3f8 Antibody Continues

Yesterday was better. We switched from Dilauted to Morphine and it worked much better for Nick. In fact, he woke up two hours later and asked if they started the "mouse" yet. He had pain but apparently didn't remember it.

MSKCC recently switched the 3f8 protocol from two weeks to one week. They now give a double dose for one week instead of spreading it over two. Obviously, this has pros and cons. Here is what we know:

• Hundreds have received 3f8 and they come here from all over the world to get it.
• It works. It works especially well in cases like Nick's where all tests are NED.
• The main side effect is pain.
• The first day of each cycle is always the worst.....it was horrible!
• The pain is usually managed with pain meds.....this was true yesterday!
• We will be finished with this first cycle on Friday and not start again until 11/6.

What we didn't realize is that Nick would basically be 'affected' all week from the pain medicine. Other parents and nurses told us that the kids were ok once they got home but this was during the two week cycle. Nick came to about 9:00 last night, ate a few snacks and went right to bed. He slept nicely without pain and is still sleeping at 8:00am. I think he will be fine when he wakes up and I will get him a nice breakfast and then we will head off to the PDH for more. To sum it up, we expected a few hard hours at the PDH each day but not a full week of pain and the effects of pain drugs.

Nick clearly knows the big picture and although he doesn't want to go in, he never complains and he knows that he is fighting this beast and that he is winning. Thanks to everyone who contacted me after reading the blog yesterday.

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I am not the best mood to talk sports right now but have to mention that the Higgins Construction Men's 'E' League softball squad swept a DH Monday night and is now the number 1 seed going in to the Roseville 'E' World Championship next Monday. Can you tell they really miss me? Dan...take 2, then go op-o ... it's your best chance!