose 5% solution to flush out the line. Then they would give the IL-2 bolus with the Dextrose 5% solution which took 15 min. After the IL-2 bolus finished, it was followed for a while longer with the Dextrose 5% solution and then his drip would be switched back to the saline solution. I got to know the "drill" fairly well as I would have to push the nurse call button after the 2nd flushing of the Dextrose solution so she could switch it back to the saline.

5) IL-2 causes "Capillary Leak Syndrome," which is the cause of weight gain, swelling and low blood pressure during the treatments.

Update on Woody: Thurs., Feb. 26

Woody's main complaint at the moment is that his legs ache--which is bothering him most at night. Dr. Sosman's nurse called today to ask me a question about some paper work that they were filling out for us so I asked her what would be appropriate for him to take for these aches. She said ibuprofen--so far Woody hasn't taken any since I talked to her--perhaps at bedtime.

Woody did do a few "laps" in the house today. One "lap" = from his recliner in the family room out to the living room and back. I know that he has done at least two laps today. He also went outside for a quick look at one of our gardens in the back yard. He has also done some crossword puzzles. So I guess he has exercised his body and his mind a bit today.