2024 - Bonnie's Journey through Lymphoma
Cancer journey
begins
January 23, 2024
Over the third weekend in January 2024 I discovered a swelling in my left jaw and on January 23 went to same-day clinic to have it examined. The doctor ordered an ultrasound of soft tissue around head and neck that was completed that same day and the results came the next day. The results showed 3 enlarged lymph nodes. Recommended biopsy.
February 1 Needle biopsy of left lymph node at Banner Thunderbird by PA, Chris, but a specific diagnosis was not yet identified because there was not enough mass of tissue from the needle biopsy. Results "unsatisfactory". Schedule biopsy consult.
February12 I had a surgical consultation with Dr Goldfaden, and he ordered a STAT ultrasound with dye and scheduled surgery for February 23 at
Del Webb Hosp.
February 23 surgery 2/23/24 Lymphadenopathy, Dr. Goldfaden, surgeon; Kevin O’Leana, nurse anesthetist
February 23 at 5:30, Bonnie reported to Del Webb Medical Center
day surgery unit for biopsy and possible excision of an enlarged lymph
node. The enlargement was under her jawbone on the left side, closer to
the chin than the ear. When first discovered, it was about the size of a
pea but within just a few days grew to what she described as the size of a grape. After an examination and ultrasound, the same-day clinic doctor
recommended a needle biopsy. When that was inconclusive, her team
elected for a surgical biopsy.
Dr. Goldfaden reported that the procedure went well. The
lymph node had some necrotic tissue which could have been caused by the growth
of the node outpacing its blood supply. The tissue in itself is not
worrying. The lymph node appeared to be denser than expected and they
removed the entire node. This involved very careful excision so as not to
damage surrounding tissue or structures.
Bonnie had a needle biopsy a week before surgery. The
doctor reported at that time the biopsy didn’t remove enough material for a
satisfactory study. During surgery they removed a section of the node and sent
it to pathology for a quick evaluation. That analysis was also
unremarkable. The surgeon told Bonnie in advance of surgery that the
chances of discovering cancer were about 1 in 3. If
the cancer had spread from elsewhere, it had a higher chance of being
present in the pathology from the needle biopsy. Since
no cancer was detected at that stage, and since the frozen section
had no obvious concerns, that reduced the risk of cancer by a
negligible margin, still roughly 1 in 3. The surgeon said if there
is cancer, he would expect it to originate somewhere very close to the
lymph node, and that perhaps lymphoma might be the eventual diagnosis. He
was very careful to report the facts and not to speculate on other
causes. The pathologist is expected to report back within 3-5 business
days.
The incision on the neck just under the jawbone is slightly larger than he had planned
because he wanted to remove the entire grape-sized node largely intact.
The incision is held together with dissolving sutures and covered with a
plastic skin glue. The glue can be wetted, but she was cautioned not
scrub that area or apply any makeup, lotion, ointment, or any other
substance. The skin glue will degrade and fall off within about two
weeks.
The surgeon wants to see Bonnie again in the next two weeks and
his staff will call to set that appointment. He is on call this weekend
and wants to hear from her if she has any concerns or bleeding or continued
nausea. He advised us to call 911 for anything that would normally
indicate an emergency such as difficulty breathing, heart pain, changes in
cognition, heavy bleeding, etc.
Bonnie had a mild general anesthetic with a small tube down her throat. The anesthetist told us before surgery he expected to use the general to keep Bonnie still, a local within the wound bed, and Versed to alleviate anxiety. He also said he expected they would position her with pillows under her scapula to expose as much of the throat as possible and would possibly tape the head in place to avoid any movement. The doctor didn’t expound on this following surgery.
They took her to surgery at 7:30 AM
and the nurse reported that they were finished and she had given Bonnie one
hydrocodone at 9:00 AM. The doctor prescribed tramadol for any residual
pain and suggested using tramadol, ibuprofen and acetaminophen as needed, but
nothing before 15:00. No antiemetic was prescribed although they
administered several kinds during surgery to prevent any risk of nausea,
especially since she had a tube inserted.
The nurse gave discharge instructions to David and Tammi.
Bonnie is to drink plenty of fluids today to flush the medications. Her
neck is expected to be tender with some deep soreness for a few days and she
may have some bruising. Bonnie is to refrain from any exertion until she
sees the surgeon again. She may go to lunch for her birthday if she is up
to it, but the nurse expected it might be three or four days before she felt
like leaving the house.
