11) Dendritic cell therapy and hyperthermia in Cologne (March to September 2003)
From the first moment that the wickedness of the diagnosis was known, Peter is actively searched for information. He oriented himself on the advantages and disadvantages of the various conventional treatments (surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy), the need for additional approaches (nutrition, orthomolecular medicine) and on new technologies.
The dendritic cell by Gorter, we alerted by an article in Weeds listed on www.kanker-actueel.nl on the dendritic cell. Treatment is aimed at restoring the body's immune system in the long run. Dr. Gorter, a Dutch physician, with a strong international focus. He is affiliated with several universities, including the United States and South Africa. From its center in Cologne, he works closely with several universities and research institutes in Germany, including the laboratory of the University of Göttingen. The doctors at the Radboud Hospital felt that the results of DC therapy is insufficient scientifically substantiated. About Gorter was only spoken disparagingly.
We decided to go on introductory visit to Gorter and afterwards to decide whether we should or not he would go into the sea.
Our impressions were very positive. We saw an enthusiastic doctor, who found that a cancer patient to do everything in the fight against the disease. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, other high-tech techniques. But also strengthen its own immune system. He gave two characterizations of the regular health care where we are highly recognized in "A patient can not have just what the doctor does not know" and "A hospital is a fine organization, but it will not be patient." An unconventional man, a bit chaotic and restless, but very passionate with his craft and working with his patients. As a rule, at seven o'clock in the morning practice and in principle until late at night reached. We were confident and although the dendritic cell is not the desired result, our confidence in Gorter not disappointed.
On March 26 we were in the morning at seven o'clock in the practice of blood collection. For hyperthermia we could on this day afternoon visit. We have the time to get nice and strolled along the Rhine, early breakfast on a terrace, had a lovely morning! Cologne shows a nice city. The hyperthermia is much more luxurious than Klatte (which is also in compliance with the difference in cost). Here is the description that Peter has already sent to the mail group:
"The hyperthermia was perfect. The temperature rose like a rocket, too fast even. When the temperature reached 38.7 (after 1 hour), I was equally difficult, a kind of hyperventilation, increased heart rate. Oxygen was administered and heart rate return to normal right away. Went a little later from the first lamp already, the temperature rose quickly enough ....( 39.2) About ten minutes later, a second lamp turned off. The temperature remained peaceful rise (according to the experts ..) After just under two hours I sat at 40.2. The "tent" was zipped off and placed over me, with of course the reflective side to me. This kept the temperature nearly one hour to 40.1 after twenty minutes that was reflective pad off, and could begin to cool. Then get on a chair and see if you can not fall from ... not so. Moments later enjoy the shower. It's like me very well. In this way a high temperature well tolerated. Oh, for clarity, "the way":
your head remains outside the heat, your body is completely covered with towels to protect your skin. During the session, intravenous vitamin C, and some other remedies, and brought moisture. Therefore dry your little less quickly. Your head is kept cool with wet, cool cloths. You can drink. The rectal temperature (anusprikkertje) measured. Insertion I do not like, but then you notice nothing more. Better than measured under the tongue, which is very irritating after a few hours, and drinking and breathing the measurement is not accurate. Heart rate is recorded, the oxygen in your blood is measured with a clothes peg on your finger, oxygen control via a tube under your nose.
The persistence of the temperature, I found no difficulty, reaching the high temperature was more difficult. There is constantly a nurse (star) are present, the care has hyperthermiebedjes 2. Also Gorter himself or his colleagues, are regularly informed of everything you want. Packing in the reflecting material of the tent works perfectly. Since then all the lights are off, there is no more extreme heat. But because you own excess heat can fit anywhere, the temperature remains high for a long time. Gorter said last week that in the latter part of the session, sometimes people fall asleep. I could hardly believe. Still, I sat very close yesterday, no company was sure asleep.
In summary, a highly professional team, which knows exactly what they are doing. Perfect service, I would say value for money. Inherited documentation immediately upon request, written by name, of course, for insurance and any therapists in the Netherlands. "
The blood is immediately by courier to a laboratory at the University of Göttingen charged. There the dendritic cells are cultured. Exactly one week later they are ripe. A courier, they are worried about 17.00 hours. The plan is that you just hyperthermia behind it. Your immune system is best able to benefit from the dendritic cells. The cells are injected at a spot near the tumor. In the hours after you often feel pretty lousy. Fever, headache. But that's too bad overall.
The DC injection took about once a month. The hyperthermia once a week. In June the practice have access to a local hyperthermia device.
This treatment was much less stressful and could not be subjected to personal carer. Before Peter went sometimes twice a week to Cologne.
Initially the treatment seemed successful in Cologne. Peter felt great and came up with decent sports performance bike in different mountain ranges. We were also happy in the practice of Dr. Gorter. The staff are all very friendly and helpful. We met in practice, often inspiring fellow patients. Moreover, a very pleasant city Cologne. Gorter pointed us to a food store, where a delicious sauerkraut quality was available. With Oskar, the pub opposite the practice of Gorter, we regularly delicious meal.
At first we liked it positive that the metastasis on the left could not gain, because downtime is not a decline! But we strived for progress. And because after two months it was clear that the metatstase not narrowed, and because we thought that this metastasis was the cause of swallowing problems occasionally occurred, we discussed with Gorter or another, faster treatment for it. Then Gorter brought us into contact with Professor Vogl, director of the Institute for Diagnostic Radiology elle und interventionism, of the University Clinic of the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Frankfurt. Meanwhile, we just take the therapy in Cologne.
