I met with my doctor and others at MD Anderson today. They confirmed that I have a indolent form of b-cell Lymphoma (Non-Hodgkins), which basically means it is a slow growing form of the disease. I've probably had it for some time and just didn't know it. It is in my bone marrow as well as spleen and lymph nodes.
Treatment will begin next week and believe it or not could last well over a year with follow-up treatments. The first stage will be several days of chemo every few weeks for several months. I still have to decide whether I want to participate in a clinical trial, so I've got a little to think about. The doctor is encouraging it because it should give me a better chance for remission.
I've got some reading to do about the trial and dealing with the chemo and am waiting for my schedule. I will be setting up a site for those of you that have offered to help. As soon as I have my schedule, I will be emailing those that have offered.
I'm going to try learning all types of techniques to help me handle the treatments and hope they help, or else I feel very sorry for the poor staff that is going to have to deal with me!
Thanks for caring.
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Marilyn,
ReplyDeleteIf you want me to help you setup Lotsa Helping Hands, I will.
If there is anyway you can use my garage card for free parking, I'd love to let you.
I have off March 19 and March 25, but could meet you to hand it off.
I want to be on the list of helpers - providing meals or buying groceries or bringing you fat quarters.
Give me a call - we'll chat.
Marilyn I want to join the list of helpers too. I am at a slight disadvantage being so far away. But maybe we can send certain things or Skype with the kids on your better days, anything we can offer to help time pass while you are undergoing the treatment we'd love to do. Call you this weekend, the trial sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteYou can do this and you have tons of support helping you along the way. As far as the clinical trial, I did one when I was there and my belief was as long as I was getting the standard treatment on top of the clinical trial, it was a win-win. I am glad I did the clinical trial and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
ReplyDeleteAdd me to the list of helpers, as well. Anything you need, just ask and it will be done!
Well My Dear, it sounds like you have a great group of supporters here and we are all cheering you on. You know I am on board for whatever you need.
ReplyDeleteI want to be on the list of helpers too. You know I am here during the week, available in the evenings, and have every other Friday off, so I would be glad to stay over and help out then too. Stay positive and remember, "Thoughts become things so only choose the good ones!"
ReplyDeleteMarilyn,
ReplyDeleteJackie and I are on call anytime you need something. We'll be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers all the way through this journey.
Semper Fi!
Charlie and Jackie B.
Hey there sunshine!
ReplyDeleteWe miss you around here. Perry, Randy and I were assembling board books. Ashley is onderful and a big help, but the place just can't run the same without its Captain.
Take care, keep posting and stay positive!