Clinical Trial – Interferon vs. Yervoy

Kim,

Wishing you the best as you start this trial.  I'm originally from Smyrna and my husband worked for over 20 years at Johnson Control in Middletown.  We now live in SC.  We do have a few on the board from Delaware. Lear is also a patient at the Helen Graham Cancer Center. 

Please let us know how you do. We have a few on the board that recently started interfuron. I haven't done it but many have posted in the past to start on anti-depressants before they start the drug. You might want to consider talking to your Dr about this.

Linda    Stage IV since 06, presently NED

Kim,

Wishing you the best as you start this trial.  I'm originally from Smyrna and my husband worked for over 20 years at Johnson Control in Middletown.  We now live in SC.  We do have a few on the board from Delaware. Lear is also a patient at the Helen Graham Cancer Center. 

Please let us know how you do. We have a few on the board that recently started interfuron. I haven't done it but many have posted in the past to start on anti-depressants before they start the drug. You might want to consider talking to your Dr about this.

Linda    Stage IV since 06, presently NED

Hi Kim,

I'm sure you'll get many responses, as there are a few people who have started interferon in the last few weeks.  The most important things to have on hand is ibuprofen and tylenol (alternating between the two helps control fever and chills the best) as well as lots and lots of water!  Bananas were a staple in our household for the year my husband did the maintenance injections.

Best of luck in the walk, but don't be disappointed if you're not able to finish it.  The month of infusions is pretty tiring, and you need to rest as much as possible. 

Best of luck to you,

Maria

Hi Kim,

I'm sure you'll get many responses, as there are a few people who have started interferon in the last few weeks.  The most important things to have on hand is ibuprofen and tylenol (alternating between the two helps control fever and chills the best) as well as lots and lots of water!  Bananas were a staple in our household for the year my husband did the maintenance injections.

Best of luck in the walk, but don't be disappointed if you're not able to finish it.  The month of infusions is pretty tiring, and you need to rest as much as possible. 

Best of luck to you,

Maria

Hi Kim,

I started Interferon on 8/22, and I'm doing pretty well (knock wood).  The side effects have not been too bad for me.  I have noticed that the fatigue is building a bit, and that a nap is really helpful these days.  The treatments are quick (my infusion is 20 minutes and I'm getting 27 million units), so by the time you get settled you'll be done.  Hopefully your treatments will be late in the day so that you can just go home and sleep through any side effects you might have.

One of the most important things you can do is drink tons of water.  I definitely notice a difference in the way I feel after treatment if I'm not drinking at least 3 quarts every day.  It can also be difficult to eat because you're so full from drinking water, so small meals throughout the day makes that easier.

Trying to keep a positive attitude is important.  If you end up having to take a couple of days off because your white cells or liver enzymes aren't cooperating, try not to get down about it.  It's not anything you're doing or not doing to cause it…it just happens.  I look at those days as mini-vacations.  =)

I will keep you in my thoughts as you begin your journey today that your treatments will be tolerable for you. 

Congrats on the money you've raised for the walk!

Best wishes,

Donna

Hi Kim,

I started Interferon on 8/22, and I'm doing pretty well (knock wood).  The side effects have not been too bad for me.  I have noticed that the fatigue is building a bit, and that a nap is really helpful these days.  The treatments are quick (my infusion is 20 minutes and I'm getting 27 million units), so by the time you get settled you'll be done.  Hopefully your treatments will be late in the day so that you can just go home and sleep through any side effects you might have.

One of the most important things you can do is drink tons of water.  I definitely notice a difference in the way I feel after treatment if I'm not drinking at least 3 quarts every day.  It can also be difficult to eat because you're so full from drinking water, so small meals throughout the day makes that easier.

Trying to keep a positive attitude is important.  If you end up having to take a couple of days off because your white cells or liver enzymes aren't cooperating, try not to get down about it.  It's not anything you're doing or not doing to cause it…it just happens.  I look at those days as mini-vacations.  =)

I will keep you in my thoughts as you begin your journey today that your treatments will be tolerable for you. 

Congrats on the money you've raised for the walk!

Best wishes,

Donna

Hi Kim,

Don't be affraid. Negative effects are stronger in the first days, then they almost disappear. It was like this in my case. I had chills and fatigue in the first administration, then everything was ok.  Is very important to have something to do if you stay in the hospital. Aa laptop would be ideal. So you can watch movies and chat with friends.

Keep us informed! Kiss!

Zuleima

Hi Kim,

Don't be affraid. Negative effects are stronger in the first days, then they almost disappear. It was like this in my case. I had chills and fatigue in the first administration, then everything was ok.  Is very important to have something to do if you stay in the hospital. Aa laptop would be ideal. So you can watch movies and chat with friends.

Keep us informed! Kiss!

Zuleima

I Started Inerferon on 9/6, the first few days were the worst of it.  After those few days it really was not that bad, just been very tired.

I would recomend a anti depresant as it does depress.  Drink plenty of water.

I have 6 treatments down with 14 more to go..

MikeWI

I Started Inerferon on 9/6, the first few days were the worst of it.  After those few days it really was not that bad, just been very tired.

I would recomend a anti depresant as it does depress.  Drink plenty of water.

I have 6 treatments down with 14 more to go..

MikeWI

Personally, I would recommend against going for the anti-depressant until you see if you need it.  I have not been depressed at all, and I'm halfway through my treatments now.  We're all different.  You may not need it.

Personally, I would recommend against going for the anti-depressant until you see if you need it.  I have not been depressed at all, and I'm halfway through my treatments now.  We're all different.  You may not need it.