Cashew Challenge

Skin test panel for tree nuts

No reaction to any tree nuts

half of a cashew 

Negative results! 

Because I made it to 100 mgs and "tested out" of cashews for the SAFAR study, we wanted to see how far I could exceed that 100 mgs. We started off with a skin test and I tested completely negative for all tree nuts, including cashews. By the end of the day I had eaten around 3 cashews with no reaction. Looks like my study will only include peanuts. 

All four food challenges are officially over, and to begin actual desensitization, I will receive the first of three injections of the drug Xolair this coming Wednesday. I can't wait to start!

Third Double Blind Food Challenge

                                                         
                                           6 milligrams (where I previously reacted)

                                                                   medication

                                                    Empty dose-containers

100 milligrams! (The maximum dose)

Unblinding 

Dr. Nadeau and I after my challenge

During the third food challenge, I made it to 100 milligrams, meaning that I "tested out" of that particular mystery nut. Whatever it was though, wouldn't remain a mystery for long. At the end of the day, we were unblinded. The first challenge had been peanuts (duh), the second was a placebo, and the third was cashew. So that means that only peanut will actually be officially part the study. 

Even though I tested out of cashews, Dr. Nadeau suggested that I be challenged with whole cashews to see if I could eat more than 100 milligrams. I'll be posting pictures of that challenge later this week.