Treatment 4 and a New Year

We hope the new year brings you great news and great health. As always, you are in our thoughts and our prayers.

Tis the Season for Round Three

We are thinking of you and hope you feel well soon.

Round Two

Today Bon goes in for her second round of treatment. Don't forget to send well wishes her way.

A bump in the road

This evening Bonnie was diagnosed with a blood clot. Just a snag on the way, it seems. We are relieved to learn after anxious waiting that the diagnosis process and the following treatment have evolved since she last dealt with a blood clot over 20 years ago. A few days of shots, then a course of pills will thin the blood and resolve the clot. You can do it Bon, and we are all here to cheer you on!

One down

Today Bonnie completed her first treatment. It is administered slowly, taking 5 hours or so. Alongside the main treatment she was given other medications to treat the side effects. She did feel some odd, uncomfortable sensations at times, but on the whole, is feeling quite reasonable. (Hey, anyone who can stop at Maddox and get some food must be feeling fine!) We will see how it continues over the next few days.

The Dr. was able to answer many questions and give her some good news. He said within 10 days she should see reduced swelling in the affected lymph nodes, and find a return of energy. Sounds pretty good. Treatments will continue every 3 weeks. We will keep you posted as they approach.

The fun part? There is a lady who came by the treatment center today. She is a breast cancer survivor who has begun an organization that collects product donations from local businesses and holds prize drawings for the patients being treated for cancer. A wonderful way to spice up the process. Bonnie won two prizes! Sounds kind of like a party!

We love you, Mommy!

We will do all we can to help you feel great soon. Call us, and we'll call you!

A plan of action

Dr. Hansen finally called with results. Bonnie has low grade lymphoma (not aggressive), which turns out to be treatable but not curable.

She will begin treatments next week, and continue them every three weeks. The course of treatment is called CVP, which includes the drug Rituxan, and a smaller dose of Chemotherapy. This will allow for milder side effects.

No news yet

Well, the phone is nearly ringing off the hook, but never the call we have been expecting for the past two days. We are at the mercy of the physician assistants schedule, waiting for her to finish consulting with the Dr and then call us back between their regular appointments.

We will post news as soon as we hear some.

Testing, Part One

Bonnie completed her first tests on Thursday. The CT scan was not bad, but preparing for it with restricted diet then fasting was no picnic, literally! The biopsy was quite bad, but she is pretty tough about the residual discomfort. She will contact the Dr's office on Monday for the results. Stay tuned...

First visit with Dr. Hansen

This afternoon Bonnie met with Dr. Vincent L. Hansen at McKay Dee Hospital. The appointment included blood tests, a physical exam, and some well deserved comfort.

The doctor prescribed more thorough testing for Oct. 16th, where a PET/CT Scan and a bone marrow biopsy will be performed. The physical exam did not reveal any other swollen lymph nodes, although it did reveal a lump on her thyroid. This will be examined with the PET scan. These thorough tests will help the Dr. determine the stage of the Lymphoma.

So today's blood counts came back great. Additional samples are being sent to the lab. The Dr. seemed optimistic from the physical exam that the lymphoma could be in early stages, and Chemo may not be required. So from here it is hopeful waiting. Bonnie is pleased with Dr. Hansen, feeling that he is thorough and she is in good hands.

Choosing an Oncologist

Today's task: Selecting an Oncologist.

Choice 1, the only Oncologist in town. We've heard we are lucky to have ONE, and that he is good, but patients are not always satisfied with his bedside manner. They say they are sometimes unclear what is happening or why, contributed to by his lack of explanation and/or his heavy accent. As of tonight, Bonnie has an appointment with him for tomorrow. (Wednesday)

Choice 2, the popular Ogden Oncologist. It turns out he is a relative (Cousin twice removed? I have never been sure how to calculate that.) We have also heard good things about him from friends of patients, and glowing reviews from his receptionist to boot. Things to the effect of: "People have gone to the Mayo clinic and they sent them back, saying "Why come here when you have a fabulous Dr right at home?" So he gets good reviews and seems more welcoming being in the family and of the same religion. Bonnie has an appointment with him for Thursday.

Once a Dr. is chosen, the plans should begin to fall into place and more posts will follow.

The beginning

It began with swollen lymph nodes, which led to physical exams, mammograms, ultrasounds, and finally biopsy. The initial report was promising, the lab result contained the diagnosis. Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Then came the outpouring of love through phone calls, visits, and gifts; as well as the need for repeated, tearful explanations.

And so this blog was born, to fill the need for information and spare the need for repetition. Calls are still appreciated, but now you can call a bit more prepared. Comments to these posts are also encouraged.