You can tell that Dr. Wendy is consulting with others about my case in between my treatments. Today, she has an entirely new plan.
We'll go ahead with today's dose of Adcetris, then get a CT scan to see where the tumor is at. It seems chemo isn't as effective at reaching cancerous tumors once they're smaller than about a centimeter, so we might have to do radiation to get rid of it entirely.
No real changes with chemo. It's just business as usual, so we'll wait to see what the CT scan shows.
Purple Everywhere
Daily Herald picture
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Ninth Adcetris Dose
There's not much to tell.
We keep doing chemo. The affects are pretty well managed now, but I'm starting to feel sick from some kind of sinus infection, so Dr. Wendy gives me a prescription for an antibiotic, one I've not heard of before--Keflex.
The peripheral neuropathy seems to be increasing, but maybe it's because I'm more aware of it in my arms and legs now. Like, my legs are numb about halfway up my thighs now and especially on the insides of the knees.
The plan is to do twelve doses of Adcetris total. That's just two more after today. The tumor keeps shrinking and is almost gone, so that should take care of it. We'll do a CT scan, then wait about a month and do a PET scan and see where we're at.
Life keeps marching on, and I'm definitely still kicking!
We keep doing chemo. The affects are pretty well managed now, but I'm starting to feel sick from some kind of sinus infection, so Dr. Wendy gives me a prescription for an antibiotic, one I've not heard of before--Keflex.
The peripheral neuropathy seems to be increasing, but maybe it's because I'm more aware of it in my arms and legs now. Like, my legs are numb about halfway up my thighs now and especially on the insides of the knees.
The plan is to do twelve doses of Adcetris total. That's just two more after today. The tumor keeps shrinking and is almost gone, so that should take care of it. We'll do a CT scan, then wait about a month and do a PET scan and see where we're at.
Life keeps marching on, and I'm definitely still kicking!
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Eighth Adcetris Dose
At least halfway through chemo after today. 8/16 or halfway through the maximum amount of Adcetris doses allowed.
If it continues as well as it has been and the peripheral neuropathy eases up, the rest of the doses should be no problem.
Although, if I'm honest, ever since my last appointment and the fact that Dr. Wendy can no longer feel the largest tumor, my hope is that we'll schedule scans in the next three weeks (normal procedure after every two doses, so it's time again), and those scans will show no more cancer.
Not a lot to report today, although I do think the peripheral neuropathy in my hands is slightly better. It's a little easier to write longhand and to type. I can tell because I'm not watching my fingers or using the Backspace key as often. But my balance actually seems worse lately and I can't tell that there's any improvement in my feet and legs. Darn!
Dr. Wendy sounds disappointed that I haven't seen a bigger improvement, but she's grateful that it's not getting worse so we'll continue the reduced dosage.
Visit with Dr. Wendy, draw blood work, three anti-nausea medications, Adcetris, and two hours later I'm out of there.
A CT/CAT scan is scheduled for Monday, February 11. Hopefully, it's great news--no more cancer; and we can be done with Adcetris for at least 7-10 more years. That's what I'm hoping for and what would qualify for "this treatment exceeding all expectations."
If it continues as well as it has been and the peripheral neuropathy eases up, the rest of the doses should be no problem.
Although, if I'm honest, ever since my last appointment and the fact that Dr. Wendy can no longer feel the largest tumor, my hope is that we'll schedule scans in the next three weeks (normal procedure after every two doses, so it's time again), and those scans will show no more cancer.
Not a lot to report today, although I do think the peripheral neuropathy in my hands is slightly better. It's a little easier to write longhand and to type. I can tell because I'm not watching my fingers or using the Backspace key as often. But my balance actually seems worse lately and I can't tell that there's any improvement in my feet and legs. Darn!
Dr. Wendy sounds disappointed that I haven't seen a bigger improvement, but she's grateful that it's not getting worse so we'll continue the reduced dosage.
Visit with Dr. Wendy, draw blood work, three anti-nausea medications, Adcetris, and two hours later I'm out of there.
A CT/CAT scan is scheduled for Monday, February 11. Hopefully, it's great news--no more cancer; and we can be done with Adcetris for at least 7-10 more years. That's what I'm hoping for and what would qualify for "this treatment exceeding all expectations."
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Fast and Testimony Meeting
During the prelude music and start of Sacrament Meeting, I'm contemplating on how good I feel for going through my fifth regimen of chemo. And I realize that my rather foreign pessimistic outlook of late is gone. I no longer feel so dark inside, like I'm fighting a losing battle. Sure, the next instance might kill me, but I might have a long time before the lymphoma is back. I have hope again. These are truly amazing discoveries!
And, as usual, I start scanning the congregation and reflecting on how many individuals in our ward that I feel truly supported by. I love these people and there's way too many to list.
A few things definitely stand out though: purple flowers planted in our flower beds by the Mia Maids, a large container filled with purple flowers from Jana, purple flowers and a cuddly blanket from Sandy, a very touching note from John and an equally touching post/email from Jennifer, and a beautiful chest of notes from lots of people and delivered by Maddie on a night when everything seemed really black and hopeless.
Suddenly, I'm overwhelmed by all of the love and support that I feel. All of those prayers are why this regimen is treating me so well so far. I know it. It's a great tender and miraculous mercy from our ward members who are definitely acting as the Savior's hands here on the earth.
Thank you all. I'm truly touched and grateful!
And, as usual, I start scanning the congregation and reflecting on how many individuals in our ward that I feel truly supported by. I love these people and there's way too many to list.
A few things definitely stand out though: purple flowers planted in our flower beds by the Mia Maids, a large container filled with purple flowers from Jana, purple flowers and a cuddly blanket from Sandy, a very touching note from John and an equally touching post/email from Jennifer, and a beautiful chest of notes from lots of people and delivered by Maddie on a night when everything seemed really black and hopeless.
Suddenly, I'm overwhelmed by all of the love and support that I feel. All of those prayers are why this regimen is treating me so well so far. I know it. It's a great tender and miraculous mercy from our ward members who are definitely acting as the Savior's hands here on the earth.
Thank you all. I'm truly touched and grateful!
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