A Life's Walk with Cancer

TREATMENT UPDATE: DISQUALIFIED FROM NEW CLINICAL TRIAL

I want to update everyone on a last-minute change of status w/ my current treatment plan. Recently, I informed everyone that I was starting a new clinical trial on Feb. 26, 2018 (A New Clinical Trial) and created sign-up sheets for transportation/visitation at infusion visits and a meal assistance delivery schedule. This is all now being cancelled due to some new information I received late in the day on Friday.

My oncologist called to inform me that the research company had just disqualified me to participate in their new clinical trial. Though I don't entirely understand the exact reasoning for this, it has to do with the fact that I’ve previously undergone three different types of chemo/immunotherapy treatment protocols. Therefore, I am not eligible to participate in this clinical trial.

My oncologist is now putting me on another targeted chemo therapy treatment. I'm not yet certain of what the side effects will be, but they will likely be similar to the ones I've experienced so far in my journey in fighting cancer.

I don’t know exactly how long this regimen will last, but my oncologist will continue to carefully monitor any symptoms and I will visit him regularly for office visits and lab draws. Also, cancer scans will likely recur every three months or so to see the effect of my treatment. And adjustments will be made based off of scan results and how I’m handling the treatments.

On a personal note

I was very disappointed to hear the news about my disqualification of this new clinical trial. When it comes to treatment protocols, I’m reaching the end of possible options. So far, I’ve undergone four systematic chemo/immunotherapy treatments, along with three surgical resections. Unfortunately, the aggressive treatments have been unable to keep my cancer from growing.

I will continue to fight, especially for my wife. She deserves the best from me when it comes to battling this beast. To fiercely fight so that I can walk a long life with her. But, at this point in my cancer journey, I have to start accepting the fact that I may not win this fight.

To be honest, when I learned the news that my cancer is growing, it knocked me off my emotional, mental and spiritual footing. And I’ve yet been able to steady my footing to face off against this beast inside me. However, this I do know: He will never leave my side. He will be by my side from this life to the next. And I pray that His Presence will shine brighter each day on this journey.

I will continue to fight this beast, however, for those who are praying for me, please join me now in this prayer:

“Dear God, I pray that You will continue to walk with me on this path. And give me Your Strength, Peace and Faithfulness. Let me feel You as I walk down this path; comfort me with Your Presence each day of my life. ‘Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.’ Help me face my own mortality. And if this beast does takes me, please receive this wretched man into Your loving hands.

“But know this my Lord, I would trade a Thousand Years in Heaven for another day with my wife. She is my north star; my true love song. So, give me the strength of David, the Faith of Abraham, and the tenacious spirit of Paul. Let this be my greatest fight.

“And thank you Lord for those You have placed in my life. They are my strength as well, and some even filled the empty void in me and given me the gift of true kinship. I pray that You watch over them, giving them Your love, peace and grace. And give them blessings and a good life.

“May Your Holy Spirit preserve me in this faith…until I see you.

“And this I know: the life that I have now is truly a gift from You, through the grace and atonement through Your Only Son, Jesus Christ.”

Amen.

ajh

A NEW CLINICAL TRIAL

On Friday, February 16th, with Teresa sitting beside me, I signed a medical research consent form and HIPAA authorization to participate in a new clinical trial.

In spite of the fact that one tumor decreased in size from the first clinical trial (started back in August 2017), two other cancerous tumors continue to grow, and are now next to an organ.

The investigational study drug is called “NKTR-214” and is combined with another immunotherapy drug. The study is being conducted at Inova Schar Cancer Institute and sponsored by Bristol Meyers-Squibb (BMS) and Takeda Oncology.

The study drug is designed to trigger other cells in my immune system to start attacking cancer cells. In particular, “NKTR-214 expands and activates specific cancer-fighting T cells and natural killer (NK) cells directly in the tumor…” (see First Data for NKTR-214 in Combination with OPDIVO® (nivolumab) for Patients with Stage IV Melanoma).

The purpose of this investigational study is to primarily test the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness on cancer patients. Secondly, the study is being conducted to determine how it works with other FDA approved chemo/immunotherapy drugs, such as Opdivo and Yervoy.

By participating in this study, the data collected from my treatment will benefit patients with lung cancer, melanoma and kidney cancer. Conversely, the downside of this study is that it comes with severe side effects. 

On a personal note

Please continue to hold my wife up in prayer. Though she continues to be the rock, there are times it gets hard for her. And as for me, I have lost some of my mental, emotional, and spiritual footing on this new development. Please pray that God continues to give me strength, peace and faithfulness in this fight against cancer. We have been fighting cancer since December 2013, and we’re getting tired. Teresa and I both want this to end. 

Seeking support

We have a new chemo treatment & meal schedule online. For those who want to join us in this fight, please sign up on one or both lists.

• Chemo Treatment
• Meal Delivery

For other ways to help, go to: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/alexharrington/support

And you can find updated information on the following sites:

• CaringBridge: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/alexharrington
• A Life’s Walk with Cancer: http://www.alifeswalkwithcancer.com/

ajh

-END-

---

More information about NKTR-214

1. Immunotherapy, NKTR-214, Shows Activity Against Solid Tumors in Clinical Trial (11/17/2106)
2. Bristol-Myers To Pay Largest Fee In Biotech History For Nektar Cancer Drug (02/14/2018)

 

 

IT IS TOUGHER THAN EXPECTED

A handful of folks emailed or sent me a message through Facebook, “Alex, we haven’t heard from you in a while.” I’d like to thank those who reached out to check in with me. As always, thank you for your support and encouragement.

I can’t believe how fast three months have passed since my last update! My transition from General Administration Services to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the holidays, and cancer treatment have kept me busier than expected. However, I wanted to give a short update on my current health status.

Unfortunately, the current treatment had little effect on the growth of two cancerous tumors near my bladder. Both have grown despite the two-pronged treatment of a clinical drug and a FDA approved one. Even my oncologist was disappointed and surprised of the latest test results.

What’s next

For those who’ve signed up during February through April to stay with me during my infusion, that treatment is canceled. We have agreed to participate in another clinical trial that is more intensive. We hope to provide an updated schedule by the end of the month.

Prayer

I continue to ask for prayer that God gives me strength…peace…and faithfulness during this next difficult round.

Again, thank you for your support and encouragement.

ajh