Best brick wall on campus. But at least I get the window bed.
I’m in my Room With a View at the NIH. I’m eating peanut M and M’s and watching “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer,” with 10 minutes of commercials, even though I own the DVD. I have, so far, come through the first component of my new CRLX101 trial unscathed. I feel positively unscathed!V As promised, it’s been an all-day affair. I checked in to 3NW (the hospital part of the NIH) at 7:15, but didn’t start the infusion until about 2:30. It’s a FIVE HOUR infusion: 2 hours of saline, some pre-meds, 1 hour of the CRLX, and two more hours of saline. My nurse, Linda, says that doctors have had high hopes that the combination of CRLX and Olaparib is effective, but it’s also super toxic. So in this trial, there’s lots of fluid around the infusion, and I won’t start the oral drugs until Thursday… and I’ll stop them two days before the next infusion in 2 weeks.
That’s it. CRLX101
The first round of this trial requires a four-day inpatient stay at the NIH. Besides the infusion taking so long, nurses are drawing blood (and hair follicles!) every few hours so I have to stay…. at least for tonight. My trial team knows I’m not a fan of staying in hospitals (there are sick people there!), and is generous with passes to get out of room free. There was a delay in getting back a couple of my lab results (even though they drew the blood on Friday), which pushed my treatment back a few hours today. That meant I was out on my first pass before I was in my room for an hour last night. My plans are to get passes out tomorrow day (yoga) and for the next couple of nights (CAPS CAPS CAPS).
What to think when your nurse comes in covered head to toe in protective gear to give you drugs straight into your arm?
For those of you keeping score, this is my fourth trial for this rare, incurable cancer since my initial diagnosis in 2013. I am finding myself farther and farther out into the Final Frontier. It’s like someone said to me last week, I am a science experiment. Odd thing to be, for someone who last studied science (and math) in high school. Now I sprinkle “DNA pathway inhibitor” and “nanoparticle drug conjugate” into conversations like I used to do with “what will there be to eat?” (This hasn’t dropped out of conversational rotation.) In any case, I am now leagues away from the simple “What trial are you on?” “Sutent.” What’s most amazing about my trials is how they keep presenting themselves when I am looking for the next new thing. At least a couple of times, the combinations or applications of the drugs didn’t even exist during the trial I was on before. It’s geometric, which i appreciate, even though I haven’t taken math since 10th grade. Selfishly, but for all of us as well, I am vigilant about making sure the NIH budget isn’t cut. I kind of need this place and so do a lot of other people that I see every time I come here.
But for now, the Benadryl is overpowering the Dexamethasone. I can’t keep my eyes open. Rudolph helped Santa find his way to the little girls and boys again this year. Some things, you can count on. Let’s hope this trial becomes that, too. #defy.
Building 10. First in Human, that’s me.
Keeping you in prayer for a cure. I am breast cancer survivor of two years. At the end of my Livestrong program. Love, love it. Stay strong, Wendy.
You’re a warrior and an inspiration Wendy. As my sister begins her second Clinical Trial, I marvel at the strength, resolve and irreverence of you both. Humor helps, as does the support of others..which you have!
You are a True Héroe for many!! We keep tabs on you thru Marc, we used to watch you on the news here in Orlando and have the upmost admiration for you!! Keep fighting Wendy a lot of people love and support you even though we know you only thru our TV screens!!
Hugs and kisses from your Fabs in Orlando!!
Wendy – I had the great pleasure of meeting you (even shard the same table) when you were our guest speaker at our AACC Golden Dragon Awards Gala here in Orlando a few years ago. I am truly amazed st your strength and outlook on life. Healing prayers going your way.
Hey Wendy, I met you briefly a couple of times on bike rides in Winter Park back in 2006ish. We moved in 2010 to Austin. Your amazing. So resourceful and diligent. Your sense of humor is probably what I admire most. So, I just wanted to send you some Texas size love and support!
Wendy, don’t stop! Your a fighter, warrior and beautiful woman who puts me in the mind of the strong bibical women during the time when women sometimes had no voice. Keep on keeping on and know that you are loved and wished a “miracle” that you will be blessed to see.
Your courage and strength are truly remarkable! Wishing you the best of all outcomes!
Christmas vacation is another funny one to put on your list !
It’s all part of the experience!
Merry Christmas to you!
You have been an inspiration to me for some time now. I am a Pastor in a Church in Sarasota Florida and want you to know I am praying for you.
