Update on Don and ??'s on possible new treatment

Don went back to the hemo doc today after receiving 5 day course of IVIG last week. Count was 50 when started, today 62. Not a lot of improvement, but doc says to come back next Monday, if under 40 will try something (didn't give name) that can be given once a week shot. I couldn't see many treatments that would be shots (except Nplate), but understand that is a trial you need to qualify/sign up for. Anyone know of other treatments that can be given as once a week shots? I am concerned over any treatment because of Don's past medical history (Atrial Fib, numberous Cellulitis episodes, MRSA infected wound resulting in amputation, TM which is an autoimune disorder, numerous pnemonia episodes in hospital, even 2 2/1 wks of delerium due to percocet with kidneys temporarily shutting down). If the treatment is something to suppress your immune system, wouldn't that be like asking for trouble? Obviously I'm worried and concerned, this is a new doctor, and I don't know how much past medical history he has obtained. We only have two hemo/cancer groups in town, this one's suppose to be the best so there isn't much choice for switching docs. Any advice is appreciated.

It will be Nplate. It's licenced for use everywhere but hard to get in some countries because of the cost. If you are in the US you should get it fine. Nplate doesn't suppress the immune system, and rarely gives any side effects so he should be okay.

I'm looking at nplate at the moment and really as you say it's a experimental drug. It works in a lot of people (one figure I saw was 88% in people who haven't had their spleen out). Which is a pretty good rate considering that your not cutting anything out, if it doesn't work you can just stop taking it.

The pros as far as I can see is that it works, the cons are that it is as you say a experimental drug and it hasn't been used for as long as some of the other treatments. So the Long term side effects are just unknown. Could all be fine, could have some pretty serious ones.

From the Amgens website:

www.nplatenexus.com/risk.html