Thursday, March Twenty-Eighth, Two Thousand and Thirteen

I had a little set back after I saw my doctor and received the results of the PET scan.  I am now at The James Cancer Center at The Ohio State University getting some tests done.  I don't have a lot of information to share with you at this time but once I do, I will explain the situation in detail.

Thank you for your continuous support and prayers!

Friday, March Twenty-Second, Two Thousand and Thirteen

I've been getting a lot of questions about my lymphoma and how the Epstein-Barr virus (Mononucleosis) plays a role.  So I thought to myself, I should add some more information for my followers!  Trust me, I know how hard it is to understand all of the medical jargon so I hope this helps clear things up a bit :-)

I have Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with a subgroup of Plasmablastic.  Phew, that is a mouthful!

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a cancer of B cells, a type of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies. It is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma among adults. An underlying immunodeficiency, is a significant risk factor. Infection with Epstein-Barr virus has also been found to contribute to the development of DLBCL.

The risk of developing lymphoma is markedly increased after solid organ transplantation e.g kidney, liver, heart or lung transplants. These lymphomas are medically termed ‘Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorders’ or PTLDs.
 

Post-transplant lymphomas are almost always related to infection by the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV). Infection by the Epstein Barr Virus causes a transformation of B-cells which becomes cancerous. In normal individuals other cells of the immune system can tackle the EBV infection, but for organ transplants high doses of drugs that suppress the immune system must be administered. With nothing to control the infection, the chances of developing lymphomas increase.

More than 90% of adults are exposed to the Epstein Barr virus during some point in their life.  Once infected with the Epstein Barr virus, a person generally is infected for life - though the virus will in most cases remain dormant.  Last year I either contracted EBV or it flared up (we don't know exactly). My immune system couldn't fight the virus so it multiplied and transformed my B cells which caused DLBCL.  In a "healthy" person, your immune system would have fought the virus.  In my case, because of my compromised immune system, my body has a harder time fighting off viruses and infections.

 

~Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift

Wednesday, March Twenieth, Two Thousand and Thirteen

Hello,

The past two weeks have been a little rough.  I've been battling low blood pressure and a low red blood count.  Those combined left me with little energy.  I apologize for the lack of updates but I have not been in the mood to be on the computer!  I had a third spinal tap last Wednesday to check my spinal fluid.  The spinal tap left me with an awful migraine over the weekend.  Thankfully, I was able to get some fluids on Saturday and Sunday which helped relieve some of the pressure in my head.  I hope to get more fluids today at my doctor appointment.  Last Friday, I received two units of blood at Christ to increase my red blood count.  I've been taking it very easy on the couch to prevent another headache so I haven't been able to enjoy the new found energy yet!  I am definitely getting restless!  I had a scheduled PET scan yesterday.  I should find the results for both the spinal tap and PET scan next Wednesday.  I am hoping and praying for good news.  I will update the blog once I get my results!

       

Monday, March fourth, Two Thousand and Thirteen

Hi everyone!  Here is the link to vote for my nurse for Miss Plus America 2013!  Her name is Angela Hicks.  Voting ends Friday so please remember to vote.  Thanks!!!  You will need to copy and paste it into your browser.



http://www.plusamerica.org/oh_covergirl/oh_vote_covergirl.asp