The doctor said that I am VERY lucky and he's very excited about my prognosis. The type of chemo I will be getting is called R-EPOCH, and it will be administered via a pump. It is a newer method, but has shown to have great results with the very rare lymphoma we're fighting. I will be getting a portacath in tomorrow (to be able to use the pump), and will start chemo on Monday. My plans for the rest of the day are to have a FUN time with my family! Unfortunately my sister will be flying back to her home on Friday night, and I want to enjoy as much of my time between now and then. So, if you're thinking of us, know that I am probably at the park, or taking a stroll around the neighborhood, or singing/dancing/being forced to watch The Little Mermaid movie. :)
Hugs to all, thank you for the overwhelming amount of support you have sent our way!
For those that love details,
1) R-EPOCH stands for: A chemotherapy regimen consisting of etoposide, prednisone, vincristine (Oncovin) and doxorubicin hydrochloride (hydroxydaunorubicin hycrochloride), which may be used in combination with rituximab (R-EPOCH) for the treatment of various aggressive B cell and T cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas
2) Here is a link to a summary of the article my oncologist gave me - Link to Article - Addition-of-rituximab-to-DA-EPOCH-negated-need-for-radiotherapy-in-primary-mediastinal-B-cell-lymphoma. Here's the best quote "During a median of 5 years of follow-up, the event-free survival rate was 93%, and the overall survival rate was 97%."
Sounds like a very good plan. The procedure for the portacath is very simple. I had mine inserted 2 years ago and I still have it. I love it after 1 1/2 years of not having one when I started de chemos, my veins were gone. Is so good that u r going to have one to start! I still have it, even though I finish 3 months ago. I call it Güilli" bacause it looks like the thing u use to play Güilli board ☺. Love and take good care of it, is a blessing.
ReplyDeleteHope you hear and feel all the prayers and positive vibes your way. Hugs