The nurse cautioned that if Bonnie vomits, she is to hold her
hand over the incision. If she continues to feel sick, she should call
the doctor. She has a spirometer and is expected to use it 10 times per hour
for a few days until she is back to normal activity level. She has an ice bag
but was given no instructions on its use.
Bonnie and David arrived home at 10:36 with her feeling unsteady and carrying an emesis bag. She went straight to bed. After ensuring she was comfortable, David left to pick up the prescription.
By the way, Goldfaden means “gold thread”. Nothing but the best!
The surgery was called lymphadenopathy. The entire lymph node was removed to
provide adequate tissue for the lab to better identify the specific type of cancer.
March 5 We did not hear back from Dr Goldfaden with the results of the biopsy, so we called and spoke with my primary care doctor Biliack. We asked her
to give us the results which she did. The diagnosis was diffuse large B cell
lymphoma. Dr. Biliack made an immediate referral to the MD Anderson
cancer clinic.
There is a wide variety of Lymphoma cell types. The lab is still working with stains and testing to better identify my cancer cell type.
Email note sent to AAUW members:
"I am writing to let you know of my recent diagnosis of a curable form of cancer called diffuse, large B cell lymphoma. It responds well to treatment, and the doctor said, “this should not impact your lifespan".
I am scheduled to begin chemotherapy on April 28 for 6 3-week cycles of treatment, so I plan to be in Arizona for the summer.
My husband and daughter are here to provide transportation and care. I’m asking for your prayers and support. My AAUW friends are such an important part of my life. Thanks for being there for me.
Bonnie Boyce-Wilson"
March 6 I had my surgical follow up appointment with Dr Goldfaden and complained to him that we had not learned the results of the biopsy. He apologized and made excuses saying that he was really busy. He also said that because I was self-referred into urgent care that there was not yet an oncologist involved in my care and that typically it would be the oncologist who would give me the results of the biopsy. He said no other areas of cancer were identified.
March 8 My friend Marge was an oncology nurse and she brought me a 3 ring binder with dividers to keep track of providers, appointments, and related materials to have everything in one place. What a big help this turned out to be.
March 11 I had my first oncology consultation with Dr. Rathna. His full name is Chenthilmurugan Rathnasabapathy. He explained the diagnosis and a basic plan of treatment which would include chemotherapy and possible radiation. He is of East Indian Heritage, so speaks with an accent and speaks very quickly so it was particularly difficult for my husband, David, who is hard of hearing, to understand what the doctor was saying.
We had plans to go to Japan, leaving in a couple of days. Dr. Rathna encouraged
us to take our trip and left extensive orders for things to be done before we
left and after we return to prepare for treatment.
The orders included lab work, a PET scan, a bone marrow aspiration biopsy, and a radiation oncology consultation. He provided information about the chemotherapy medication I would be receiving. He ordered an echocardiogram because one of the chemotherapy medications is hard on the heart. He ordered a port placement. The plan was for me to begin chemotherapy after we return from Japan, and these other procedures are completed.
March 14 PET scan at Thunderbird Hospital.
April 11 Radiation Oncology consult. We returned from Japan on April 7 and on April 11 had a radiation oncology
consult with Dr. Nicolas who informed us that because the cancer is in several
lymph nodes radiation is not a recommended form of treatment. We will be doing only
chemotherapy.
April 12 We met again with Dr. Rathna. He repeated lab work and in addition
to the former orders ordered a chemo teaching lesson and the medications that I
will have at home to have on hand in case I have nausea as well as the oral
prednisone, which is a part of the chemotherapy medications. He set a target date to begin chemo on April 30, but that depends on the four preliminary tests getting done, and approval from the insurance company for those tests.
The other two procedures are an echocardiogram scheduled for April 16, and installation of a port scheduled for April 19. The port will be used to deliver the chemo medications and for any blood draws.
Chemo infusion itself will be day long infusions of three medications one after the other, followed by five days of an oral steroid. This will be on a three-week cycle, the first one in April 30 the next one May 21. There will be six of these three-week cycles. Then we will do another PET scan to see what progress the treatments are making. Meantime I want to go to Florence, Colorado to see my sister Janet and her new great granddaughter so I’m trying to find a window of opportunity for that.
I have lots of appointments on my calendar to be able to get all of these procedures done.
April 16 I had the echocardiogram done at Boswell Hospital.
April 17 Bone marrow biopsy completed by using a small needle inserted into the bone to remove bone marrow tissue to be sent to the lab.
