I apologize for the long stretch of silence. My final PET Scan results at Christ Hospital (Cincinnati) came back, but not the way I hoped for. After six chemotherapy treatments, some lymphoma cells remained present. Lymphoma was highlighted in several parts of my abdomen. I had vertebre in my spinal chord highlighted plus an area in the sinus cavity, behind the left eye. Without hesitation, the doctor arranged for admittance to the Ohio State University James Cancer Hospital. I left the next day for Columbus, Ohio and have remained here.
I've been here for 23 days- Woah! I really appreciate the cancer team, as the doctors, nurses and staff have been wonderful :) A plan is in place to treat my lymphoma. The lymphoma type and sub category have been determined requiring a different chemo cocktail of medicine. I've already undergone one chemo treatment with three-four ahead. The new chemo regime is spread over five days, much different than the previous treatment completed in one day. It is much more aggressive.
So, you may wonder what I've been doing for three weeks? I have had every test imaginable. . .CAT scan, PET scan, MRI of the abdomen, MRI of the brain, spinal tap, biopsy of lymph nodes, biopsy of the sinus cavity, bronchoscopy. . . etc. The team wanted their own test results/records to ensure they positively identified the cancer type. They were able to get a good biospy of two lymph nodes and of the small mass in my sinus cavity. The pathologist came back with Non- Hodgkins Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma; however, it was cancer marker CD20 negative. In Cincinnati, I was being treated for the same cancer, but with cancer marker CD20 positive. This was no one's fault. The Columbus team now feels confident of their move forward.
Regarding the treatments, they take place every 21 days. I will come to Columbus for each treatment and stay until my numbers (immune system/white blood cells) are up. Only then is it safe to go home. If needing medical attention while in Cincinnati, I will do so at Christ Hospital. The hospitals work together. Once into remission, I will undergo a bone marrow transplant, also known as a stem cell transplant. This procedure will replace damaged or destroyed bone marrow with healthy stem cells. The transplant remains in the future. I have much to learn and will update you in the future.
I may go home for several days this upcoming week. My numbers are improving daily (slowly). Again, I have experienced some rough side effects from the chemotherapy. . . nausea, bone pain, headache and fever. It has been "nonstop" here. Thank you for your calls and emails. Many ask, "What can I do? How can I help?" As of now, please consider donating blood at the American Red Cross. I believe you can donate blood in my behalf. This would be a nice way to "pay it forward." Please keep the prayers coming too! Thank you! I will update again soon.
Lauren
