Thrilled but still in shock

[sherritaylor12]

Went to clinic today and because of my RVR the Gilead monitor randomized me to stop treatment today at 16 weeks.  I am thrilled, because I was honestly thinking I was not going to make it to 24 weeks because my sx have been so bad.  The PA tells me that I have a 90% cure rate with the new drugs (wasn't getting the placebo), If I don't relapse in the next 30-60 days.  They will monitor me for 1-1/2 years.
What do you all think about this.  No choice really they did not send me home with any meds.
Hubby still on tx with 48 weeks as end sight.
All opinion welcome.
Thanks,
Sherri  

[sherritaylor12]

I went today and got two wigs free from the cancer society.  The only requirement was loosing hair due to Chemotherapy.  I am still loosing hair and my scalp is so sore I could not wear a wig right now.  The PA said this could continue as much as two months from now due to the i/2 life of the meds.  I just keep plastering my head with triamcinolone acetonide cream RX the PA gave me (on the $4.00 rx list at walmart in the 80 gram size).  It is allowed on the study and it really seems to help for a little while, then I just reapply.  I look rediculas but I live in the country and nobody sees me anyway, except hubby and he loves me anyway
LOL, At least I not on treatment anymore!!!!!!!!!!
Wishing you the best,
Sherri

[researchmonkey326]

Let me know how the wig thing goes.  I think I'm pretty close to that point as well but my scalp still itches some and I'm afraid a wig will make it worse.
Debra

[sandysf]

So excited for you.  I too started a Gilead study on June 7th.  I am hopeful of a similar response!  

[sherritaylor12]

Thanks for all the kind words and encouragement.  I will be sure and keep you all up todate on ouir conditions.  I am sure that all the positive thinking helped.  Thanks to you all.
Sherri

PS going to get my new wig today.  Hair will continue to fall our for a couple of month at least.  I'll look like a brand new woman lol.    

[willbb]

  Sherri..that is great news...especially since you have been suffering so many sides. With the early clearance ..you should do just fine.

Also  I thought when you first posted..how difficult it must be with you and your hubby going thru this at the same time.. hopfully know you can recover and help him get through the rest of his treatment.

good luck to you both....

Will

[researchmonkey326]

Congratulations!  You were und at 1 week and randomized into the 16 week regimen because of your good results and some luck.  Since the study is response guided, if you had not done so well so quickly, you would not have qualified for the short treatment.  The results with the quad treatment have been very promising (100% RVR in 28 days -rather small sample but still) - read about the Phase I and Phase IIa results.  You are on your way to SVR, I have a feeling.  I think that the days of year-long treatment are soon behind us.  I'm happy for you - try not to second guess it and "Carpe Diem"  Good luck to hubby too.  You'll soon start feeling better and be able to help him through the remainder of his treatment.
Debra
PS - I know you cannot wait for the damn scalp itching to be behind you.

[nygirl7]

Great news you are very lucky so far let's keep it going here whoo hoo!

[his3707]

Have they been doing this for a while?  stopping at 16 weeks with your results?   I guess there is nothing you can do but wait.  I dont know anything about this trial but I have been hearring a lot about Gilead.   so much going on right now in research!  Good luck!