My Cancer Pilgrimage: Surviving

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Surviving

CLL/SLL

An indolent (slow-growing) cancer in which immature lymphocytes (white blood cells) are found in the blood and bone marrow and/or in the lymph nodes. CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) and SLL (small lymphocytic lymphoma) are the same disease, but in CLL cancer cells are found mostly in the blood and bone marrow. In SLL cancer cells are found mostly in the lymph nodes. CLL/SLL is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Also called chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma.

The survival rate for people with CLL varies widely according to the stage of the disease (see Stages.) The 5-year survival rate tells you what percent of people live at least 5 years after the cancer is found. Percent means how many out of 100. The 5-year survival rate for people age 20 and older with CLL is 84%.

It would appear that I have beaten the odds or at least lived a little longer than normal... but, what is normal for me?

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For the last 12 years, I have been under the supervision of an Oncologist who is treating me for B cell Lymphoma. I have had over 150 infusions and numerous CT/PET scans as well as MRIs, biopsies (including bone marrow) and well as monthly blood tests to monitor my WBC, RBC, and Platelets.

My treatments have included: Rituxan, Fludara, Cytoxin, Triandra, Opdivo, Yervoy, Imbruvica, Surgery, and Radiation...

Six years into my treatments, I discover Melanoma on my foot that I subsequently discovered could have been encouraged by my Lymphoma treatments of Fludara and Cytoxin. The growth was removed but 4 years later, it metastasized to my groin and a year after that to my neck.

My treatment for melanoma in the groin was Opdivo, Yervoy, and Radiation without surgery because it was too complicated of an area.

My Melanoma metastasized to my neck but when the lymph node was surgically removed, it was dead Melanoma so the treatment worked.

My Lymphoma (CLL) is being treated the same way an Oncologist would treat Leukemia (SLL); in fact, many Oncologists believe that it is the same disease just different stages.

My cancer treatments were further complicated from a serious heart attack 12 years ago. It was a silent attack with minor pain but my LAD was blocked 100%, and two other arteries on the left side were both blocked 90%. The only reason that I did not die in the attack is that my body created its own bypass with dozens of tiny vessels to transport the blood.

My arteries were cleaned out and 5 stints were inserted over a period of 12 months and 3 surgeries.

My Cancer Pilgrimage

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Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Surviving

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