Haven't been here in ages, guess you can say I've been in a cocoon and I apologize for that, feel like I've deserted good friends and not helped others, but I do come and read everyday and try and keep up on everyone.
Tried to get into a clinical trial NCT02959437 at the City of Hope Cancer Center in CA but didn't pass the screening.
I had rectal cancer (tumor removed) with 6 mets to my lungs, have been off chemo (Folfuri and Avastin) since March 14 getting ready to screen for the trial after 28 days. First set of labs showed WBC=1.8 and Platelets=55k. Waited one week and did labs again WBC=3.8 and Platelets=61k, not enough to get into the trial or have chemo (very scary).
Met with the top Oncologists at City of Hope and they all agreed that the only thing that could help would be killing off part of my spleen. I was not aware what the purpose of the spleen is but now I know, "The spleen plays multiple supporting roles in the body. It acts as a filter for blood as part of the immune system. Old red blood cells are recycled in the spleen, and platelets and white blood cells are stored there. The spleen also helps fight certain kinds of bacteria that cause pneumonia and meningitis."
For some unknown reason my platelets are not releasing, could be too much chemo still in my body or my spleen is old like me, they don't know the reason.
Very lucky to have an amazing team and I will have splenic embolization by an Interventional Radiologist Monday morning so I can get back on chemo as soon as possible and then find a trial. They will insert micro beads in some of the veins to the spleen to block blood off to 50-70% of the spleen. Will be getting a platelet transfusion and everything should start moving around.
Have to spend one night in the hospital and will go home with a pain pump/Dilaudid and antibiotics. Also received a pneumococcal vaccine PPSV23/PCV13 today.
I hope I've enlightened some of you who don't know what your spleen is for and what to do if your counts drop and won't raise by themselves. oxo