France in Focus

Just asking your thoughts please.

Along with 2 types of chemo, targeted therapies and a PARP inhibitor, I've been offered a drug trial.

To do the trial I have to read a lengthy document, and if I agree to the trial, sign several pages.

My worry is that my French reading, especially medical & technical isn't brilliant.

The doctor is phoning on Monday for my decision and I don't know what risks, if any I might take. I presume the lengthy document explains all.

I know how lucky I am to be having treatment here and to be offered an opportunity.

Gosh what a dilemma.

The only advice I can give is never sign anything you do not understand. Can you find someone who can go through the document with you?

As to explaining the risks: some risks may be known, but the purpose of running trials is to identify and quantify risks versus the successes. I doubt they will be able to lay out many of the risks - but not seeing the document, I could easily be wrong.

MOTM2, I’ve sent you a PM. x

@exile + 1.
Unless someone here has specialist knowledge, you need to ask your medical advisers. All doctors in France have to do English at the faculty, and consultants attend international conferences, most conducted in English. I would ask your oncologist to explain it to you.

@exile and @MAD87
+ 1
It's vital to understand what you're signing.

Having read through the document at length today, made notes and looked up the drugs that are used I have a good understanding of what is what.

It does say that at any point during the trial I can stop it and continue with normal treatment (chemo) if I want to. The side effects from the drug that is the trial is pretty much the same as with chemo.

So all in all I think I will go ahead with the trial. It will feel good to know I might be helping future cases

Bravo, MOTM2, it's people like you that help treatments advance. Not all of us would have the courage.
I wish you all the best - and let us know how it goes.

Polly wrote: ↑Thu Nov 17, 2022 11:44 pm MOTM2, I’ve sent you a PM. x

Sorry Polly, nothing has come through x

Blaze wrote: ↑Fri Nov 18, 2022 1:39 pm Bravo, MOTM2, it's people like you that help treatments advance. Not all of us would have the courage.
I wish you all the best - and let us know how it goes.

+1 from me

And plus two from me