Drew Wohl

 Been almost two weeks since my first immunotherapy treatment.  Will not find out if it is working for a bit still.  With chemo they can often see results on a scan within two weeks of starting.  With this treatment it can be a few months, which includes an initial scan where the cancer looks like it is growing - if it works the inflamation process associated with the system attacking the cancer can look that way.  That being said, after one treatment (I am on a once a month schedule) I do not feel bad and do not think I have had any reaction so far.  I am training for triathlons still and any feeling of being tired I chalk up to that, much like seasonal allergies for whatever else I am feeling.  Nothing that seems to be a radical change in those things.  This (so far) is easier than chemo.  Blood draw/4 EKGs, 1/2 hour infusion, another Blood Draw/4 EKGs, hang out for 4-5 hours then one more Blood Draw/4 EKGs.  The next treatment I do no...

Today is Mother's Day, and MLB teams are wearing pink to raise money for breast cancer charities and general awareness.  Generally, as a Yankees fan, I believe that unless it is the traditional uniform,   it should not be worn.  I also have a certain level of cynicism when it comes to variations in uniforms. Yes, I am looking at the New York Giants and the uniforms that come out once a year that I am sure are designed to get me to buy a different jersey.   People on Twitter today were complaining about the uniform changes.   Some seemed rather general, “Don’t mess with tradition.”   One person mentioned pink washing.   Basically, there is some devil in the details about the promotion and marketing of pink ribbon events.   This can really apply to any charity or event. For instance, one big campaign has the following terms and conditions "..now through [end date], spend $10 or more and xxx will make a one cent donation up to [$x tot...

So back from the last triathlon, hanging out with the mouse at Disney. Had my biopsy to see if I qualify for the drug study.  I am pretty much assured that I am in, though the biopsy could bounce me.  Keeping myself occupied after the biopsy taking selfies of my feet. Will find out shortly.  If I am good to go, I start next week. It is a bit weird now.  I know that the standard therapy will only usually work for a year in general.  Though some people last longer.  The immunotherapy may work to stop things or even reverse things.  But it is a wild card.  Though it is generally thought to be safe and well tolerated, there is a chance the auto immune response can turn on the body itself.  The usual worst case scenarios, which are somewhat rare, is diabetes or thyroid issues.  Neither are plesant, but both controllable and easier than cancer.  There can be more extreme reactions. When there is a puppy dog around, even if just on TV, it ...