Feeling more human now, nausea is subsiding and my appetite is slowly returning.
I continue on IV antibiotics every 4 hours, to prevent infection in my Hickman line. Today I required a blood transfusion. Other than that I am free from the pole.
Know that I am feeling more human and less foggy, I thought it would be an idea to recap on the journey so far. A friend received this from a 'Science Guy" had a really good analogy.
They have removed cells from the bone marrow by doing the stem cell harvest. The marrow is responsible for generating antibodies, then expose them to artificially created proteins "signatures" found only on the surface of her cancer cells so they are triggered to produce exceptionally high levels of antibodies to target and kill her cancer cells. Its a bit like showing a room full of special forces guys a picture of a baddie so they can then go forth, seek out and kill the baddies. There are all manner of challenges and complexities along the way, but we're basically manipulating our intrinsic immune system to get much better at recognising and then killing tumour cells.
Aldesleukin is basically synthetic interleukin 2( a cytokine) which boosts the production of other immune system cells (T lymphocytes and natural killer( NK) cells. It is given to improve the efficiency of the immune system once the special ops guys get to see a picture of the baddie.
So with my new 300million cells, aided with my boosted T lymphocytes and Natural killer cells and a support from amazing family, friends and community. This cancer has It's challenges ahead........with some prayers to God !!!!!
By Julie Young —
I continue on IV antibiotics every 4 hours, to prevent infection in my Hickman line. Today I required a blood transfusion. Other than that I am free from the pole.
Know that I am feeling more human and less foggy, I thought it would be an idea to recap on the journey so far. A friend received this from a 'Science Guy" had a really good analogy.
They have removed cells from the bone marrow by doing the stem cell harvest. The marrow is responsible for generating antibodies, then expose them to artificially created proteins "signatures" found only on the surface of her cancer cells so they are triggered to produce exceptionally high levels of antibodies to target and kill her cancer cells. Its a bit like showing a room full of special forces guys a picture of a baddie so they can then go forth, seek out and kill the baddies. There are all manner of challenges and complexities along the way, but we're basically manipulating our intrinsic immune system to get much better at recognising and then killing tumour cells.
Aldesleukin is basically synthetic interleukin 2( a cytokine) which boosts the production of other immune system cells (T lymphocytes and natural killer( NK) cells. It is given to improve the efficiency of the immune system once the special ops guys get to see a picture of the baddie.
So with my new 300million cells, aided with my boosted T lymphocytes and Natural killer cells and a support from amazing family, friends and community. This cancer has It's challenges ahead........with some prayers to God !!!!!
By Julie Young —
Hope those baddies are quick at packing as it sounds like it's time to ship out before the special ops seek them out-yay!!!
Think those losers have more than outstayed their welcome!
Stay positive Elaine, keep focussed-it really feels like you're on the home straight now xxxxx
Think those losers have more than outstayed their welcome!
Stay positive Elaine, keep focussed-it really feels like you're on the home straight now xxxxx
By Joanne Attenborough —
Glad you have clever friends, great explanation, I am more your chitter chatter walking friend! Must be so nice to be free from the pole and have an appetite again. Xxxx
By Laura Ashmore —
Come on fighter cells! Do your business!
By Paul Mowson —
So glad you are feeling a little better and getting your appetite back Elaine - and no pole! I'm sure those special forces guys are doing their stuff and are gonna kick some serious ass, all 300m of them! Sending lots of love and positivity xx
By Laura Mackintosh —
Go special forces cells. You are always in my heart and mind xxx
By aoife brogan —
I would walk five hundred miles
And I would walk five hundred more...
The proclaimers :-)
You are doing brilliant Elaine!
And I would walk five hundred more...
The proclaimers :-)
You are doing brilliant Elaine!
By Amy Gagnon —
Thanks for that explanation Elaine! I'm glad you are starting to feel better. We think of you often and I can explain to my boys about the treatment you are getting. Being boys, I think they will love that analogy! Take care, sending positive thoughts your way!
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