April 19 I received a handout explaining the port and the procedure. I had the port placement by Dr. Breard and Nurse Bethany in the outpatient surgical center at Boswell Hospital. The procedure went well. The port is under the skin on the right side on top of my collar bone. This is a "permanent implant". A long "tail" from the port is threaded upward under the skin to the neck and inserted into the right jugular and threaded down in a U-turn into the upper chamber of the heart. The incision will take about six weeks to heal.
I have no pain or nausea and recovered faster from this procedure than I did from the lymph node surgery on February 23. I took a couple of Acetaminophen as prophylactic against developing pain.
Tammi and David are with me to tend to my every need.
The port is necessary because the chemotherapy drugs are too caustic to go into a vein and must go directly into the heart. They will use the port for blood draws and chemotherapy. It will take another surgical procedure to remove it.
The name of the medication treatment regime that I will be receiving is abbreviated as R-CHOP. The doctor ordered a teaching session with an oncology nurse about receiving chemotherapy. We met with RN Andrea for this medical education on April 23.
April 23 Rituximab
is a type of targeted cancer drug called a monoclonal antibody. It
targets a protein called CD20 on the surface of the lymphoma cells. Rituximab
sticks to all the CD20 proteins it finds. Then the cells of the immune system
pick out the marked cells and kill them. This medication is not well tolerated by some patients, so the first infusion of it is slowed so the nurse can monitor for reactions. Cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin (turns urine red) and
vincristine are chemotherapy drugs. These drugs destroy quickly dividing cells,
such as cancer cells. Prednisolone is a type of steroid. It treats lymphoma by
stopping the cancer cells growing and killing them. It may also help you feel
less sick during treatment, and helps reduce your body’s immune response, to try
and prevent an allergic reaction to rituximab.
We received handouts on the medications including side effects. Expect hair loss. Expect bruising from lower platelet count. Expect fatigue, especially on day five after infusion. We were also referred to watch many videos on the Banner health website, which were very informative.
Andrea explained the Prednisone is taken orally for five days, beginning the day I have the chemotherapy infusion. Since one side effect is insomnia, she said to take it in the morning on a full stomach. I should report if it gives me any brain fogginess.
All future blood work for labs will be at the infusion center. The blood is drawn through the port.
Chemotherapy will cause my body's immune system to be compromised. If I have serious symptoms or problems during the week, I should call MD Anderson. On weekends go to the ER. This would be for fever, chest pain, Afib, shortness of breath.
She gave me an extensive shopping list of products to have on hand at home if other problems arise, such as constipation or diarrhea.
She instructed me to keep a diary of symptoms.
If I experience nausea, there are two medications: Ondansetron and Prochlorperazine. Take O before P.
Take my temperature am and pm. Take Tylenol for fever but don't delay seeking treatment.
Exercise as tolerated, keep walking.
Since my gums may become sore, use a soft toothbrush, no flossing or electric toothbrush. Watch for yeast infection or thrush. (I did not do this but continued to use my electric toothbrush without problems.) Have no dental work done.
Prevent dehydration by avoiding caffeine, but use Gatorade, broth, Jello and popsicles.
Keep a notebook/journal to document fluid intake (64 to 80 oz liquid daily), nausea-what caused it and what happened, bowel movements including firmness, how do I feel in general, how tired am I?
Take no supplements.
A lab draw will be done before every infusion, and I will speak with Dr. Rathna or PA Julia prior to each infusion.
My body fluids following infusion will be toxic, so flush the toilet twice, and wear gloves to use Clorox wipes to wipe things down.
There were many more instructions, plus a large brochure of information which I was instructed to read.
April 24 I had two additional biopsies. One was the bone marrow and
aspiration biopsy of the hip bone. The other was a CT Guided-needle sentinel lymph node biopsy
of the right inguinal lymph node. We received handouts to explain what these procedures are, why they were necessary, how to prepare and discharge instructions.
With the many procedures the doctor has ordered, scheduling has been a challenge, and I’ve received calls from several different schedulers. Sometimes appointments were canceled or rescheduled trying to keep track of all. This has been a struggle.
My final appointment for April will be to meet with Dr. Rathna's physician
assistant named Julia at 9 o’clock on April 30. Either the doctor or the PA
will meet with me each time before I have chemotherapy. There will also be a
blood draw for lab work the day before each chemotherapy.
