One Step at a Time: Treatment Marks Begining

On Thursday I had my second appointment with Dr Shami to discuss test results and the plan moving forward. All tests verified the diagnosis of B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and the treatment plan would be what is called the Hyper CVAD protocol. The protocol requires on and off-hospital stays for around six months and then two years of maintenance treatments. The goal is to get me in remission and if I am in remission for over five years then I will be considered cured of the cancer. In children, this type of cancer had an almost 90% cure rate but among adults, it is quite a bit lower in the 40% - 50% range. However, many factors include age, overall health, and white blood cell count level at diagnosis. I am in the lower end of the age factor, I am in good health and my WBC numbers are pretty so, I have a good overall prognosis.

At 4:00 pm today I officially started chemotherapy but the past few days have been quite the challenge. During the exam, we found that I was losing some functionality in my left leg and there was a major concern the cancer had entered my central nervous system and was affecting my spinal cord. Dr Shami said we needed to immediately admit me to the hospital for an emergency MRI. So we came to the appointment to just get the plan. The next thing I know I am in the hospital. The MRI was brutal as I had to lay inside a tiny tube for an hour and fifteen minutes motionless and by the end I was in tears from the pain. Fortunately, the cancer was not affecting the spine and it was due to some significant bulging disks in different places. One positive is that it was really a combination of pain from the bulges and the cancer that led me to the first MRI that discovered the cancer. Otherwise, it may have been much longer before the cancer was discovered. 

Since I was already in the hospital it was decided to move ahead with the treatment plan which meant more scans and and tests. One advantage was the PET Scan that the insurance company was denying was now part of the hospital stay so it would now be covered. A PET can help to see where the cancer has spread throughout the body so it helps on how intense the treatment needs to be. For me, the cancer involves bones throughout my body and seems to be growing rapidly, so getting started sooner is a major benefit. In addition to the scan, there were lots of blood tests, meetings with different doctors, and placing a pick line, among a host of other things. Needless to say, the last four days have been exhausting but we are on our way so I'm if this post is a little convoluted.

As this journey begins, however, we have complete faith that it is in the Lord's hands and we feel his love and care every day. We believe in the power of prayer and we appreciate all of yours on our behalf.  

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen." Moroni 7:48