I am comfortably ensconced once again at my local Kaiser Permanente hospital, this time waiting for my first itsy-bitsy injection of Tecvayli. My view is slightly better this time:
Still not much, but it's Wednesday so I can see the weekly farmers market in action.
Like last time, I'm here for observation only. One of the common side effects of Tecvayli is Cytokine Release Syndrome, which is, uh, a release of, um, cytokines. Into the brain. I can't describe it better because I've never had it before. Have I just been lucky, or am I naturally not very susceptible? I guess I'm about to find out.
Anyway, I'll be here for about a week. If I suddenly stop blogging, no worries. It will just mean I've finally fallen victim to CRS.
POSTSCRIPT: For some reason my lab work yesterday included a PSA. It's back down to 1.6. Hooray!
I hope this treatment goes better or, should I say, more fragrantly?
Hoping for the best, KD!
Glad the PSA level is down! Hope this injection is complication-free!
Good news???
I hope it all goes well.
Apparently vitamin B3 counter-acts cyctokines
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cytokine_storm
In light of all the uproar about denied insurance coverage, Kevin's saga seems to swim against the common wisdom that all the companies suck. He doesn't have to tell, obviously, but has he ever been denied treatment that must surely run well over a million dollars in total over the years?
I haven't been denied treatment, but my illnesses, including multiple surgeries and hospital stays, have run up a smaller tab, so I don't think that proves anything.
The uproar (and the murder) are about for-profit insurers and hospital chains. Kaiser is a non-profit, and in my decades of experience with them acts like it.
That's not to say Kaiser is without problems, but denials for cost-cutting isn't their go-to. Add the fact that Kevin has been able to get a series of cutting-edge treatments speaks well for them.
Thanks, that's what I was looking for, and makes a good case for the elimination of for-profit health networks.
I'm getting Teclistimab in a clinical trial for people with smoldering MM. Numbers look good and not too many bumps in the road so far (knock on wood, I haven't had any respiratory infections, but it does give me a rash that's been easily treatable with steroidal cream. Did have a moderate reaction to the Bactrim so that got swapped out). Being in my mid-50s tho, it can be difficult to tell what pains and difficulties are being caused by meds and what's being caused by being in my mid-50s.
Best of luck, and I hope the treatment works out for you.
Love the Kaiser picture - been there myself for treatment and it is a fantastic hospital. The people are so friendly and best of all the Doctors are excellent. Hope all goes well - enjoy that hospital food - just kidding.
Best of luck, may the treatment be easy and most of all effective. You are my favorite blogger in the multiverse. 👍🏽🙏🌈❤️🧤
Enjoy the view and kick back. Don’t expect to be able to sleep. May this be the ultimate treatment and you can be done. Wishing you well.
Fingers crossed. Wishing you well!
You don't want to have a cytokine storm. You just don't. But if you do, at least you'll be in a place where they're looking for it and will recognize (and treat) it. The immune system goes into overdrive, causing inflammation and affecting... pretty much everything. So just don't do have one; I'm laying down the law here.
Hooray!!
Best wishes Kevin. My wife and I moved back to Michigan a year ago and we really miss Kaiser.