Trovax began

It was a hot few days in Houston and our frustrating un-luck followed us too. But all was not lost......Joe got his first Trovax shot on Friday at 1:45 pm. Only 5 days later than he was suppose to start - but heck - at least it happened! Trovax is a live vaccine that is made in Oxford, England and was shipped to Dr Amato's office - unfortunately some paperwork snafu stopped the shot on Thursday afternoon when we arrived - next time was 6:30 am Friday morning - changed to 1 pm Friday afternoon. We only had to change our travel plans (for the 6th time) but I was adament that we were NOT leaving Houston without the shot! I dug my heals in and stood as tall as one with my small stature can stand! (Gina calls it 4 ft of angry). Alas - he has begun the trial. And there were no side effects. NONE. That was wonderful as well. The entire way home I kept asking him how he felt - - and he said he was reaching deep to feel something- NOTHING. That's music to my ears. Now, let's hope it works.....

So home we are for a week then back off to the good doc's house for 7 days - July 17th - 24th - as he will have a Trovax booster on the 17th and begin low dose IL-2 that week. This is an injection and side effects training time for me. The 24th they will check his blood levels and then we can travel home for a 2 week period where he'll get IL-2 nightly Monday - Friday via injection. Weeks 2-6 are 1/2 the dose of week 1 - so if week 1 goes well....weeks 2-6 should be a walk in the Houston park!

The fluid buildup has continued and he had to have another pericentisis in Houston - 6 liters drained....but he's a trooper and afterwards is ravenous!

This week Joe will visit with Dr Kohli to see if he will continue to monitor his care here in Rochester and work in conjunction with Dr Amato. We believe he'll be open to this venture. If not, we have a backup plan in mind.

So - keep the spirits high - the first 8 weeks are the hardest as one doesn't know if it's working. By 9/11 though - we will know. Let's hope that day is a postive one.

A Heartfelt Happy Birthday to Joe's mom on Monday! Have a wonderful day and a great birthday mom!

Love
Vicki, Gina & Tom