Lymphoma-sode: The Update

8/19/2009

An update is in order and to make sure we are all on the same page we'll start at the very beginning.

My original diagnosis was done in Aug/Sept 2008. I was diagnosed with Nodular Sclerosing Lymphoma Cancer, otherwise known as Hodgkin's Disease. The type of Hodgkin's Disease I have also happens to be the most common form found in females *a fact you will store in the archives of your brain and years later not know why you know this information.*

I began six cycles *1 cycle = 2 treatments* of AVBD chemo starting in Sept 2008. After a routine PET Scan was done in Dec 2008 we found the Big C to be completely gone. It was the best Christmas present I could ever have received. I continued with treatment until March 2009. My first follow up scan showed cancerous activity by my original tumor but the doctor assured me that statistically this was normal and most likely the tumor trying to spit out it's last breath of life.

**So here's where I tell you exactly how much I HATE the word statistically. Seriously, I'm not a statistic and my life isn't STATISTICALLY anything. I get that the docs and nurses have to go on something but can I just say telling someone STATISTICALLY something should happen and it doesn't or its anything STATISTICALLY related you should reconsider your choice of words.**

I was given a 12 week repreive from treatment and had my first follow up scan July 24th, 2009, which brings us to the present.

One week before my 32nd birthday I learned the Big C returned. Again I was whisked away for needle biopsies (not so fun cause you have to be awake), PET Scans, CTs, and more needle punctures in my body then I care to remember and one really bitchy nurse whom I choose not to complain about considering one out of how many nurses I've had isn't bad, but still its one bitchy nurse too many as far as I'm concerned.

Moving forward...

The game plan is now two rounds of chemotherapy called ICE chemo. I'm admitted into the hosptial to receive it and it takes 3 days. Once this is complete I will undergo a stem cell transplant, which will start as soon as Aug 31st or the week of Sept 7th. Once stem cell is completed and I've been in recovery for 60 days I will have an additional 4-6 weeks of radiation therapy.

Tomorrow I will have finished round dos of the chemo- WOOT WOOT- that's right I'm tooting my own horn folks and expect more of that to happen. I'll find out more when stem cell transplant begins hopefully within the next week or so.

My eyes are getting tired here looking at my screen and I just took a nice big Xanax and Compazine to help me sleep and keep the nausea at bay (TGID- Thank God for drugs!). I plan on watching a little Roseanne (don't ask me why I like that show I just do but only the early ones not the ones where it got all weird!) and tomorrow is a new day!