Friday, April 13, 2012

Castles In The Air

For the last few days, by the time evening came, I would be feeling a little down. Part of the reason is due the pain. I have resisted taking any pain killer during the day. After dinner, I would normally pop in a pain killer and I will feel better after that. I am in no mood to take dinner but I was also feeling very hungry. I was also tired and decided to take dinner later. I took a rest and I think I fell asleep for about an hour or so. After waking up,  I didn't feel like taking dinner, so made a cup of oat drink and took a few biscuits to ease my hunger. I am still feeling a little moody (due to loss of my friend) and a part of me is still in slumber land.

Yesterday, I contacted my doctor in New York and submitted my blood test and some other data to him so that he could prescribe the metronomic chemo drug to me. I have not been successful in getting the drug locally as I found out that most pharmacies and hospitals do not stock this drug anymore. It's a very old drug. As for IL-2 (Interleukin-2), although I am able to sourced them overseas, I am not sure how to bring the drug into the country. I have a few options. The first is that I go to China personally and bring the drug in say once every two weeks. The second option is that I import the drug directly and take a chance that the customs department will not impound the drug upon arrival. The third option is that I go to China to seek treatment. Apply for a one year visa and look for a place to stay close to the clinic. As for my caregiver, hire a local person. None of the options looks attractive enough though option three seems to be doable.

I will be meeting someone, hopefully sometime next week to learn more about Hyperthermia. He just came back with his wife after a three week treatment in Germany. He met three other Malaysian  families while at the clinic. I am eager to learn about his wife's experience as well as the other families as it would affect my decision whether to go Germany to seek treatment or not. It is unlikely I would be able to get IL-2 treatment for now (the options however remain open in the future), so Hyperthermia therapy seems to be my best bet for now.

3 comments:

  1. Chang,

    It is ok to be down a bit once in a while, we are human beings and we do have emotions. Hope to get to learn more from your friend on Hyperthermia therapy.

    Cheers !
    KH

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  2. Chang

    For getting the drug in China, possibly we could try to get friends or friends of friends who travels to China on business who could help to purchase and bring back the drug. What do you think?

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    Replies
    1. Dear Ai Wee,

      This drug requires prescription. This drug also requires special packaging for storage at 2°C - 8°C. So have to apply for permission to take on board the plane. Also there may be complications with customs. No so straight forward.

      Thanks anyway.

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