After almost two years of remission thanks to Chlorambucil, my mom’s non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma has returned. Today she starts her first day of treatment at the GRRCC; an IV cocktail containing Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine and Rituximab with Prednisone and anti-nauseant chasers. Lymphoma’s are annoying in that most of them are never curable and they almost always return. The only redeeming thing is that, while being chronic, they’re usually very treatable. My mom’s oncologist is optimistic. One of the hardest things for my mom to deal with is the fact that she’ll probably lose her hair from this treatment (Chlorambucil didn’t cause any hair loss) – try telling a former hair dresser that she’ll lose her hair. Hopefully everything turns out ok.
6 Responses to "cancer is a pain in the ass"
Sorry to hear it returned. She’ll get through it again and come out with a shiny new do when all is said and done.
Give her my best.
Well, that sucks to say the least. I’m sorry. As you know, I understand how shitty this feels. Our thoughts are with you guys.
Pookie!! I’m sorry about everything going on with your mom. She’s a strong women and she will make it through it. I have faith!!! Love ya!
Thanks, everyone!
After her first dose of Rituximab, she had a wicked reaction. Her hands and feet swelled up and she couldn’t breathe. According to http://www.rituxan.com, those symptoms are a serious but uncommon reaction. It must be common enough because the people at GRRCC picked up on it and admitted her to the hospital shortly after her treatment. After a two-day stay, she’s back at home today and feels fine. The chemo hasn’t made her sick yet and her oncologost noted that one of her affected lymphnodes is much smaller already (I’ve seen it and it’s true). For her next treatment three weeks from now, they’ll make sure she doesn’t have the same reaction.
Dude, let your mom know that we are thinking of her.
sorry to hear about this man, esther and i send our love….