As many know by now, I have been under going treatments for a recurrence of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a very aggressive form of cancer involving the white cells in my blood. I have had a few request re: updates on what is going on, and how I am doing. So to make that easier I am posting here a copy of my weekly e-mail update that I send to friends and family. I e-mailed this update last night............
btw....it is also why you may have seen a lot of my replies involve ""
btw....it is also why you may have seen a lot of my replies involve ""
BBFCM said:Fritz-O-Gram #52 1 September 2004
O.K. Folks, this is gonna be a long one............
The good news, as I reported last time, is that the last PET scan showed a "significant reduction" in metabolic activity of the lymphoma mass. Sorry, I cannot be more specific, but PET scans only show "hot" spots, but trust me when I say this is GOOD!
I went into the Brook on Thursday Aug. 26th for my latest treatment, Rituxan followed by Round 3 (three days) of chemo, and came home feeling even pukier than the first two rounds. I keep reminding myself, "I will feel better........eventually"
Here's where it gets lengthy.......I had a discussion with my oncologist regarding where we are going from here. He is of the opinion (and I really do trust his opinions!!!) that my lymphoma is either in remission, or rapidly heading there. It was then that he outlined two possible treatment options.
Option One: (Not his preferred): Would be continued treatment with Rituxan on a bi-monthly basis for several months, followed by monthly treatments, etc., etc. The KEY reason this is NOT the preferred option at this point is this.....Rituxan is a relatively new therapy and they simply do not have the clinical data to support it in the long term. (i.e.:cure)
Option Two: (Preferred) Is an autologeous stem cell transplant. Meaning that they will harvest my stem cells...(oh goody.....we're in the right season for a harvest!) and while these stem cells are prepped I will receive HIGH DOSE chemo (geez, and I thought I was pukey before!) to completely eliminate my immune system. Then, once my body has been purged (in more ways then one) I would receive my own stem cells back, much like receiving a blood transfusion. To this end, I have an appointment today with the Transplant Specialist at the Brook.
Now everyone is asking, "But Fritz, what about the allogeneic stem cells harvested from your brother?" We will be holding those in reserve in case the autologeous doesn't take, or should the lymphoma be stupid enough to pick yet another fight with me a year or two down the line.
Here's the rub friends, and here's where I will need your help and your prayers:
For the stem cell transplant I will be in the hospital (in an isolation room) for three weeks, after which I will recuperate at home for approximately three months. I will need help from my locals (i.e.: co-workers at San Simeon, my FD family, and friends at ELIH, etc....) with everything from grocery shopping, laundry, meals, visiting, etc., etc.......You've been asking "How Can I Help?" Well here is your chance. I will also need help organizing it all. And please, please, please, don't forget me while I am in the hospital....Just because I will be in isolation doesn't mean you cannot visit!
It also means that I will be going back on Disability very shortly (along with medical leave from the FD).......The real kicker here being that our Brilliant Bureaucrats at the Social Security Administration ( <--------oxymoron) managed to overpay me by seven months last time, so I probably won't see dime one from the SSA until I am back at work for another six months! As it is now I've been stretching that overpayment and am praying to GOD it lasts until I can return to work......hopefully in January. I also hope to be well enough to attend our Annual Ladies Night / Installation Banquet for the East Marion FD in January.
There you have it. Again, I thank each and everyone for their support, I could NOT do it without you!
My Love and Prayers to all.
Fritz