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  • 1.  Clinical Trials

    Posted 2 days ago

    My oncologist at Grand River Hospital, in Kitchener, Ontario, has been in touch with London Health Sciences (where I was diagnosed and had the debulking/hysterectomy surgery) to inquire about any Clinical trials that would be appropriate for me.  When I met with her last week, I did ask her about Princess Margaret or Jurvinski and told her that I would be more than willing to travel if either of those facilities had anything to offer.  I just got a call from Princess Margaret and I have a virtual appointment for June 19th.  If anybody has any advice regarding clinical trials, I would be happy to hear it.  My main goals are to survive as long as possible, with as high of quality of life as possible.  Thanks so much,

    Sheryl



  • 2.  RE: Clinical Trials

    Posted yesterday

    @GloHo any insights you can provide?




  • 3.  RE: Clinical Trials

    Posted 23 hours ago

    Hi Sheryl 

    my oncologist at jurvinski has done the same with me. I have a virtual appt on June 9 th with Dr Oza. I'm looking for insights also .  I will keep you updated how my appt goes so you have an idea.  




  • 4.  RE: Clinical Trials

    Posted 22 hours ago
    Thanks mom2boys. I will look forward to hearing how your appointment goes. This sure is a learning experience (all of which, I am sure we would rather not know!). Lets hope we hear something promising😊
    Sent from my iPad




  • 5.  RE: Clinical Trials

    Posted 13 hours ago

    @sheryl and@mom2boys

    Hi. Here is some info you may find useful…

    You will be in great hands at PMH! I have found that they recommend the best trial for me at each turn in my journey. I was diagnosed over 6 years ago and am currently in my 4th trial. I am feeling fine, good quality of life (working around treatment schedule can be tricky but if that's what I have to do, I'll do it!!)

    When I meet with them about a new trial, the Dr suggests a trial. If I indicate I am interested, they provide a copy of the details for the trial (on paper) and then I speak with the trial coordinator about the specific details for that trial. I'm sure they can send the info to you electronically. That way, you can follow along with the trial coordinator. Ask as many questions as you want…make sure you understand everything fully. You do not need to make an immediate decision…take a couple of days if you need to review the paperwork and ask more questions.

    Things I like to be sure I'm clear on are:

    • what pre-tests are required to determine if I'm eligible (blood, urine, heart, eyes, biopsy, etc.)
    • schedule 
    • known side effects/frequency for other patients (if known) 
    • what happens if my blood counts dip below trial requirements (delay, dose decrease, infusion, end of trial). They sometimes like to be vague here because everyone is different. Push the point if you're not happy with their response. 

    When you decide on a trial, be prepared to be back and forth to Toronto for all the required testing to determine your eligibility. The trial can  begin 28 days after your last treatment.

    When you are approved, they get you started as quickly as possible.. usually the following week  

    I have found that treatment weeks are pretty similar…clinics are usually on Tuesdays. Pre-Day1 you will need to get blood in lab, one hour wait for results, check in and wait to meet with Dr and trial coordinator (together), Dr will review results and, if everything is ok, they will order drugs for treatment (chemo), ask about your symptoms, give you a quick physical, order pre-meds for treatment day, if any, that you may need to pick up at the PMH pharmacy (if required for trial, no cost to you).

    Day 1 sometimes you have to meet with Dr again, usually not…just check in at chemo unit…and wait! Some trials have required meds prior to treatment and most will have a post treatment observation time. Blood draws may be taken at different intervals before/during/after treatment. I was on one trial that required an overnight stay at PMH.

    There are many different trials and each one is unique. 

    I hope the above info is useful. Let me know if you have any questions or would like to speak to me directly…I'm here if you need me. 




  • 6.  RE: Clinical Trials

    Posted 12 hours ago
    Thanks so much GloHo. I have been following you and your openness to Clinical Trials and have felt inspired by you. I am excited and scared but feel that this is the way to proceed for me. I am going to read over your post again and write down some questions to ask and information I need to focus on. I really appreciate your information and will let you know how it all goes.

    Sheryl
    Sent from my iPad




  • 7.  RE: Clinical Trials

    Posted 10 hours ago

    @sheryl

    Thanks for your vote of confidence. So glad that journaling my personal experiences may have lessened some uncertainty and helped nudge you in this direction.

    Have you taken a look at the trials database (clinicaltrials.gov)? If not, you should take a look. You will see the different trials available as well as the criteria they use to determine eligibility for each. You will have a better understanding of the types of things that the trial coordinator will discuss about your specific trial. The trial coordinator goes through every section of the protocol with you and you may ask as many questions as you want.

    You mention in your bio that you do not have any genetic markers. Which genetics test did you get done? Was it through London or Grand River? 

    There are a lot of trials and I'm sure they'll find one that is best for you at this stage of your journey. 

    Good grief…there are so many more things I wish I could share succinctly but that just doesn't seem to be my style 🤣🤣. I will leave it at this for now. Again…any questions…just ask. 




  • 8.  RE: Clinical Trials

    Posted 9 hours ago

    Of course…just thought of something else I'd like to mention about participating in trials 🤪.

    I like the constant monitoring!! Depending on the trial protocol…you will get blood (including CA125), urine and maybe an ECG prior to each treatment. There are also other specific tests. For the trial I am in, I get a CT and eye exam every 8 weeks.

    As an out of town patient, I appreciate that the trial coordinator is able to book my eye exam when I'm in Toronto for treatment. Unfortunately, CTs you have to take them when they are booked. For me, this usually means an additional trip to Toronto. 




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