Just thought I would send out a quick update. So, not sure what the date was when they gave the free and clear on the cancer. Pretty awesome that its been defeated at this time. But, since I had two different cancer my oncologist recommended that I speak with a lymphoma specialist down at Rochester Mayo. I said ok, makes sense, lets go down and talk to a person that is at the top of the food chain on how to handle this situation I am in. Hopefully keep the cancer from ever coming back. Well, essentially this specialist stated that the have just in the past couple years have been able to track the Large B Cell cancer(one of them I have), but they do not have anyone else that has had a situation like mine. Therefore, really not able to give an opinion on what would be the best course of action to make sure this cancer will stay away. The situation here is my first cancer - Burketts is aggressive but if caught at the right time(which they did), is very curable and usually does not return. The problem is that second cancer - large b cell - mine morphed into its own kind of cancer. Since they have just discovered how to identify this particular cancer in the past five years - the mayo has only had about 100 people go thru with just the large b cell. Now they have not had anyone that has had both cancers that he was aware of in the past five years. So I am my own case. So where did that leave the recommendation from the specialist, he said he didnt know. I could either do just another round or chemo or I could do another round of chemo and a bone morrow rescue(use my own bone morrow). Now he suggested that I do the bone morrow, because his experience is that if the large b cell does come back it is harder to cure the second time. So be aggressive with your current treatment since you are in a good place to do so. So, great! The specialist does not even know what to do with my case. I dont think the b-cell will be coming back, but I do know that I need to make sure I do everything to make sure it does not come back. So, I will be going thru the bone morrow rescue. Which means I will be in hospital and making more hospital visits for the next 2-4 months. Ugh, so they tell you, your in remission, one would think everything is over, but not for me. Plus, there goes the hockey season, wont be skating much in the 6 months, that sucks. All that matters is I can skate another day. Also, I decision had to be made on where to have the rescue procedure take place. Of course the Mayo wants me to do the procedure down there. They want me to be a part of a their study or paper. Ok, if that is the case are you going to pay for my procedure, he said no. Or I could go to the U of M and be closer to home. I have spoken to a couple different people, each has stated that it makes no difference where you have the procedure done. Both places top notch in the bone morrow area. The mayo with the idea of being part of a study does intrigue me, maybe I can help the next person with this situation. But to be honest that does not over ride being closer to home and my support system, my choice is going to the U. If anyone gets to write a journal on this situation I would prefer my oncologist having that opportunity. He is one of the reasons why I am still here. I hope this makes sense, I am in the middle of round 3 of chemo and I can tell I am not thinking clearly all the time - Chemo Brain! I thank everyone for the prayers, well wishes, and visits - the show of support is over whelming. Every bit has helped and needed. All I can say is the power of positive thinking, fighting like hell and having a great amount of support can make all the difference in the world. I promise to not waste this second chance. Sincerely, Wood
Posted on: Thu, 17 Jul 2014 19:34:42 +0000
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