Thursday 9th June
For those of a classical mind, Persephone is the daughter of Zeus and the harvest goddess Demeter, and queen of the underworld, who was abducted by her uncle Hades, the king of the underworld.
For me however, Persephone is the name of the medical trial that I have joined.
Herceptin is generally given for 12 months, on a three weekly basis. A study in Finland discovered that the medical benefits of Herceptin could be just as good if given over a shorter period. Persephone is comparing a 12 month regime with a 6 month one.
The matron, bless her, was really hoping that I would be randomised to the 6 month basis. I think this may have more to do with the fact that I seem to be such a problematic patient, although this round of Herceptin nothing exciting happened at all, which was nice!
Anyway, once I had completed all the paperwork, the Persephone lady "asked" the computer to randomise me and as luck would have it I am on the 12 month basis.
So I will be around for a bit longer to vex the chemotherapy unit and its ever patient staff.
