Today I’ve been back for day at Kenepuru hospital, receiving my first dose of an immunotherapy treatment plan. I’ll have one of these IV infusions every 3 weeks for a few months, to tackle a cancer that’s proving too evasive to tackle with surgery.
It’s very good to have the option. Fifteen years ago, I sat in a tiny clinic room in Wellington discussing with my chemo oncologist what could be done. We knew there was promising emerging science in targeted, non-destructive drug treatments for cancer but unfortunately no option existed for cancers like mine. My treatment regime needed to use the relatively blunt instruments of chemo, radiation and surgery.
Unlike chemotherapy, immunotherapy drugs stimulate the immune system, and if well matched against the type of cancer and individual case, can help the body successfully eliminate cancer cells.
In my particular case, it is early days, but well worth trying, nothing to lose and I’m fortunate to have the option.
