survivor of pleural mesothelioma Jack Riordan seems much more worried about those around him ?? his caregiver wife, children, grandchildren and other patients ?? that it on itself.
Perhaps this explains its strong belief in the clinical trials. He wants to help others.
Riordan, 74, does not expect a miracle to save the life of his treatment at the Florida Cancer Specialists in Sarasota. He just hopes that researchers learn from his participation in the trial will move everyone closer to a future treatment.
"Without thinking twice, I recommend a clinical trial for almost everyone. By participating, maybe it will give physicians information to help others in the future," said Riordan Asbestos.com his home in southwest Florida. "I see a lot of time and money put into research of mesothelioma so I think eventually they will find something to fight against the disease. I am happy to be part of it now. "
Riordan is part of a phase I dose escalation MSB0010718C test. It is an immunotherapeutic antibodies targeting the PD-L1 protein that protects tumor cells of mesothelioma own body's immune system . the test drug is expected to have anti-tumor activity by stopping PD-L1 and restoration of the action of the immune system.
the drug has already shown some success with breast cancer metastatic, metastatic colorectal cancer and non-small lung cancer. the PDL-1 and PD-1 proteins have become popular targets recently for a variety of testing immunotherapy drugs in wide research centers national and world.
effectsside Do not turn away
Riordan first treatment in November came with some severe side effects, which Sidetracked him for more than a day. Yet he remained unfazed in his belief in the trial. He and his wife drive 60 minutes to Sarasota every two weeks to participate.
"It really kicked me in the ass than the first time. I thought I was freezing to death," he said. "But I'm over it. I can do it. It's either going to do me good ?? may prolong my life a little, which would be wonderful ?? or it is not. And if it is not I can handle it. I am a fatalist. When it's time to go, it's time to go. "
Riordan was diagnosed in June, but it was not a total surprise to him. He had spent much of his career working with asbestos insulation, asbestos removal and by the general contractor. He worked in the North but moved to Florida 18 years ago.
He was diagnosed 30 years ago with pleural plaques, a condition related to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma. When breathlessness became an issue earlier this year, he knew he could be serious.
"Knowing what I know is a little easier for me to accept. I knew this was a possibility a long time before," he said. "If I worked in a grocery store all my life, it would have been devastating to hear. I'm ready. "
more worries of his family
The doctors told him mesothelioma had already metastasized, eliminating most surgical options, leaving him with a prognosis of 6 to 12 months. he underwent six chemotherapy sessions covering 18 weeks, but he stopped because of its negative effect on white blood cells and bone marrow.
"This disease is more difficult for families and patient . I am sick, not feeling well, but your whole family takes a great success, "said Riordan." It's rough on a caregiver, in my case, my wife. There is much to be said for being the person responsible for the management of a person who has this disease. We have seven children, too, nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren. a whole flock, and they are all well. But they have their own life live. "
Physically, Riordan still looks relatively healthy, although his lifestyle has changed dramatically in recent months, although she reluctantly changed . He hit golf balls on the driving range earlier this year when he tore his pleural drainage catheter into his side.
He was able to wash her porch one day return and displacement of stone borders, but awoke the next "feeling like I had been run over by a truck."
adjusting their lifestyle
"the hardest part for me adjusts the things I can not do. I was active all my life, but now I am limited to 15-minute walk with dog, "he said. "I used to enjoy a good cocktail, drink a little beer, but now with the medications I take, I can not do that."
Riordan always topped his medical problems in the past ?? triple bypass heart surgery and spinal fusion ?? but knows mesothelioma is different from any obstacle he has faced before.
"in the past, it has always been," if there has a problem, we will fix. "It is almost impossible to fix," he said. "But I had 74 good years. I can not think of anything bad happened to me. If there was not this affliction, everything would be perfect. Overall, not a great experience, but it's a learning experience for me. And that's life. "
Riordan was an active participant in the monthly support group led by Asbestos.com Mesothelioma Center. He made himself available to help and advise newly diagnosed patients . He speaks enthusiastically of care he received at Florida cancer specialists processing center.
He will not know if the drug has a positive effect until after the fourth processing and scanner at the end of December. Yet he remained as optimistic as ever.
"If you can win a few months, weeks or even days of the test, it is worth, "he said. "When I wake up in the morning, I always think," we'll make it through another day and see how it goes. "Always think positive."
