Drew N

I'm IIIb, NED for over 4 years. I did the one month high dose only. My onco told me that the side effects would make it nigh impossible for me to do my job (college dean) for a year and that my odds were unlikely to change with the low dose/1 year routine. As everyone else has stated, we all have choices and circumstances.

During the 1 month I did go stark raving mad for a couple of days (hallucinatory/suicidal). Had to miss 1 or 2 doses and go on psychiatric meds. Looking back, I should have been put on those meds a month or two before starting INF, not after symptoms started. I think they made little or no difference–my mind needed a respite from INF. I've never had such symptoms, but I'd suggest anyone considering the high dose ask for a consult with a mental health specialist, ESPECIALLY if they've had symptoms in the past.

Good luck.

I'm IIIb, NED for over 4 years. I did the one month high dose only. My onco told me that the side effects would make it nigh impossible for me to do my job (college dean) for a year and that my odds were unlikely to change with the low dose/1 year routine. As everyone else has stated, we all have choices and circumstances.

During the 1 month I did go stark raving mad for a couple of days (hallucinatory/suicidal). Had to miss 1 or 2 doses and go on psychiatric meds. Looking back, I should have been put on those meds a month or two before starting INF, not after symptoms started. I think they made little or no difference–my mind needed a respite from INF. I've never had such symptoms, but I'd suggest anyone considering the high dose ask for a consult with a mental health specialist, ESPECIALLY if they've had symptoms in the past.

Good luck.

I'm IIIb, NED for over 4 years. I did the one month high dose only. My onco told me that the side effects would make it nigh impossible for me to do my job (college dean) for a year and that my odds were unlikely to change with the low dose/1 year routine. As everyone else has stated, we all have choices and circumstances.

During the 1 month I did go stark raving mad for a couple of days (hallucinatory/suicidal). Had to miss 1 or 2 doses and go on psychiatric meds. Looking back, I should have been put on those meds a month or two before starting INF, not after symptoms started. I think they made little or no difference–my mind needed a respite from INF. I've never had such symptoms, but I'd suggest anyone considering the high dose ask for a consult with a mental health specialist, ESPECIALLY if they've had symptoms in the past.

Good luck.

Even though I'm not actively fighting C these days, it's amazing to hear about the progress in the last year. Plus, my secretary's MiL just started 3475 yesterday, and we now have positive experiences to think about.

Drew Nelson

3b since 1/09

Even though I'm not actively fighting C these days, it's amazing to hear about the progress in the last year. Plus, my secretary's MiL just started 3475 yesterday, and we now have positive experiences to think about.

Drew Nelson

3b since 1/09

Even though I'm not actively fighting C these days, it's amazing to hear about the progress in the last year. Plus, my secretary's MiL just started 3475 yesterday, and we now have positive experiences to think about.

Drew Nelson

3b since 1/09

Welcome to H-town. And welcome to MDA. It's the only cancer center I've ever known, and I have only positive stories to share. Might just see you up on the 9th floor sometime.

One tip: check out Shadow Creek Ranch off highway 288. It's a huge development and there are a ton of foreclosures… and it's only about 15 minute south of MDA. You might luck into a sweet lease, as it's hard to sell with all those vacant homes. I'm not a realtor, but the area is in my community college's district.

Good luck and feel free to contact me with any questions.

Drew Nelson

Welcome to H-town. And welcome to MDA. It's the only cancer center I've ever known, and I have only positive stories to share. Might just see you up on the 9th floor sometime.

One tip: check out Shadow Creek Ranch off highway 288. It's a huge development and there are a ton of foreclosures… and it's only about 15 minute south of MDA. You might luck into a sweet lease, as it's hard to sell with all those vacant homes. I'm not a realtor, but the area is in my community college's district.

Good luck and feel free to contact me with any questions.

Drew Nelson

You're getting some good advice. My experience at stage III was to do the 1 month of INF, then wait and see. I finished my treatment in March 2009 and have remained cancer-free. Good luck.

Drew