No more Rituximab

Keith came with me to the clinic today as there were a few things we've both been worried about. I've still got the cough but now started with night sweats and found a strange lump on my back, so they are sending me for another CT scan that will check what's happening with my chest and cough, the lump, and  to see if any of the internal lymph are swollen. I've also got some new cough medicine! Just looking back at the history, I can see that the cough has had a serious impact on my year - so many days where I was tired from lack of sleep, feverish, or got painful pulled muscles in my ribs. It's been gradually getting worse over the months, so I'm glad there is to be more investigation.

I was worried that the last two doses of Rituximab would give me an extra 4 months guaranteed remission, but apparently, the 12 doses over 2 years is an arbitrary figure, not evidence-based. So now I'm officially in remission which means that the lymphoma is not active, and hopefully it will stay that way for a very long time! I was in remission for 25 years last time, so I plan for at least the same. Although there is no clear evidence for what causes lymphoma, it is on the increase in developed countries and there is some evidence that suggests that farm pesticides and hair dye may be connected so over the last few months I've been adjusting my lifestyle to minimise the things that may be associated with lymphoma or cancer generally, and to maximise the things that are known to increase well-being. I've stopped eating beef and processed pork as well as increasing my fruit and veg intake. My hair is coloured with henna, but I'm gradually growing that out. I exercise everyday by cycling and/or dancing, and I make time for friends and family.