General Update

 From  Paul:

Cycle Five (of 24)

The beginning of Cycle Five represents a milestone of sorts. Each cycle is 28 days long. There are no further expected adjustments to Doris’ treatment. She is now at full dose for  two chemotherapy medications, which consist of a total of two 80 mg pills of Chemo Medication #1 morning and evening, and four 100 mg pills of Chemo Medication #2 around mid-day, in additional to a one-time infusion at the beginning of each cycle. Her oncologist/hematologist indicated that Tumor Lysis Syndrome is no longer a risk of her medication, and she can set aside the medication intended to suppress her body’s response to the treatment of Chemo Medication #2.

I asked for a clarification of her treatment regimen because my research as a non-medical professional seemed to indicate that Doris’ treatment regimen would be used only after initial treatment of MCL failed. The oncologist shared with me that because her cancer is aggressive, the initial treatments would have failed, so going with this treatment regimen was indicated. The “aggressive” nature of Doris’ MCL was diagnosed when the biopsy of her lymph nodes and bone marrow indicated the cells were mutating from their origin in the marrow to when they were taken up in the lymph system. I am left with profound gratitude that the doctor was well versed and recognized that this treatment would be the best course of action. It would be a daunting experience to go through a treatment that would be destined to fail, then have another treatment that would last approximately 24 months.

As we have become regular visitors to the Cancer Institute/Cancer Infusion Center, we become acquainted with other patients, as well as the supportive staff of schedulers, nurses, and others. This is a holy place of hope and healing. As Doris completed her infusion on Thursday, we passed by the victory bell as we exited the CIC. My spirits soared, as I looked with an eye of faith to the day when Doris, surrounded by family and those who helped us through this journey, would ring that bell that symbolically will celebrate her victory over cancer.

From Doris:

We got good news on Thursday.  My oncologist is very pleased with my progress.  He says my treatments are working.

Because my platelet counts have stayed in normal ranges, I can take Ibuprofen.  I anticipate feeling much less joint pain while using ibuprofen.  I can also take Excedrin when I have a migraine.

He was pleased that I am not as tired and do not need daily naps. He says that is another indicator that the cancer is being killed.  He told me to be as physically active as possible.

Before my November infusion I will have another CT scan.  Dr. H. says it should show what we already know that my body is responding to treatment.  He anticipates we will see a reduction in the size of my lymph nodes.

From here on out it is anticipated that I will have a blood draw, meet with him and have an infusion every twenty-eight days until sometime in the spring of 2027.