Cytoxan Aftermath
After reading the side effects and what to expect, Alpesh has faired pretty reasonably. Although his stomach has been unsettled since he came home from the hospital, he has forced himself to eat and has not lost any weight. He has managed to avoid the dreaded vomiting that we expected.
Since last week, he has been extremely tired. Although he works throughout the day, he is now forced to vegetate in the evenings as his body is calling for rest. Yesterday, he complained of aches in his body and we believe that is the Neupogen doing its work. His bone marrow is working overtime to make more stem cells which is taking its toll on his body and causing fatigue.
Initial Pet Scan results show minimal activity in the plasmacytomas. Although this is great news, we are struggling to understand how this contradicts the MRI which indicated the plasmacytomas had not shrunk. Could they be just dead tissue as suggested by Dr Lonial and Dr Z? However, there still seems to be some confusion as to why they did not shrink. We are hoping that last week’s Cytoxan may have helped reduce them but we won’t know for sure until another MRI or Pet Scan is taken.
At this time our focus is on the stem cell harvest planned for next week so we have put the plasmacytoma mystery on the back burner, for now at least. One day at a time as they say …
[by Sima]
alexfl
February 4th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
I have few words other than prayers for you all. I’m amazed (well, not really) by your bravery and courage. I sincerely hope that side affects of your aggressive treatment pass very soon and will continue to think of you next week as well.
February 9th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
hi guys
just checking in to see what’s happening, it really great to know that you are all very positive and strong (including aaron and keval) but they say that life is like a miracle the more curve balls you get – the stronger you get …. god bless and take care
lots of love ragi x