April 30 Met with PA Julia Glenn. Results of the bone marrow were negative, lymph node results not concerning. She reviewed the medications and supplements I am taking and will check with the pharmacy at the cancer center to be sure it is OK for me to continue to take them during chemo. She said it is OK for us to get our COVID vaccine boosters. She ordered prescriptions for nausea meds for me to have on hand at home. She suggested that I use the lidocaine creme on the skin over the port to reduce the pain from inserting the needle for the chemo infusions. She said my blood work results were fine to receive chemo. I can call in after chemo for advice on symptom management such as rash, nausea, or diarrhea. I will see her or Dr. Rathna before the 2nd round of chemo.
She educated us about the chemo drugs. Rituximab is the one some folks don't tolerate well. We have handouts with detailed information about all five chemo drugs.
Dr. Rathna told me that we would have the first chemotherapy treatment on April 30 but with all of the rescheduling the first chemotherapy wound up being scheduled for a seven-hour session on May 2 beginning at 7 AM with the lab drawing blood at 8:20 on May 1.
May 1 I went to have my first blood drawn using the port on the right side of my chest. This blood is sent to the lab to be sure I am healthy enough to receive the chemo. I could feel the needle stick similar to how it would feel if they were doing a blood draw from a vein. This positive experience helped me to feel more prepared for the chemotherapy on May 2.
May 2 First chemotherapy. Before we left home, I took my morning medications, including prednisone, which is one of the chemotherapy drugs. I also took oral Allopurinol, which was ordered for the first round of chemo only, to prevent excess uric acid levels in the blood caused by cancer medicines. This helps protect the kidneys for 30 days. I drank my smoothie for breakfast. I am fortunate to have David and Tammi as caregivers. David drove me to the infusion center this morning. We arrived at 6:45 AM, checked in and waited for them to call me back for the infusion.
The oncology nurse Sylvia was very experienced and competent. She was prepared and had everything laid out and ready. She carefully explained procedures. She started by giving me two Tylenol and a Benadryl capsule. She also gave me an injection of an anti-emetic drug. She explained this would help with nausea today and through tomorrow.
Sylvia made sure both David and I were comfortable and frequently offered us something to drink or a snack. She made several cups of hot tea for me during the day. I also drank three bottles of water. The first infusion medication is called Rituximab. This medication sometimes causes an infusion reaction, so the first-time procedure is to introduce it into the body very slowly. The nurse monitored my vital signs every 30 minutes and increased the flow because I was tolerating the medication.
She started the infusion about 8:30 AM. Because I was tolerating it well, about noon she was able to increase the flow to the maximum level. Tammi came to sit with me and give David a break around 11 o’clock. When the first medication was finished, Sylvia followed with three other infusion medications. We completed the infusion treatment about 2 o’clock. David came to get me and I was home by 2:30. I felt fine and normal. I anticipate that some of the side effects may begin to surface over the next few days.
Sylvia told me that the nadir, or lowest point usually happens about day five after the infusion. This would be when I would feel weak, and my white blood cell count would be low. I asked about controlling nausea. She suggested waiting until I start to feel nauseous before taking the oral medications. I have two oral medications for nausea. She said that the Compazine medication causes drowsiness so I might want to take it closer to bedtime.
May 3 The last thing Sylvia did yesterday was to attach to my left arm below the shoulder a small box about two inches square, called an on-body injector. This has a needle which went into my arm. Inside is a pre-filled syringe dose of Neulasta, a bone marrow stimulant which will help my body make more white blood cells after the infusion treatments. In 27 hours after the infusion, the device will automatically take an hour to inject the medication. There are indicator lights and a fill indicator to show me it is working and when it is done. Then I can remove it. This saves me and staff a trip back to the infusion center to get this medicine. High tech!
I also want to mention Prednisone, which is the P in RCHOP. It is considered part of the chemotherapy program. I take one oral tablet on infusion day and one each morning following for a total of five doses.
We spoke with the social worker Regina, who told us about resources and said she would ask Dr Rathna for an order for a wig. I am writing this on Friday morning after the infusion yesterday. Still feeling normal. Praise the Lord!
May 3 More notes from first chemo day. Tammi bought me two chemotherapy shirts, one long and one short sleeve. If you notice in the picture, you see the zippers on each side from neck to armpit. They open for easy access to the port for blood draws and infusions. Both nurses at blood draw and infusions commented on them. Very convenient!
The on-body injector worked like clockwork and finished the injection about 6:30 pm. I took two acetaminophen at 4:00 for a fuzzy head.
May 6 I have an appointment with my primary care doctor later this month, so had blood drawn for regular lab work.
May 10 David and I had been considering a trip to South Africa, which of course needed to be put on hold. I was disappointed to have to cancel. Instead, we planned two short trips to California. Looking forward to them was therapeutic for me.
