When executing a plan, each person must do the right job at the right time
Whether it's a heist or HAE treatment, every team member is essential
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When stealing $150 million from some of the world’s most famous casinos, Danny Ocean knew the plan needed to be meticulous. In 2001’s iteration of “Ocean’s Eleven,” George Clooney’s character enacts revenge on one of his enemies by robbing the Bellagio, the Mirage, and the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
When he and his partner, Rusty (Brad Pitt), gathered the skilled thieves for a meeting, there was initial pushback from the recruits. The vault was under tight security, and the casino owner expected Danny to attempt the robbery.
When it seems to the audience that everything is falling apart, it’s revealed that Danny and his team were executing another, more involved plan, running in parallel to the superficial one. Because of this, they achieved their goal — nefarious though it was.
One of my favorite things about the film, though unbelievable, is that every single step of the plan had to be executed at exactly the right time for the heist to work. All 11 people were responsible for something. Without completing their individual assignments, the entire plan would’ve fallen apart.
As unexpected as it may sound, managing our oldest daughter’s treatment plan often feels exactly like being in a heist movie, where every step must be perfectly synchronized for success.
Executing Ladybug’s HAE treatment
When our oldest daughter, whom we lovingly call Ladybug, was diagnosed with hereditary angioedema (HAE), we were immediately launched into extensive meetings with her doctor about how her disease should be treated. While I don’t often mention it, Ladybug lives with HAE type 3. This is one of the rarest forms of HAE and often requires in-depth research, a bit of trial and error with maintenance meds, and the right dose of emergency infusions.
We learned early that, just like Danny Ocean’s crew, meticulous planning was necessary for my daughter to have what I call a “good health week.” I had to ensure that her Takhzyro (lanadelumab) doses were given every two weeks on the same day, around the same time. We worked with her doctors to find the right dosing and frequency for her Xolair (omalizumab) shots, and recently discovered that pre-treating Ladybug with Berinert (human C1 esterase inhibitor) before surgeries or strenuous physical activity reduces flares and hospital stays. Within the last few months, I’ve begun to feel like we have a handle on “heisting” HAE.
However, I recently realized that there’s one person who must carry out their part of the plan for all of this to work: Ladybug.
As she’s matured, and we’re able to have detailed conversations about her disease, she’s been able to understand how important her part of the plan is. Keeping track of her menstrual cycle lets us pre-treat with Berinert on a more precise day. Finishing her favorite water bottle each day keeps her hydrated, making her infusions easier to execute. And the biggest part of this plan: recognizing her prodromes and telling us as soon as they show up.
We all have a part to play in Ladybug’s treatment. And no, executing this strategy won’t help us get money from a huge casino, but when we all work together, and she has great health weeks, it feels like winning a million bucks.
Note: Angioedema News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Angioedema News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to angioedema.
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