As required by the clinical study I participated in, I undergo standard blood tests every 3 months and a PET scan every 6 months, each accompanied by an office visit with either Dr. Rajguru or one of the Nurse Practitioners (NP). On 2/28/2024, I underwent my blood tests and PET scan. The results of the […]
Chapter 26: 6-Month Post Treatment Testing Read More »
Roughly 30 days after completing my final round of treatment, it was time for a battery of tests to assess the impact of the treatments. First on the list were the standard blood tests. As anticipated, my results were out of the normal range, reflecting my body’s ongoing recovery. However, my platelet count was 132,
Chapter 25: 30-Day Post Treatment Testing Read More »
As I embarked on my sixth and final round of recovery, the familiarity of the process brought a sense of predictability, tempered with the knowledge that each cycle could still hold surprises. My daily Zarxio injections, meant to boost my white blood cell count, were extended to 14 days this time, reflecting the toll my
Chapter 24: Red Blood Infusion Read More »
On July 3, 2023, I embarked on my final round (6) of treatment. The regiment mirrored rounds 4 and 5, involving a high dose of cytarabine administered every 12 hours for a total of 4 cycles. Once again, I found myself an inpatient at the Oncology/Hematology ward at UW Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. Before my
Chapter 23: Round 6 of Treatment Read More »
Having learned from the experiences of round 4, I approached round 5 with a better understanding of what to expect in terms of side effects. I continued to inject myself with Zarxio for 10 days to help rebuild my white blood cells. Similarly, I would only take the study drug acalabrutinib during the first 7
Chapter 22: Side Effects from Round 5 Read More »
On June 8, 2023, I commenced round 5 of treatment, mirroring the regiment of round 4. This involved receiving a high dose of cytarabine every 12 hours for 3 hours per cycle, totaling 4 cycles. As with round 4, I would be an inpatient at the Oncology/Hematology ward at UW Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. Before
Chapter 21: Round 5 of Treatment Read More »
Following round 4 and the infusion of high-dose cytarabine, I needed to inject myself with Zarxio for 10 days. Zarxio increases white blood cells impacted by cytarabine, crucial for fighting infections. These injections were administered in the thigh, alternating thighs each night. I would only take the study drug acalabrutinib during the first 7 days
Chapter 20: Injections, bruises, and infusions…oh my!!! Read More »
On May 11, 2023, I embarked on the fourth leg of my treatment journey. According to the parameters of the clinical study, EA4181, this round introduced a different chemotherapy drug called cytarabine. The administration involved four cycles, each lasting three hours, spaced at 12-hour intervals—a rigorous 48-hour cycle. Due to the intensity of cytarabine, set
Chapter 19: Round 4 of Treatment Read More »
In the midpoint of my treatment journey, a pivotal moment arrived—time for a PET scan and blood tests to assess the treatment’s efficacy. Remarkably, the conspicuous lumps that once resided in my pelvic area and beneath my right jaw seemed to have vanished or, at the very least, significantly diminished to the point of imperceptibility.
Chapter 18: Mid-treatment Evaluation Read More »
In this reflective post, I delve into the intricate dance between my professional life and the challenges of undergoing treatment for Mantle Cell Lymphoma. Nestled in the heart of my career as an IT Manager at Sentry Insurance, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, this chapter of my journey unfolds. During the watch and wait period before treatment,
Chapter 17: Sentry Insurance – My Employer Read More »