Hi All, we are just wrapping up our first trip to Germany. We are in Frankfurt Airport now and we are boarding a flight shortly back to JFK! It has been a productive first trip, Phoebe finished her induction phase of the peptide vaccine at CeGat clinic over 4 days. She received 16 injections (4 per day) in her abdomen and had no major reactions or side effects other than some minor swelling. We met with Dr. Alexander Golf each day for her injections and he was very thoughtful about Phoebe’s treatment. We also met the founder of CeGat, Dr. Saskia Biskup, who showed great care and affection for Phoebe. We have our next three trips planned for July, Aug and Sept where Phoebe will receive booster doses each time back at CeGat clinic in Tubingen. When we come for V7 in Sept, she will have bloodwork taken to compare with the sample given this week. Sometime around November/December, these bloodwork results should be in and we’ll have an initial indication of the T-Cell response from the vaccine and how well it is working. In the interim, we will watch Phoebe’s MRI scans in Boston every six weeks to monitor any progress/change from the new combination of peptide vaccine / keytruda / avastin.
This week has been both momentous and emotional. A lot of work went into making this vaccine treatment become a reality and Phoebe is incredibly grateful for her support team getting her to this next chapter. Traveling through a foreign country with a handicap has also been challenging for Phoebe this week. Her right arm and right leg are now barely functioning and she needs help at all times. Luckily, some nice weather, german technology and fresh baked goodness helped us find joy rather than dwell on the sadness. In the last few days of our stay we stopped at Brillinger med device shop for a brilliant new walker (Phoebe is excited about the new wheels!). Then we spent our last day exploring the city of Heidelberg by golf cart, having dinner on a riverboat and taking in the city views with a basket of croissants and cappuccinos from our terrace. Warrior Phoebe is in good spirits and excited about her next trip back to the clinic in July! Thank you all for the support and encouragement. Danke Schoen!!
