Second R-DHAC starts tomorrow

Shoopy
Shoopy Member Posts: 210
in Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin) #1

Howdy all,

My second round of R-DHAC should start tomorrow.  If the doctor is happy with my progress, I'll receive Rituxin tomorrow as an outpatient then go into Area 51 (Roswell Park) from Tuesday through Thursday for the rest of the fun.  My white count has rebounded nicely...almost to 5.0.  My platelets have rebounded as well to almost 116k.  My hemoglobin has been just hovering between 8.2-8.4.  My biggest concern is my LDH.  It was over 2600 on 6/30 and is now sitting at 960 (as of Saturday).  It was as low as 550 the week before.  Not sure if that's normal.  Also my spleen is still giving me some dull pain.

I'm sure I'll get the doctor's opinion tomorrow but, as all of you can attest, today is a bit stressful.  Will I hear "All is going to plan, don't worry, let's start your second round" or will I hear "We're not really happy with X, Y, Z"?  I've had a lot of good news lately.  I've been feeling better in general.  I've been walking 2 miles a day.  It's just that pre-doctor visit stress that we probably all feel.  The fact I've heard "It isn't working" after two rounds of R-CHOP probably has me a bit jaded.

I knew this would be physically challenging but I am now realizing how mentally challenging this is.  I thank God every day for my support folks (people here, family, friends, etc). 

Well, that's all for now.  I'm sure I'll have some update for everyone tomorrow!

Karl

Comments

  • COBRA666
    COBRA666 Member Posts: 2,401 Member
    #2
    GOOD LUCK !!!!

    I think we all know about the stress of appts. and test. I had Follicular and not your type. Wishing you LUCK.  John

  • allmost60
    allmost60 Member Posts: 3,178 Member
    #3
    Nervous...

    Hi Karl,

     What your feeling is totally understandable,especially with the R-CHOP having failed after 2 rounds. Sounds like you are doing pretty darn good if your feeling well enough to walk 2 miles a day! Good for you!  It's easy for me to say.."don't worry, stay calm", but as we all know that's a whole lot easier said than done. So...I'm just going to think good positive thoughts, say a prayer, and wish you a good nights sleep. Tomorrow will be, what tomorrow will be, so I'll just stay in this day for you. We will appreciate a quick note saying all went well after your Rituxan infusion and you got a thumbs up for round 2. How's that for positive thinking? Wink Hang in there friend...we are here for you.  Sue

    (FNHL-2-3a-6/10-age62) In remission

  • jimwins
    jimwins Member Posts: 2,107
    #4
    Hi Karl

    Good for you on the walking!  I can only agree with what the others have posted and wish you the best of luck tomorrow and send you big positive hugs!

    Jim

  • nhldaughter
    nhldaughter Member Posts: 67
    #5
    jimwins said:

    Hi Karl

    Good for you on the walking!  I can only agree with what the others have posted and wish you the best of luck tomorrow and send you big positive hugs!

    Jim

    Good luck

    Hope all goes in the direction that is meant to be in the best interest of your future, Karl. It's hard to have any words that will take away your  worry or stress. However, the fact that you are walking 2 miles is a fabulous sign! I will say a prayer for you tonight and hope you share good news with us soon. 

  • Rocquie
    Rocquie Member Posts: 869 Member
    #6
    2nd Treatment

    Karl, I'm thinking of you today. I hope all is on track and you receive your Rituxan today, then off to Roswell tomorrow as planned.

    If we only had the physical effects of this journey, it would surely be easier. I found the mental and emotional aspects are much more of a challenge. I still struggle with that part.

    I know you will get a lot of petting, attention, and tender loving care for the next few days. And breakfast in bed.  Just go ahead and enjoy that part.  Those Oncology Nurses are Angels!

    (((Hugs))) and prayers,

    Rocquie

     

  • Shoopy
    Shoopy Member Posts: 210
    #7
    Phew!

    Thanks to all for the words of encouragement and support.

    As expected everything is fine.  I received Rituxin a little while ago.  I'm so lucky that I don't have any adverse reactions from any of the drugs.  So tomorrow it will be off to Area 51.

    They aren't worried about my spleen thinking that it was so large and it's probably just scar tissue.  They aren't worried about my LDH either.  They said the LDH tends to move around during treatment and 'unless it was closer to 6000'...don't worry.

    The thing that concerned me the most was the information on the web about LDH.  The stuff out there paints a very poor picture for those with high LDH (prognosis, relapse, etc).  The doc said that while the LDH is an indicator...the DNA test they performed on my biopsy several weeks ago shows that I'm 'standard risk'...not a 'double or triple hit'.  The DNA test is a much better predictor...which says I should be fine.

