Sorry I haven’t posted in a while – I’ve been feeling pretty much “normal” (really good, just get tired/achy by 6pm) and have been keeping busy! Nevertheless, with continued encouragement from Tracey (the Wonder Wife) to get additional medical advice, I have not become complacent. Just because I feel good doesn’t mean I’m cured…
So, here is the news after consults at UCLA (Dr. Eradat) and the Angeles Clinic (Dr. Piro):
Time To Update My Cocktail Recipe
Everyone agrees I’m weird. Well, they didn’t exactly say that, they said my lymphoma was not typical and a bit complex. Since I have 2 types (initial low-grade follicular that “transformed” into an aggressive “activated” diffuse large b-cell) and soooo many bones are involved (shins to skull), and some other technical stuff, they think a more aggressive chemo regimen is warranted. After discussing with my patient and wonderful Dr. Meyering, we’re switching to R-EPOCH (from R-CHOP), which increases dosage and adds (at least) one more drug. This new regimen is “infusional” and administered over a 5 day period. [CORRECTION:] While some clinics do it outpatient with an infusion pump and daily visits, Dr. Meyering feels the risks that are too great when doing this regimen outpatient, so I’ll be in the hospital 5 days of each of the remaining four 21 day cycles. Want the details? Be prepared! Description of extravasation (the big risk if the chemo stuff leaks out of my port) – and, for those of you that are really brave, pictures.
I expect I’ll be bored stiff, so visitors are welcome! (If you’re coming early, my Starbucks drink is a Quad Grande Americano with a splash of heavy whipping cream!)
What else? Just a full body PET scan Monday morning and a spinal tap in the afternoon (for the preventative treatment to my spinal fluid to minimize the chances of a relapse in the central nervous system).
Just another week in the life of a cancer fighter…
Cliphoma 
Hi Cliff, Even though I have neglected to write, it doesn’t mean we’re not thinking about your struggle. Watching Laura deal with the typical issues arriving daily, we are reminded about your battle too. From the tone of your blogs I can see that your spirit is strong and your support is magnificant – this damn disease doesn’t stand a chance. Love to you and Tracey, and your wonderful family. Bob and Pari
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Wha? Oh heck.
So this starts on the 29th or the 31st which is the Thursday?
Hang in bud and so glad you seeking out the best knowledge available.
🙂 XO,
Jen
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Start R-EPOCH (cycle 3) on Thurs Aug 30th.
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Quad Grande Americano…. What you need me to bring you is a Triple Espresso to scare that nasty cancer business right out of your system!!! The Wood Family is holding nothing but positive, healing, loving good thoughts for you. We have faith your strength along with the love, strength and support of your awesome family and all us other folk that love you will get you through the good, the bad, the ugly until this is just a memory of a battle you kicked butt in! xoxo~ The Woods
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crappy way to spend Labor Day weekend. instead of starbucks can i come by with a six pack?
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I’m counting on it.
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A fighter you are. I remeber your dropping my lunch thermos off the roof at Bialik…repeatedly. You sound strong and resolute …kick some butt!
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Hi Susan! While I remember you well from our grade school days in NY, I have to say I’ve blocked out any memory of my cruel treatment of you and your thermos. Thanks for the thoughts…maybe I’ll “see” you (via Skype) at the reunion…
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