New here & husband starting chemo May 16th

jlbean59
jlbean59 Member Posts: 5
in Caregivers #1
Hi, all. I've been scouring the Web, searching for support groups/boards for spouses and caregivers. This one seems to be THE ONE.

My husband was diagnosed with CLL about 4.5 years ago. We met 2 years ago and have been married almost a year and a half. During his 3-month check-up w/ his oncologist two days ago, we were told that it was time to treat. So, he begins chemo with FCR and Elitek in two weeks. He works in the medical field, and I have extensive experience there as well...so we have a good understanding of what's going on, the jargon, etc. We've both been educating ourselves as much as possible, and we meet w/ the chemo nurse next week to find out more about what to expect. His oncologist feels that my husband will have a good outcome from the treatment - he has a few good things in his favor: his age (51), his overall good health otherwise, and his FISH results. And he has a very positive attitude toward it all and is ready to fight. But it's still a little daunting, nevertheless. I just want to do whatever I can do make him comfortable through this.

Comments

  • rogina2336
    rogina2336 Member Posts: 188
    #2
    Welcome
    I only joined here a while ago myself. The people on here are amazing, understanding and very caring you re in good experienced hands. kim
  • luv2cut1
    luv2cut1 Member Posts: 288
    #3
    Hi jl
    My husband has CLL as well. He was diagnosed in 2000. No treatment yet, but is getting close. He has also been through two bouts of head and neck cancer-2008 and 2009. He is doing pretty well with that, but has checkups this month so we will see
    Anyway I want to wish you and your husband the best. It does sound like he has a lot in his favor. My husband is strong as an ox and just turned 50 this year. We have also done our best to educate ourselves as to what is ahead and would love to keep in touch with you during your journey.

    This board is a great place for support. It has been my lifeline during some very scary times.

    Thinking of you.

    Myka
  • jlbean59
    jlbean59 Member Posts: 5
    #4
    luv2cut1 said:

    Hi jl
    My husband has CLL as well. He was diagnosed in 2000. No treatment yet, but is getting close. He has also been through two bouts of head and neck cancer-2008 and 2009. He is doing pretty well with that, but has checkups this month so we will see
    Anyway I want to wish you and your husband the best. It does sound like he has a lot in his favor. My husband is strong as an ox and just turned 50 this year. We have also done our best to educate ourselves as to what is ahead and would love to keep in touch with you during your journey.

    This board is a great place for support. It has been my lifeline during some very scary times.

    Thinking of you.

    Myka

    Thank you, Myka.
    We actually
    Thank you, Myka.

    We actually got a little bit of good news yesterday. My husband spoke w/ the chemo nurse and she said that because his present blood uric acid level is relatively low, he doesn't qualify for getting the Elitek. And that's a GOOD thing! They're going to give him oral medication to protect his kidneys. The Elitek has some fairly certain side effects, so now he won't have to worry about those.

    Thanks for your words. And I will definitely keep everyone posted.

    Jana
  • luv2cut1
    luv2cut1 Member Posts: 288
    #5
    jlbean59 said:

    Thank you, Myka.
    We actually
    Thank you, Myka.

    We actually got a little bit of good news yesterday. My husband spoke w/ the chemo nurse and she said that because his present blood uric acid level is relatively low, he doesn't qualify for getting the Elitek. And that's a GOOD thing! They're going to give him oral medication to protect his kidneys. The Elitek has some fairly certain side effects, so now he won't have to worry about those.

    Thanks for your words. And I will definitely keep everyone posted.

    Jana

    Great!
    I am not familiar with Elitek but any good news is always a good thing!

    Take care,
    Myka
  • jlbean59
    jlbean59 Member Posts: 5
    #6
    luv2cut1 said:

    Great!
    I am not familiar with Elitek but any good news is always a good thing!

    Take care,
    Myka

    A bump in the road....
    Well, D's chemo didn't exactly go as planned yesterday. In fact, it didn't go at all!!! His pre-tx blood tests revealed that he has developed autoimmune hemolytic anemia, a common complication of CLL. So now he's on a hefty dose of steroids for the AIHA, he'll see his oncologist in a week, and they'll re-evaluate. The chemo could be delayed for two weeks, two months, or who knows?

    Still holding on to the roller coaster handles.......
  • luv2cut1
    luv2cut1 Member Posts: 288
    #7
    jlbean59 said:

    A bump in the road....
    Well, D's chemo didn't exactly go as planned yesterday. In fact, it didn't go at all!!! His pre-tx blood tests revealed that he has developed autoimmune hemolytic anemia, a common complication of CLL. So now he's on a hefty dose of steroids for the AIHA, he'll see his oncologist in a week, and they'll re-evaluate. The chemo could be delayed for two weeks, two months, or who knows?

    Still holding on to the roller coaster handles.......

    AIHA
    Hi,

    I am sorry to hear about the bump in the road. I hope it is resolved quickly. As for someone that has been dealing with CLL and AIHA, you might want to check out cllblogspot. I am not sure of the actual web address, but the guy that writes it has been dealing with both for quite some time. Good luck. It is good to hear from you. Please keep us posted.

    Myka

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