I went to my oncologist visit today. The news isn’t good. My tumor is growing despite the two rounds of chemo. I have been on a protocol called DA-EPOCH. it is considered a medium strength yet successful protocol to treat Burkitt’s Lymphoma.
After the initial round of EPOCH, my tumor shrank considerably. After the second round of chemo, my tumor didn’t shrink and I thought it was starting to lengthen a bit. My oncologist began her exam today and when she touched the tumor, she stated “this is not good.” I agreed and was relieved she saw the same thing I thought I saw.
I will start a new regimen called “RICE”. It is a powerful regimen, one of the most powerful there is. I told her to throw the kitchen sink at me. She said (and others on the Burkitt’s Lymphoma Society’s private page confirmed) that the RICE protocol is brutal and will make me quite ill.
I will begin tomorrow, Thursday the 14th. It is a 14 day interval, only 3 cycles in the regimen. It will take 4 or 5 days to infuse, then home to rest.
If you want further details, please watch my video titled “I have (more) bad news” on my youtube account. You can click on the “video” link in the menu above and look for that title. It is so much easier to watch and hear than it is for me to try to type out a transcript of the video. I include much more detail in the video.
Thank you all for your prayers and support during this difficult time.
Want something to brighten your day? Check out Logan (Logie-Bear!). He is one of my youngest supporters. Love that boy!! He wore a Superman shirt just for me with a Lymphoma symbol. So sweet. Meant the world to me. You know, a cute baby is so good for a weary soul.
I took care of Logan in the NICU. He’s my youngest supporter right now!
Walking Through This Together 
praying!
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Wishing you the best!
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Thank You!
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Hi, I am a friend of the friends with the cute baby. 🙂 They shared your story with my husband and I and just wanted to let you know, we are praying for you. I am cancer survivor, I have been cancer free for almost 9 years now after battling anaplastic non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, stage 3b when found. We will continue to lift you up and will be checking out your youtube. Blessings, Nichola
http://www.filesfamilyfarm.com click stories to read about our adventures during that time!
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Thank you so much. I value, appreciate, and need your prayers.
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Robert
My heart is heavy for you and your family. I am following your progress and hoping for the best.
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Thank you for keeping up with my current condition. Hope to get to see you again some day and hear your infectious laughter!
You are such a wonderful RN and a great mentor. I learned so much from you.
God bless you!
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Thanks for keeping me up to date,great to see you(briefly) last night,hilarious to hear the coffee announcement. Once again can’t actually access video but will try again with just kraftsims,heard at lunch yesterday that you’d had bad news(7 of us only Wannetta missing) You looked really well,sorry I felt no time to talk,two 5 o’clock feeds & a baby going to surgery. Should see you Sat afternoon or if I run out of time Sunday.Went to a cute movie tonight w Sue & Vicki & then dinner at Lucilles on Camp Bowie. Vicki doing OK post back surgery,Sue worried about thyroid issue has appt Thurs after she takes me to DFW. Off til Sun night so call me anytime 817 249 0975 0r 817 929 3466 love,Frances
Frances H. Johnson
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thanks Frances!
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I admire your strength with going through your cancer treatment and hearing bad news on top of going through treatment. I know that you are going to beat your cancer’s butt.
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Thank you!
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