Friday, April Nineteenth, Two Thousand and Thirteen

Hello Everyone:

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

  

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

Saturday, February Twenty-Third, Two Thousand and Thirteen

As predicted (and for the LAST time), I was admitted to the hospital Tuesday night with neutropenic fever.  My white count is creeping back up so I should be home tomorrow.  The sun outside my window has me experiencing a huge case of cabin fever.  What I wouldn't do right now for a flight to a warm destination, a long run and the smell of the ocean.  Might as well throw in a piña colada too =) I know...in time.  "Left foot, right foot, breathe."  That quote came from 20/20, Robin Roberts' Journey: The Diagnosis.  If you didn't have the chance to see it last night, I highly recommend it.  ABC has the episode posted online.  I was very moved and motivated.  It also left me thinking about my own journey with cancer.  I thought of the cards, phone calls and visits I have received from all of you.  The endless support and encouragement.  The greatest gifts in life are friends, family and LOVE.  Without these you have nothing.  I will never be able to thank you all enough for being by my side as I fought the toughest battle of my life.   

As of now, I have two more Rituxan treatments.  I will have my third PET scan and spinal tap the second week of March.  I hope to report good news!!  I will continue to see the doctor weekly.  I was told it will take at least one month for me to start feeling better so I'm thinking beginning/middle of April.  The chemotherapy drugs stay in your body for quite some time.  Also, it will take time for my immune system to strengthen so I still have to stay away from crowded public places. 


Light.Love.Power.Presence ~Robin Roberts wore this on her wristband

The light of God surrounds me;
The love of God enfolds me;
The power of God protects me;
The presence of God watches over me.
Wherever I am, God is.

       

Saturday, February Sixteenth, Two Thousand and Thirteen

My last chemo was this past Wednesday, February 13th.  I'm very happy, but know the following weeks are going to be difficult.  My body is taking longer to recover after treatment, so I take it "day to day."  Hopefully, my third PET scan next month will show the lymphoma completely gone.  A third spinal tap probably next week will again check my spinal fluid.  I have many questions for the doctor regarding medications/Rituxan treatments...will they continue or will they stop?  I'll keep you posted.

On February 6th, my niece turned one year old!  My brother and sister-in-law had a small, family party at their house.  Ella loved her cake, presents...and of course the attention!     

And yes, that's a Cincinnati Reds Baseball cap...got to start em' young =)  One thing is for certain, she'll look adorable at her first baseball game!  Note the picture below.  I still have hair...but can't say the same for my lower eyelashes!