Hi Wendy, This is the first time I see your blog and I want to keep you in my prayers. I love your fighting spirit, your go get ’em mindset and I’m with you all the way. My blogs may help you because it’s your mindset that needs “food”, too. xoxoxo Love, Tilly. tillydunnbooks.com
Wendy Sending prayers your way!😇
Wendy, Please let me keep you in my prayers. I love your mind-set. xoxoxoxo Love, Tilly
Sending positive healing energy your way.
Wendy you are one strong woman!!!! A role model for all ——-you are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep that smile on your beautiful face!!!
Wendy,
I read that you are watching the video and eating M&M candy. Please do some research into the Ketogenic Diet for cancer. If you stop the sugar and carbs it can starve the cancer!
Good luck, we all love and miss you!
Wendy, prayers being sent your way. I watched you on channel 6 for years, until I moved to Lakeland and don’t get the channel anymore. I pray these trials find a cure for you and many others. Stay strong and positive, as all of us in Central Florida has your back!!! Gods Speed Wendy. ❤️
Thank you Wendy, I needed that tonight. I just started on progetta & herceptin for breast cancer after finishing 6 rounds of chemo & it’s knocked my blood counts down to where I can’t take a shower without being out of breath. Pity party of 1. You kinda rattled my cage & made me start to snap out of it. I’ll get through this, just gotta keep the faith. I am putting you on my prayer list. You are such a fighter & inspiration!!! God bless you!!! And thank you!
You are such an inspiration. I am a breast cancer survivor twice. Prayers and thoughts are going out to you. Still miss seeing you on the news. God continuously watches over you.
Wendy, you are my hero. A big hug from St. Cloud, Florida.
We miss you.
Wendy,
I grew up watching you anchor the news in Florida. Good luck to you. God bless you…. Keep fighting.
My husband and I remember when you came to Orlando. We saw you at a cat adoption event! You also taught a few of our excercise classes at Bally.
We continue to follow you and send love, prayers and lots of positive energy your way.
Wendy, you are in my thoughts & prayers. You are such a strong warrior. Keep up the fight!
Wendy we watched you in Ocala, fl and admire your strength and spirit. Glad I can read how you are doing. Sending prayers for you. Betty Southard
Wendy, I lived in Orlando for 20 years and always enjoyed watching you on tv. I live in CT now. Wishing you all the love, strength and comfort as you fight your battle. Please know we are uplifting you in prayer. Much Love, Terri Desautels
Wendy, Orlando still misses you! I wish you well in this next step – I love your courage. Stay strong!!!!
Saying a prayer. Adding you to my prayer list. Cancer sucks!
Wendy – Have adored you since you were first on WESH. You are a strong lady, and I so admire your persistence. You are in our prayers and good thoughts for a successful trial. Thanks for being such an inspiration. If you need anything, Orlando is here.
I am holding you in the light! ☄
Prayers are with you. You are in good hands.
Documenting your life adventure for humanity to see and learn there is hope and love is amazing
God Bless You Wendy Chioji
Wendy- Punch cancer in the
face!
Thank you for inspiring everyone! #sisterhood
OH YES WENDY…THIS TRIAL IS GOING TO BE VERY SUCCESFUL..YOU ARE MAKING HISTORY AND YOU ARE HELPING OTHERS….MY PRAYERS ARE NON STOP , YOU ARE GOING TO BEAT IT..DEFY, DEFY, DEFY, DEFY DEFY…
Wendy
Be brave, be fearless, stay positive! You have already won this battle..victory is yours. Praying for you. I know you probably don’t remember me. I was an EP at News 13 in
Orlando when we met. So you battle is a bit more closer to my hearts. Keeping you in prayer.
Shari Buford
Wendy –
So sorry you are continuing to battle this disease, but you are a true warrior and will overcome. Sending all the positive vibes I can from your old hometown. Stay positive and keep sneaking outside for some fun!
Robert
I’ve followed you for years through my daughter, Carrie Ferenac. What an amazing woman and fighter you are.
My prayers join the many others who are praying for you during this whole situation. I pray for your strength and stamina during these trials, for funding to continue, and for the medical team who is there with you and others facing any type of cancer. Peace, Martha Harnish
Prayers for you.
Wendy, our prayers are going your way, sweet girl! You are a fighter and God is in control! Cannot be a better team than that! Lots of love!
Hi Wendy, You are a sweetheart, no matter the direction of your future. Rebuke the enemy honey. REBUKE. REBUKE. REBUKE. You are in my prayers, I love you
You got this girl. MIss you in the morning paceline…come join us next time you are in town. We are still ridin’, chattin’ and embracing every minute. Thanks for the inspiration!