My Doc asked me last month if I would participate in another CF clinical trial. He knows me and my eager willingness to help find new treatments that make our CF lives healthier, and hopefully, last longer. And who doesn't want to live longer when you've been told you won't.
So sure, let's do it.
This trial is testing a new application of the broad-spectrum antibiotic Ciprofloxacin, commonly known as Cipro. Most people know it as an antibiotic prescribed to treat bacterial infections, such as a Urinary Tract Infection. It is most commonly used as an oral tablet or a solution through an IV. I've used it in several of my IV rounds, usually accompanied by another antibiotic IV. But in the trial, I will be inhaling a powder version directly into my lungs using a newly developed inhaler device, which is also being tested.
The trial will last approximately 3 months, 9 visits spread throughout the time frame. I will be subjected to complete physicals, lung xrays, sputum samples, urine tests, pregnancy tests (ha ha, don't think so), blood tests and pulmonary function testing at every visit. The study Doc and staff will poke, prod and analyze me, charting my results, if any. This is also a blind study, so I will not know if I am actually taking the drug or a placebo. I am randomly assigned, so even the doc doesn't know if I am actually on the drug.
I have mentioned to people that I subject myself to clinical trials. Some are horrified and ask, "why would you do such a thing" or "why subject yourself to so many unnecessary tests and pain." And I respond, "why not, if I don't, who will?"
When you have an incurable, terminal disease, you know down deep that your only new options for medical hope lie in the unknown and untested. We CFers are a tough breed. We withstand so much medical intervention and dangerous, poisonous drugs just to stay healthy. I know many of us are willing to do just about anything to help each other by donating our time and bodies, testing new treatments, hoping for the cure. So what, we are poked a few more times . . . big deal . . . I've had much worse.
Without us, the CF patients, offering our bodies to try new drugs or new applications of old standby drugs, new treatments never make it into the pipeline or mainstream as a viable medical option. I'm proud to be able to have enough lung function left to be able to participate in such important research. It could mean a better chance at life for the just diagnosed child next door.
Wish me luck, I start tomorrow, Tuesday June 16.
Trust me, the most painful part will be fighting the traffic driving into downtown LA. ; )
