There was a line at the valet parking, I had to wait, because there was no garage nearby. The 20 or so valets were moving as fast as they could. The modern building was nice looking, with travertines wall and sleek tall windows. People were walking in and out constantly. It felt like going to Nordstrom during the holidays, except no one was carrying shopping bags and the air was heavy. It was the Stanford Cancer Center.
The social worker who led the lung cancer support group was in her late 20s. Most everyone else in the room including the spouses were in their 60s. She tried hard to connect with us by small talks. However, no one was talking. I decided to ask the group questions (you know me). Coincidentally the five patients present were all females. Three people were on Tarceva without the chemo, one of whom was celebrating her third year under a clinical trial. She and her husband were clearly happy about the result. Another lady had red rashes on her face, obviously from Tarceva. One fashionable Asian lady named Lynn told us what she has been through. She had a full course of 6 chemos, 2 partial brain radiations, Tarceva, and now going for a full brain radiation treatment. She said it had been a tough journey but she is glad that she has passed three years. What a fighter! I have TREMENDOUS respects for every cancer patient and survivor.
Lynn said that Stanford probably takes 100 patients each day for chemo infusion, therefore it is typically a 2 hours wait before the patient can get sit on the infusion station. There is a 45 minutes wait for drawing blood after checking in. 2 hours wait to see the doctors unless you get the first appointment of the day. From the conversation, I realized that we had made the right decision in getting the treatment at the El Camino Hospital, because we know how Dad hates to wait and that personable service is important to him.
Lynn said that Stanford probably takes 100 patients each day for chemo infusion, therefore it is typically a 2 hours wait before the patient can get sit on the infusion station. There is a 45 minutes wait for drawing blood after checking in. 2 hours wait to see the doctors unless you get the first appointment of the day. From the conversation, I realized that we had made the right decision in getting the treatment at the El Camino Hospital, because we know how Dad hates to wait and that personable service is important to him.
The speaker of the day walked in, and it was Dr. Wakelee! I felt lucky because it was my first time attending and I got one of the best thoracic oncologists in the world to answer my questions. She spoke about her team, how they provide medical care, and what their research focuses are. I admire that she is passionate in finding a cure and increasing the lifespan of lung cancer patients. She encouraged us that there are drugs in the pipeline waiting for clinical trials and FDA approval. Her reputation in the field and the amount of work that she does seem disproportionate to her 5 ft petite build and her gentle voice.
To qualify for her clinical study of Tarceva and Immune therapy combination treatment, the patient has to stop taking any treatment and has a biopsy done. The pathologists and scientists will stain and look at the biopsy samples to determine if the patient is qualified. The process takes about a month, and during which time, the patient can not take any treatment. Thus far, she only has 4 patients, out of the many patients who want to get on the trial, actually qualified for the trial. My take is that the wait could be nerve racking because the tumor may grow, and worse, the patient may not qualify after the month long wait. Even worse, the therapy may not work for the patient.
To qualify for her clinical study of Tarceva and Immune therapy combination treatment, the patient has to stop taking any treatment and has a biopsy done. The pathologists and scientists will stain and look at the biopsy samples to determine if the patient is qualified. The process takes about a month, and during which time, the patient can not take any treatment. Thus far, she only has 4 patients, out of the many patients who want to get on the trial, actually qualified for the trial. My take is that the wait could be nerve racking because the tumor may grow, and worse, the patient may not qualify after the month long wait. Even worse, the therapy may not work for the patient.
I have read online about one woman who couldn't take Tarceva, but took the immunotherapy trial and was very fortunate to have it worked wonder for her. She is in her 7th year. That is why it got me interested in immunotherapy. However, knowing that Tarceva will work for Dad and with the risk of an unproven trial, I am not sure if we want to take this route. Have to think about this more.
I followed Dr. Wakelee after she exited the room to ask her a few more questions about Dad. She was very kind and patient in answering my questions. At the end, she gave me a warm smile and told me "hang in there!" I don't know why, but my eyes became teary.
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