Cookingirl Fran

allmost60 said:

March 12th...
This was the last posting I could find from Fran,...so it's been awhile. Hopefully she will check in soon. Love...Sue (FNHL-2-3A-6/10)

March 12, 2011 - 1:14pm
Newby doing Trenada/Rit.
Hi Michele and all - haven't posted in weeks, but still hanging in there with just one more Treanda/Rit. to go! Had my 5th sessions M & T of this week. You and I had the same reaction to our first - I too felt like a semi truck had hit me for 10 days, lost 14 lbs., etc. One thing that's helped my last two times has been going into the labs twice a week for hydration with saline following chemo. It's increased my energy, helped my very dry mouth and enabled me to stay out of bed after the first 4 or 5 days for the rest of the month. Suggested by my Oncy. and very helpful. Diahrrea has been my most serious side effect and continues to be debilitating.

My tumor is large so didn't have the remission I wanted after 3 months as many did - and after 10 months of chemo straight (CVP-R failed and went right into Treanda), my Oncy. feels I'm showing such side effects that the last 2 times he's decreased my dosage 30%. I'm sure that's helped in how I feel also but worried am I getting enough meds to get another remission in April when the last CT or PET will be done? It's never ending, it seems. But I'm looking forward to visits in March from all 3 of my grown children and their families, spaced out and they understand if I must rest, that's fine. They're happy to wait on me this year! We must remain positive and know family and friends will invigorate all our healthy genes as well as our energy and zest for life, and keep on going.

Country Girl - I read every word of your blog - thanks so much for sharing! Hubby and I listened to many of the U Tube broadcasts from England as well, and they were very helpful.

Thanks everyone for all your support - prayers go to each of you. Fran

cookingirl said:

Good to be missed!
Hi all - sorry it's been over a month since I've checked in - it's both health related AND too much company! That's what happens when you live in FL and everyone wants to visit in Feb. and March! Having family and friends visit has been a spirit lifter, but didn't make my Oncy. happy. Oh well - I survived and my last group comes tomorrow for this weekend and then back to normal. I do appreciate your asking about me and here's an update -

Go next Tues. and Wed. (12th & 13th) for my last Treanda chemo - YEAH! I cannot WAIT to get this one over with - it's been 12 days rather than 6 since it's a two day chemo. Debilitating diahrrea never leaves no matter what drugs they try so hoping once I'm finished and the drugs get out of my system, that will be helped.

Mid May will be a CT scan to find out if this big tumor (down from 13cm last June to 5.9cm in Feb.) has shrunk further - hoping and praying so! My Dr. said I get a break for a few months since I've been on CVP-R and Treanda now for 10 months. His plan is to do Rituxan maintance as so many of you are on for two years. If it reduces to 2 cm I'm hoping to talk with Moffitt about doing RIT instead. But all that remains to be seen and depends entirely on what happens in May. Cancer is such a waiting game! Much love to each of you and I'll try to check in more often. JoanieP - LOVE your new picture on your boat! - Fran, NHL, Follicular B cell, stage 4, Indolent.

JoanieP said:

Fran yeah!!!
I am so glad you wrote Fran. You have been missed. I am glad you have had company as I am sure it really boosted your spirts. I pray everyday for you.I am so glad you are almost through with treanda. You have a positive attitude and it WILL reduce to 2 or LESS cm. I know you are a great cook but I hope your company is waiting on you also. Take care. Love and God's blessings Joanie