May 13 I had an appointment with my primary care, Dr. Biliack. She suggested that because the Prednisone would increase blood sugar levels, that I should take Glipizide during chemotherapy. She ordered a glucose monitoring set for me to record blood sugar, and I am to report them to her.
May 21 Port draw for labs. Appointment with PA Julia to review labs and get OK for chemo.
May 22
At Mah Jongg, I mentioned that my hair was beginning to fall out. I have a beauty appointment on Friday and I’m thinking to ask my hairdresser to shave my head. Janet Kafel immediately asked whether I wanted girlfriend support. Her sweet offer made me wanna cry. I said that would be great and Sharon Hettick also offered to join us. I plan to pick up the natural wig we shopped for a few days ago and take it with me to the appointment. I am feeling a bit apprehensive about this, even more than for the chemo treatment. Every time I run a comb through my hair it comes out full of white hair. The doctors predicted I would lose my hair and here is in-my-face evidence. The three of us will go to the beauty shop together Friday morning May 24 for my new look. Meanwhile, my second chemo treatment is scheduled for tomorrow. Thanks for your support and prayers.
May 23 Chemo #2 Even though they used the port two days ago to draw blood for my lab work, today the nurse can't get blood out. She flushed with saline, and I could taste it, flushed several times without success. Saline goes in but no blood comes back. So, she injected a clot buster drug to open the port and waited 30 minutes to see if that fixed it. It took an hour, and a second administration of clot buster, but finally the port opened so the chemotherapy could begin.
May 24 My friends went with me to the beauty shop to have my head shaved. We laughed, took pictures and had fun.
June 1. Today was a special blessing because I invited several friends to come for coffee on our patio. I turned on the misters to keep us cool. Several brought fruit, cookies, or other items to snack on. We had great conversations about my treatment, health status, and my wigs. Janet K told us about her trip to France. Sandy brought handouts and told us about Kenya Keys. Topics were wide ranging including non-binary issues. Tammi helped educate us about that. I received kudos for some acts of kindness I have done. Sharon P asked how they could be helpful to me. I said I would ask if I needed help, just like today when I wanted the company of friends and they all responded by showing up. No one was in a hurry to leave. They stayed over two hours, saying let’s do this again! I am basking in the joy of the caring support of good friends.
June 5 My Cousin Robbie sent me a chemo care package with a hat “for a sunny day”; and a head covering, “for a chilly day”, a shopping bag “for a shopping day”, and toilet paper “for a shitty day”. It was such fun to open this package. Thanks Robbie, you made my day!!
June 12 Port draw for labs.
June 13 chemo #3 David took me in at 9. All went well. Preliminaries took about an hour, which included giving me Benadryl to ward off allergic reactions and Tylenol for pain. I also got an anti-nausea medication by injection into the port. We waited for the chemo drugs to come from the on-site pharmacy where they are checked off by two pharmacy staff. When the nurse is ready, she calls another nurse so they both confirm correct patient, correct medication, correct site of administration through the port, and confirm the port is open by extracting blood.
Then she starts the chemo. Today that is 10:00. She always tells me what drug I am getting, how fast it is being administered and how long it will take. She brings me water and hot tea and snacks if I want. David stays until 11:00 when Janet Kafel relieves him. We had a great visit. At 12:30, Tammi took the last shift. When the chemo finished, the nurse attached the on-body injector which in 27 hours will administer a one -hour dose shot of medication to stimulate production of white blood cells. Amazing technology. We left the infusion center at 1:30. Tammi took me home. I had lunch and have felt well, except for the usual minor headache. Thank you to family and friends for prayers and support. I know that makes all the difference.
June 14 David, Tammi and I met with the oncologist this afternoon. I had my third chemo yesterday. That means I'm halfway through. I told the doctor I'm doing very well except for losing my hair. I have no other symptoms. He said I'm doing better than expected for my age and tributes that at least partially to my great attitude. He said age 82 on the chart doesn't adequately represent the patient he sees before him. He wants to order a PET scan if the insurance will approve. Otherwise, he will order a CAT scan. He expects these tests to show how well the treatment is progressing, and if needed, to alter the treatment plan.
We were pleased to hear this from him because we had been thinking that we were interested in having the results of the chemo so far. Chemo number four is scheduled for July 5. He wants to have the results of the scan before then. Thank you for your support and prayers. That makes all the difference!
June 24 PET scan completed at Banner Lakes Imaging on Thunderbird.
