Mom saw Dr. C on January 30th in the Tooele office to talk about the results from the splenectomy. The pathology report showed Large B Cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. This lymphoma is an intermediate grade lymphoma that needs to be treated with chemotherapy and radiation. Right now the lymphoma is categorized as a stage 2 pending further testing. This week Mom will have a pet scan (this will show any other enlarged lymph nodes) a bone marrow scan (will determine if any lymphoma is in the bone marrow), an echocardiogram (to get a baseline of her heart function) and a port-a-cath inserted. The port-a-cath is used to draw blood and to administer chemotherapy. Once the results are back from the bone marrow and pet scan the final stage will be determined. If there aren’t any signs in either test it will be downgraded to a Stage 1. Dr. C did not feel any enlarged lymph nodes on physical examination and is fairly confident that these tests will not show that the cancer has spread.
Since the cancer is classified as Stage 2 mom will need 3-4 cycles of chemotherapy. Each cycle is 3 weeks. She will receive chemo therapy on every third Monday for 12 weeks. One or two cycles could be added depending on test results. Once chemotherapy is done, she will need 3-6 weeks of radiation. The chemotherapy will include 4 drugs through her IV and then steroids and an immune booster shot following the chemotherapy. The chemotherapy comes with all the fun side effects: hair loss (there will be a later post regarding this), fatigue, nausea, mouth sores, water weight…and much more. Dr. C gave Mom prescriptions to try and counter all of the side effects.
So this is where we are for now. I know a blog might seem impersonal; however, Mom has a lot of friends and family that are concerned for her and I thought this would be the easiest way to keep everyone updated on her progress. Thank you so much for all of your love and support. Mom will have access to the blog so you are more than welcome to leave your comments here for her to read.
I love you Aunt Jeanie! You are in our EVERY prayer!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that you are having to go through this! Our family will be praying for you.and hope that all goes well.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry she is going through this!!! Your Mom is such a tender- wonderful lady!! With the amazing support system she has, and with her faith, I am sure she can pull through this beautifully!!! She will be in my thoughts and prayers...thank you so much for keeping us updated!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the updates. I served with Sister Palmer at the Family History Library in Salt Lake. Isure miss her sweet and joyous smile. Please tell her we miss her and are praying for her. Sooooooooooooooo glad Elder Butler sent out tis blog address so we can stay posted. Hugs and prayers!
ReplyDeleteSorry my last name didn't come up with my first name on my last comment and so she'll never know me! Janet Lott
ReplyDeleteI do know you! Thanks so much for your prayers. I can feel all the love that people have sent. Take care of the library until I make it back!
DeleteCrying. I love you all and will pray for you every day.
ReplyDelete