    So, as I expected, not much to fret about.

    Now, make it through the next couple days then have the CT/PET scan in a couple weeks.  That will determine if I go to SCT right away or go for 1-2 more R-DHAC.

    Karl

  • nhldaughter
    nhldaughter Member Posts: 67
    #8
    Shoopy said:

    Phew!

    Thanks to all for the words of encouragement and support.

    As expected everything is fine.  I received Rituxin a little while ago.  I'm so lucky that I don't have any adverse reactions from any of the drugs.  So tomorrow it will be off to Area 51.

    They aren't worried about my spleen thinking that it was so large and it's probably just scar tissue.  They aren't worried about my LDH either.  They said the LDH tends to move around during treatment and 'unless it was closer to 6000'...don't worry.

    The thing that concerned me the most was the information on the web about LDH.  The stuff out there paints a very poor picture for those with high LDH (prognosis, relapse, etc).  The doc said that while the LDH is an indicator...the DNA test they performed on my biopsy several weeks ago shows that I'm 'standard risk'...not a 'double or triple hit'.  The DNA test is a much better predictor...which says I should be fine.

    So, as I expected, not much to fret about.

    Now, make it through the next couple days then have the CT/PET scan in a couple weeks.  That will determine if I go to SCT right away or go for 1-2 more R-DHAC.

    Karl

    Great!

    That's great, Karl! I'm happy for you and pray everything from here on goes as planned. 

  • allmost60
    allmost60 Member Posts: 3,178 Member
    #9
    Shoopy said:

    Phew!

    Thanks to all for the words of encouragement and support.

    As expected everything is fine.  I received Rituxin a little while ago.  I'm so lucky that I don't have any adverse reactions from any of the drugs.  So tomorrow it will be off to Area 51.

    They aren't worried about my spleen thinking that it was so large and it's probably just scar tissue.  They aren't worried about my LDH either.  They said the LDH tends to move around during treatment and 'unless it was closer to 6000'...don't worry.

    The thing that concerned me the most was the information on the web about LDH.  The stuff out there paints a very poor picture for those with high LDH (prognosis, relapse, etc).  The doc said that while the LDH is an indicator...the DNA test they performed on my biopsy several weeks ago shows that I'm 'standard risk'...not a 'double or triple hit'.  The DNA test is a much better predictor...which says I should be fine.

    So, as I expected, not much to fret about.

    Now, make it through the next couple days then have the CT/PET scan in a couple weeks.  That will determine if I go to SCT right away or go for 1-2 more R-DHAC.

    Karl

    Good news...

    Hi Karl,

     Thanks for the update and good news! I can't count the times I got myself all worked up and stressed out after reading information on the web. Try to keep it at a minimum and look for current information...so much info is outdated. I'll be thinking good thoughts this week while you receive the rest of your chemo treatment. Good luck and take care...Sue

    (FNHL-2-3a-6/10 age 62) In remission

  • girliefighter
    girliefighter Member Posts: 232
    #10
    Shoopy said:

    Phew!

    Thanks to all for the words of encouragement and support.

    As expected everything is fine.  I received Rituxin a little while ago.  I'm so lucky that I don't have any adverse reactions from any of the drugs.  So tomorrow it will be off to Area 51.

    They aren't worried about my spleen thinking that it was so large and it's probably just scar tissue.  They aren't worried about my LDH either.  They said the LDH tends to move around during treatment and 'unless it was closer to 6000'...don't worry.

    The thing that concerned me the most was the information on the web about LDH.  The stuff out there paints a very poor picture for those with high LDH (prognosis, relapse, etc).  The doc said that while the LDH is an indicator...the DNA test they performed on my biopsy several weeks ago shows that I'm 'standard risk'...not a 'double or triple hit'.  The DNA test is a much better predictor...which says I should be fine.

    So, as I expected, not much to fret about.

    Now, make it through the next couple days then have the CT/PET scan in a couple weeks.  That will determine if I go to SCT right away or go for 1-2 more R-DHAC.

    Karl

    Good News

    Karl,

    Keep the good news coming...I am impressed with the walking, that is great<----Had I have done that I might not have gained 30lbs...lol! Seriously, it's great that you have the energy and strength to do it....Keep that energy and strength at all time highs and you will breeze right through all treatments. I truly believe that your state of mind and spirit, mixed with prayer are the things that shall keep anyone strong throughout treatments that can bring the strongest man to his knees.

    I sense that you have a Warrior Spirit and will not give cancer a chance to hold you down!!!

     

    XXXOOO

    Carie

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