I Need to Know....

motahal
motahal Member Posts: 24
edited March 2014 in Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin) #1
My best friend was diagnosed with NHL in 1989, has had many relapses, had an autologus BMT in 1995, clean for 3 years, then more replases. In Jan 2003 she was diagnosed with acute myloblastic leukemia. she was in the hospital for 7 weeks, had 2 chemo blasts, bone marrow shows remission now. However, chemo caused kidney problems, and she's on dialysis twice a week. She still needs blood and platelets. She is going back into the hospital tomorrow, they will give her 5 days of chemo (not as bad as the blast earlier) and then infuse her brother's bone marrow (he's a perfect match). I'm worried that she is not physically strong enough to survive the next couple of weeks. The Dr's give her a 60% change of surviving the transplant, and a 40% chance of a cure, but she could still have more quality time if the transplant works. does anyone know of someone who's gone through this much and survived? She's 57 and very spiritual, so she says it is in God's hands now. I am terrified that I might lose my best friend. Thanks for any help and advice that you can give me!

P.S I am a one year cancer survivor myself, so I'm really scared for both of us!

Comments

  • laughlove0
    laughlove0 Member Posts: 4
    #2
    Hello, I am a 5 year survivor for NHL. I have not had a relaps, but I am willing to help in anyway I can. For Question or support I'm will be here for you. LifeLoveLive00@aol
  • Timmo1966
    Timmo1966 Member Posts: 1
    #3
    Hello, I am new to this as today is my first day. I was diagnosed with NHL in Dec '98. during chemo treatments, it spread into my bone marrow. Rituxin really did it's job. Been in remission now since Aug. '99. I know all about support and what it can do for a person, therefore, you need anything, I'm here for any questions/support you may need. Feel free to email me anytime HrbieHsker@neb.rr.com Take care and God Bless
  • motahal
    motahal Member Posts: 24
    #4
    Timmo1966 said:

    Hello, I am new to this as today is my first day. I was diagnosed with NHL in Dec '98. during chemo treatments, it spread into my bone marrow. Rituxin really did it's job. Been in remission now since Aug. '99. I know all about support and what it can do for a person, therefore, you need anything, I'm here for any questions/support you may need. Feel free to email me anytime HrbieHsker@neb.rr.com Take care and God Bless

    Thanks, Hrbie, just to give you an update, my friend had her stem cell transplant on 3/31, and is now in ICU, on a respirator (breathing on her own, but no gag response), kidney & liver failure,(she's on dialysis). She's been unconscious for over a week now. There is still a glimmer of hope, her liver enzymes are improving, and that will allow her kidneys to improve as well. She has dialysis every other day, and that is helping too. I just pray that she recovers from this. She is really putting up a good fight right now. There is good news, the stem cells have engrafted in the bone marrow, her WBC's are great. It's the other complications that she has to overcome. Thanks for the support, I just hang in there one day at a time, but it is so painful to see her like that.
    Mary
  • RevBob
    RevBob Member Posts: 2
    #5
    Timmo1966 said:

    Hello, I am new to this as today is my first day. I was diagnosed with NHL in Dec '98. during chemo treatments, it spread into my bone marrow. Rituxin really did it's job. Been in remission now since Aug. '99. I know all about support and what it can do for a person, therefore, you need anything, I'm here for any questions/support you may need. Feel free to email me anytime HrbieHsker@neb.rr.com Take care and God Bless

    I had two rounds of Rituxin (eight weekly treatments)and four rounds of Flodirabin with five days of IV then off for twenty-one days. I just finished my fourth round last Friday. I am very weak. I am in remission as of two weeks ago. How long does it take to get some strength back? I have not been able to work this week, and I want to get back to normal.
  • Nuagecoco
    Nuagecoco Member Posts: 4
    #6
    Dear Mary - So so sorry about your dear friend - know that we are all here for you!
    Becky/Nuagecoco
  • Gail15454
    Gail15454 Member Posts: 2
    #7
    Mary, I have been diognosed w/ NHL since 1996 have had 3 relapses. Just finished Rituxan x 4 weeks for last relapse. If this doesn't work (I
    have enlarged nodes in the lungs) I will either do Chop (I have not had Chop yet)or look into
    stem cell transplant.
    I wanted to write to tell you what a good and loving friend you are to your friend. You have educated yourself and obviously are as supportive as anyone even family could be. I hope you will
    keep us posted. I do pray, will you let us know how your friend is? And you?

Discussion Boards