Marvelous Monday

You've heard of Wacky Wednesday and Taco Tuesday, right? Well, today is Marvelous Monday. This is the first Monday since August 2, 2021 that I have been both of the following simultaneously: 1) not in the hospital AND 2) not required to go to the clinic for a blood draw! We almost didn't know what to do with ourselves. I won't have another blood draw until March 21st! 

But wait, there's more! (Didn't I hear that on TV somewhere?) As you know, if you follow the blog, we have been struggling with understanding how careful we need to be as we come out of quarantine. Part of the problem is that we couldn't seem to get clear information about whether I am actually immunocompromised, and if so, to what degree. A couple of emails to my oncologist have yielded some vague information, most of which comes from the CDC guidelines about Covid precautions. Today we got something we can sink our teeth into.

About two weeks ago, the Nurse who did my blood draw said that there is a new treatment available for immunocompromised patients to provide preventive antibody protection. It is called EvuSheld. I mentioned this treatment in one of my emails to oncology, and I was told that it was not quite available yet, but that I would be on a list of eligible patients that would be administered via a lottery system. Friday, I got a call saying that my number has come up, and today, we had a consultation with OHSU oncology about this option. We asked the Nurse Practitioner why it was that we got such vague answers when we asked about my level of immunity. He replied, "Because it's a difficult question to answer." He went on to explain that because I had my Covid vaccinations shortly before I was diagnosed with leukemia, there is some serious question as to whether my body produced an adequate antibody response. So, it is best to err on the side of caution. Now with the option to actually receive antibodies via injection, I should be able to make decisions about how to go about reengaging society with much greater confidence.

Essentially, the regimen consists of one injection each of two different medications that have been developed from patients who have had Covid19. Their antibodies are somehow extracted and refined into medications. When they are injected into an immunocompromised patient like me, they give a nearly immediate increase in antibody protection against Covid19 on the order of 77-83%, based on various testing that has been done. 

EvuSheld is new, but it is not considered experimental. Because it is new, there is not a lot of it available, so it is being released by the FDA on an Emergency Use Authorization to protect individuals most vulnerable to dire outcomes from a Covid19 infection. It consists of two injections given simultaneously, one in each buttock. Then voilá, antibodies are available to protect me! 

After the consultation, we were told that we would receive a call soon to schedule the treatment. Sure enough, we got the call this afternoon, and I have an appointment for tomorrow morning at OHSU. That means a drive to Portland, but this one treatment should give me increased immunity for six to twelve months.

Finally, I learned recently that I will be eligible for a second Covid vaccine booster as of March 9th. You talk about a Marvelous Monday! The Lord just keeps giving me more options to keep on truckin'.

Comments

  1. gardengirlMarch 1, 2022 at 12:56 PM

    This is such great news!
    "Bear them, Tom!"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TomMarch 1, 2022 at 2:55 PM

      Oh, I bared them, all right. Except for the fact that the drive to Portland was made miserable by copious rainfall and traffic, the whole thing was a non-event. A little poke in each cheek, and I don't even have any tenderness at the injection sites!! I feel good knowing that I have more protection.

      Delete

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