THE LOVE CHILD...
of Multiple Myeloma and Lymphoma…

Just back from the oncologist's office. First thing, blood was drawn, then after an hour of waiting, Dr. Craig came in and told us he had reviewed the pathology results (from 5 harvested lymph nodes).

It seems the new official diagnosis is…
Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia
(try that one three times fast!)

* Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia is a rare type of slow-growing, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cancer that begins in the cells of the immune system). It causes over-production of a protein called monoclonal macroglobulin (IgM) antibody.

*Symptoms include weakness, swollen lymph nodes, severe fatigue, nose bleeds, weight loss, and visual and neurological problems; some patients do not have symptoms.

*Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia is diagnosed using bone marrow biopsy and blood tests; other techniques may also be used.

*Treatments for Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia in patients with symptoms may include plasmapheresis, chemotherapy, and/or biological therapy.

I’m not sure if I’m relieved or concerned about this new diagnosis. On the plus side, Waldenstrom’s doesn’t seem to do the bone damage that Multiple Myeloma does, and… it’s a slow growing cancer. On the other hand, it’s a very rare cancer and not a whole lot (in my book) is known about it. As the doctor told Tony during our first visit, “it’s not good to be ‘different’… you want to be ‘normal’, when it comes to cancer”. Tony? Normal? HA!

Tomorrow morning Tony was scheduled to have the PICC line inserted. Now? He's going to be admitted, sent up to the 9th floor at Ruby hospital, and will begin his first round of chemo. (4 days of IV chemo infusion) Saturday afternoon he’ll be released, and head home for 3 weeks of other meds/chemo/sterroids.

I’m sure there’s more to post, but I’m drawing a blank.

Much love y’all
Pat