June 24 Blood draw via Port so I am ready for infusion #4
June 26 The oncologist ordered a PET scan because we are halfway through treatment, and he wanted to learn how well the drugs are working. The great news is that the cancer is responding very well with a reduction in size at the lymph node locations. The doctor is pleased. Us too!! The plan is to continue with the same treatment plan for the final three treatments. The next one is treatment #4 on July 5. Thank you again for praying and for your support. It means so much to have you all behind me. I'm doing great, feeling fine and my hair is about one half inch long!
July 5 My 4th chemo infusion went well today. David drove me there for my 9:00 appointment and stayed until Janet Kafel came about 10:30. We had a good visit, and she told me about and showed photos from her family reunion. Then Melinda Lewandowski came about noon and we chatted while the treatment finished. She lives near me and drove me home. What a great support team I am blessed with! I had a male nurse, Mike, this time. He was not as chatty as the previous ones, but thorough and competent.
After three of six planned infusions, The PET scan on June 24 showed good progress on reducing the cancer, so we will continue the same treatment plan.
When the infusions are done, the nurse attaches to my upper arm an OnPro single use on-body injector which has a liquid dose of a medication to stimulate white blood cell production. This medical achievement allows me to get the shot of medication automatically 27 hours later, so I don't have to return to the clinic for the shot. I am feeling fine and normal. Doing regular exercises and activities. We plan to leave tomorrow July 8 to drive to CO for a couple of weeks of cooler weather and attend our annual family reunion before my next treatment scheduled July 25. I'm thanking God that this is going well. Your support and prayers make a difference. Thank you for being there for me.
July 24 Visit with PA Julia for approval for chemo #5.
July 25 Chemo #5 These infusions are becoming routine, so I am not describing procedures.
July 31 Follow up with PCP regarding glipizide. Continue taking 1/2 in mornings. I am routinely checking fasting sugar every morning and again 2 hours after breakfast. Check sugar in evenings from time to time. Have A1C checked in July, follow up with PCP Aug 19.
August 7 Consult with Dr. Rathna. Approve chemo #6. Ordered PET scan for mid-October. When chemo completed, ordered port flushed every 4 to 6 weeks.
August 14 Port draw for labs
August 15 Chemo #6
August 19 Follow up with PCP. Continue Glipizide. Return Dec 9.
August 20 I received the final chemotherapy infusion and
rang the bell while staff cheered and sang a song. I received a certificate of
completions signed by each of the staff.
October 18 Visit with Dr. Rathna. He ordered labs. Ordered PET scan for April, 2025. Scheduled next office visit April 2025.
Jan 7, 2025 Follow up with PCP. Discontinue Glipizide. Discussed Metformin in the future. A1C 6.8
Financial concerns: During the time that I was receiving treatment for cancer, we were concerned about what the medical costs would be and what our share would be. We contacted our insurance company and also talked to the billing people at MD Anderson without getting much clarification.
Each time I had a PET scan for example, I was charged a co-pay of $200. But I never made a co-pay when I went for an infusion.
I finally was reassured that our specific health insurance benefit had an out-of-pocket maximum of $2900. It was quite a relief to know that we wouldn’t be paying more than that.
This was one of the sources of stress for us as I went through treatment.
The insurance approved every request for treatment, procedures and medications. Thank you, Blue Cross Blue Shield Advantage.
We counted ourselves, indeed, very fortunate throughout this experience of dealing with cancer. We relied on our strong faith in God. We had a huge group of prayer warrior supporters praying for us regularly. I also received many cards, texts and emails as well as gifts showing people cared.
It was most amazing to us, especially after the educational session about all the possible side effects and things that could go wrong that I experienced none of those. I felt generally fine throughout the six months of treatment. I never had nausea or pain. It felt to us truly a miracle that I went through this process without side effects. Praise God for the positive outcome that I am now in remission. I am scheduled for a follow up PET scan on April 14, which will determine whether there has been any further cancerous activity.
I will post this blog now, but expect it to be continued after I get the results from a PET scan scheduled for April 14, 2025.
April 1, 2025 Met with Dr. Rathna, who ordered labs and said he would call me with the results of the PET scan. He also talked with us about David's cancer and cautioned against the additional immune system booster.
I will get another PET scan six months after the one this April and see Dr. Rathna following that. Based on results, he may order the port removed.
October 20, 2025 Saw Dr Rathna. Labs look good. He will order PET scan.
November 6, 2025, Insurance denied PET scan so we did a CT scan which was clear.
December 2, 2025 Port removed. We will do six month follow up scans.
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