The specialist requested a CT scan to get a snap shot of where my lymph nodes are at. You may recall I had significantly enlarged nodes prior to starting chemo. If they have shrunk sufficiently then chemo will remain halted and I will return to waiting and being watched or the dreaded "watchful waiting" as the doctors euphemistically call it. When the disease comes back (and we know it will on average between 2-5 years) I will get a newer drug whatever is in fashion. Today that would be Ibrutinib. If the lymphocytes are still too large, and "minimal residual disease" has not been achieved likely I would begin Ibrutinib shortly. Imbrutinib as some of you may already know is a kinase inhibiter that in effect triggers apoptosis or cell death. The death of the leukemic cells. Here's some basic information.
So all in all I have had 4 out of 6 cycles of the the chemo regime of FR (Fludarabine and Retuximab). My white blood cell and lymphocyte counts (which are the diseased cells) have shrunk. Is it a success? Not completely. Is the race over? Not yet. But the disease has been dealt a significant blow and I can get on with my life for now.
I am sorry if some of you feel let down in that many of you (including me) were probably anticipating a dramatic win or chequered flag. That has not happened. Not yet. But I had good lap times, and I was in a good position when the "race" was stopped. And remember any race especially where one's life is at stake is still thrilling!
I will update this blog with anything new and even when anything happens no matter how boring. I want to thank you all for riding along with me.
Until then hold your ears as I scream on by into the sunset!
Sorry to hear this, Peter. It is a disappointment. But it's still progress and there is much more on the horizon as you say. I'd say you're still very much in the race, just not getting to the finish line you hoped for.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I appreciate your comments and support. It's not over, yet.
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