Testimonials

"Life in Remission, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma"

Terry Gallant
(Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma)

I was diagnosed with indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. My disease was minimal, and I was advised against any chemotherapy unless it became problematic. I was referred to Dr. Nagourney repeatedly by several patients and medical doctors, and I learned about the chemosensitivity assay. But, there was no reason to do an assay before treatment was needed.

Over the next several years, I searched many cancer facilities and oncologists trying to determine where I wanted to be if and when I might need treatment. Many doctors I didn't like, and very few were at all satisfying. I took one non-toxic clinical trial at Stanford University where I was given an idiopathic vaccine upfront without chemo preconditioning. Unfortunately, my cancer appeared to only progress. It quickly developed to bulky disease and symptomatic with pain. Delaying further treatment was no longer an option.

I went to Dr. Nagourney. By then, I had seen twenty separate oncologists in my battle with cancer. There was no doubt in my mind that Dr. Nagourney was the one I wanted to treat me. He did an assay on my malignant tissue. The chemosensitivity assay is just a test, a tool to be used by a skilled oncologist in selecting protocols for his patient. Dr. Nagourney offered to treat me any way I liked -- toxic chemo toward a fast remission or slower less toxic therapies. He said whichever I chose; he knew he could succeed at getting me into a long-term remission.

I already knew that less toxic treatment meant a better chance of longer life. I asked for the least toxic protocol. Dr. Nagourney advised full dose Rituxan, a monoclonal antibody specifically designed for lymphoma, combined with partial doses of Fludarabine and Cytoxan. Within three cycles, I went from bulky disease to full remission. But, three more cycles were advised to maintain that remission.

My platelet count was too low after round four. Dr. Nagourney told me another choice was needed. I could continue the same protocol at a much lower dosage. I could quite the chemo and hope the remission would hold. Or, I could change the protocol. The choice was very easy because I asked what he recommended. Dr. Nagourney said, if I finished round five and six with CHOP in a lower than normal dose, I could have just as good a treatment as planned in the beginning. That's what I did.

February 19, 2003, was my last chemo. My remission is dramatic, and my former strength is returning to near normal. Most of Dr. Nagourney’s time is devoted to his lab work on the chemo sensitivity assays. He only sees private patients two afternoons a week and rarely accepts new patients. But, he’ll do a chemosensitivity assay for anyone.

I guess I just don't understand the reluctance of others not to use this great tool. It's here and available to us. Dr. Nagourney saves and extends lives with his work. It's my hope to extend my life with lymphoma until the day we all hope for, the day of the cancer cure.

RTI Assay… Don't do Chemo without it!