B cell lymphoma
- diffuse large B cell lymphoma
- follicular or low-grade lymphoma (not Burkitts PTL!)
The last marker stain we waited from Loma Linda had been sent to the city of Hope and was determined to be the follicular type in the end. That's why it took so long for them to get it back and it was really out of Loma Linda's hands. The type of treatment I will receive is the same as Loma Linda, city of Hope , or USC would provide. Based on their diagnosis they all agree on the same treatment it's based on my height and weight and my total body surface area they will provide me this heavy dose and is much as I can safely take in.
Dr. Nanda agrees with the other's opinions for this type of treatment. It's called R-CHOP chemotherapy. It's named after the chemotherapy drugs used in the treatment. It involves the monoclonal antibody rituximab (pronounced Ri-tucks-i-mab) and will from here on out be called “Rituxan” because that is the name of the drug I’m using. The other drugs used in this chemotherapy are cyclophosphamide (sigh-clo-fos-fa-mide) doxorubicin (docks-orou-bi-sin) vincristine (vin-christeen)and prednisolone which is a steroid (kind of similar to prednisone like GG takes).
Rituxan, although a dangerous drug, is used for both diffuse large B cell lymphoma and follicular or low-grade lymphomas. Rituxan targets B cells in tumors. It also targets healthy B cells, but leaves most other types of cells alone. For this reason, it may not have the same side effects or toxicity as chemotherapy. Rituxan does have its side effects. The dangerous part is called Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) which is a rare brain infection. PML usually causes death or severe disability. Another, is tumor lysis syndrome(TLS). TLS is caused by the fast breakdown of certain types of cancer cells it can cause kidney failure and the need for dialysis treatment. Severe skin reactions are possible like painful sores on your skin or in your mouth, ulcers, blisters, or peeling skin while receiving the treatment. It can cause infections such as a cough that will not go away, fever, chills, congestion, or any flulike symptoms also. It also can cause stomach and bowel problems, or mental issues.
Now they've scared both you and me with this dangerous drug diagnosis, we just pray that the Lord will protect my body from these things. They're giving me medications for the TLS to help protect my kidneys. It is caused from a uremic acid which kills cancer tumors.
During the initial treatment yesterday with Rituxan, they slowly and progressively driped the therapy into my veins and continually monitored my symptoms which had there been reactions they would have slowed it down or stopped the process, however they did not observe any signs or symptoms which is a BIG Praise the Lord! They continued to increase it and up the dosage as long as I can handle it I was able to come out with flying colors praise the Lord!
Well I hope this informed you of the final questions we all had to get on the final marker. We were so blessed to hear it was not Burkitts type of cancer which would've been much more serious to treat. We are fully and completely trusting God has his hands all over this and know that all the doctors agreed this is the right treatment and all of them are in one accord. We just pray throughout this continuing process my body will be strong and healthy to take this therapy. My next chemotherapy treatment will be in three weeks, followed again every three weeks. This gives me 21 days to rest my body and recuperate the white blood cells. I go in on Monday to receive the shot to begin increasing my white blood cell count. On Tuesday, I go for consultation for my porta-cath to be surgically implanted in my chest, which should occur within the next couple days following.
No comments:
Post a Comment