We went to the hospital today to get the test results and to see what the plan is. We even had bets - Keith went for 'watch and wait' (they start treatment when the symptoms start to be a problem), whereas I had gone for radiotherapy (local treatment on the specific lymph node). In the end we both lost :(
The blood tests were all normal. However, the bone marrow test showed that the bone marrow was working well but there was some evidence of the lymphoma there and the CT scan showed several enlarged lymph nodes in my abdomen. The consultant displayed the images from the CT scan on the screen - fascinating! One of the nodes was quite large - about 5x2 cm and is probably the one that is making my leg uncomfortable.
The consultant recommended that chemotherapy treatment is started straight away - tomorrow! This consists of anti-cancer drugs (some tablets and some given via a drip in hospital) and drugs to counteract the side-effects of the treatment.
For those interested, here are all the drugs:
The treatment for the lymphoma is called R-CVP and is given as a single course every 3 weeks for about 6 months :
Monoclonal antibody - Rituximab - is given by a drip
Cyclophosphamide given by a drip
Vincristine given by a drip
Prednisilone (steroids) tablets taken every day for 5 days each course
There are possible side effects and these are reduced by taking the following:
Allopurinol to prevent gout
Ranitidine (Zantak) to reduce acid in the stomach
Domperidone - anti-sickness
Cotrimoxazole - antibiotic to protect from a specific chest infection
They don't mention any explicit chocolate treatment, but I'm sure they have it sorted!
Went to Trentham Gardens for a Pieminister Pie in the sunshine for lunch. Had a lovely bbq this evening and a surprise visit from Sarah - a lovely way to spend the evening!
The blood tests were all normal. However, the bone marrow test showed that the bone marrow was working well but there was some evidence of the lymphoma there and the CT scan showed several enlarged lymph nodes in my abdomen. The consultant displayed the images from the CT scan on the screen - fascinating! One of the nodes was quite large - about 5x2 cm and is probably the one that is making my leg uncomfortable.
The consultant recommended that chemotherapy treatment is started straight away - tomorrow! This consists of anti-cancer drugs (some tablets and some given via a drip in hospital) and drugs to counteract the side-effects of the treatment.
For those interested, here are all the drugs:
The treatment for the lymphoma is called R-CVP and is given as a single course every 3 weeks for about 6 months :
Monoclonal antibody - Rituximab - is given by a drip
Cyclophosphamide given by a drip
Vincristine given by a drip
Prednisilone (steroids) tablets taken every day for 5 days each course
There are possible side effects and these are reduced by taking the following:
Allopurinol to prevent gout
Ranitidine (Zantak) to reduce acid in the stomach
Domperidone - anti-sickness
Cotrimoxazole - antibiotic to protect from a specific chest infection
They don't mention any explicit chocolate treatment, but I'm sure they have it sorted!
Went to Trentham Gardens for a Pieminister Pie in the sunshine for lunch. Had a lovely bbq this evening and a surprise visit from Sarah - a lovely way to spend the evening!
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