Last week through a pathology, oncologists did confirm that the Hodgkins Lymphoma has returned. My choice is to continue with treatment. This treatment will consist of four parts.
- ICE chemotherapy:
- ICE chemo is on a twenty one day cycle. This means, I will be admitted to the hospital (in-patient) for three consecutive days of infusions and fluids. After these three days, I will then be released and have eighteen days to recover.
- We will most likely do three cycles of this treatment. Over a three to four month period.
- Stem cells will be retreived (since my bone marrow is clean, I will be using my own stem cells for this process). Once doctors have retrieved enough cells from my blood, they will harvest them until they are ready to go back into my body.
- After all three rounds of ICE and the stem cells have been collected, there will be a week or two of recovery before I am admitted back into the hospital.
- I will then undergo five consecutive days of infusions of this specific chemotherapy. In cancer terms we consider this 'day -5,-4,-3,-2,-1.'
- During these days, the BEAM will wipe out my entire immune system as well as my bone marrow. In hopes that the cancer will never return
- On 'Day zero' I will then receive the harvested stem cells back into my body. This is considered your re-birthday. My immune system, and cells are basically starting over.
- During this time in the hospital we wait till my cells engraft, form, and blood levels resume to a normal level. This usually takes two to three weeks, and this part of the treatment is in isolation.
I will be meeting with my oncologist team this Thursday to confirm dates on ICE. I will update when we have confirmed these specific dates, as to when I will be in the hospital, what days I will be able to talk on the phone, and times I will be unavailable to speak.
All my love, to all of you,
B
----
Today I miss: my life in boston
Today I smile for: knowing that there is still a cure
Today I am grateful for: all of you.
26 comments:
Thank you dearest Bekah for keeping us all updated. Philly is here and ready to embrace you and care for you. So is Penn Hospital.......
I will be here too if you need me.
Love from me and my(Nurse)mom,
Jessica
Sweetest Bekah.
Just how much are you loved and adored?
If you need anything at all you just shout. We'll hear.
Love you loads,
Wullie
Ditto everything my DH said and a very loud 'YAY' for starting your own blog!! You write so beautifully it's going to be top of my list of priorities to check in on you daily (no pressure :o) )
You're going to do great, Beautiful Bekah and we're all here to cheer you on, EVERY step of the way - tartan pom poms and all!!
Love you double loads (!)........xx
Beks!
Kudos to you for getting your blog started. And your explaination of what lies ahead is great as well because even I don't know exactly what goes into a SCT, but you've summed it up nicely.
I'll be rooting for you to kick cancer's ass!!! And of course, if you need anything, or want me to just keep calling you to check on you or leave you a comment every day to root you on(which I will, ask Wullie!) or whatever, just say so and I'll make it happen.
You're going to beat this bitch.
XO
well, ya got 6 more prayer warriors here sunshine
j
Love seeing you started a blog. Like our Veronica said...you write so beautifully...I will stop by often.
You are very loved sweet Bekah...you have tons of support and positive VIBES along for the whole ride with you.
HUGE ((HUGGGSSS)))
Susan
Alright, Bekahlittlesistergirl, I promise not to curse NEARLY as much here as in my last communication to you. (Just know that I'm still feeling TOTALLY profane!)
So glad you've started this blog -- great for all of us and so wise of you to set up this means of communication. Another thing you might want to consider is to set up one person who manages communication for you so your cell phone doesn't ring off the hook. You send out info here and via that person, and then you can accept and make calls as you feel up to and into it, but then all of those who love you will have regular access to info even if you haven't updated here. (People care and will get frantic. It happens.)
I'm here for you and your moms in any way you all feel serves. I am here for you any way, any how, any time. You're family, and my loyalty is unwavering.
So much love headed your way....remember what I said: one day at a time, one step at a time, one milestone at a time. You do your best one day at a time; rinse, repeat. Keep at it and at some point you find yourself with more in back of you than before you, and then you just do it again. The way out is through. AND the way out is through making peace with it on the inside.
You can do this, littlesistergirl. I called you all kinds of profane names in my last PM and I meant every one of them! ;) I also happen to think you're a lovely, shining bright spot that God wants here with all of us because you're so not done.
I love you, girl ~
Sarah
Bekah,
Hang in there girl. You will get through this.
Beks,
Would that I had done what you've done--chronicled an important time, turning point in your life. You'll help yourself as you inspire others.
And look at the fan club behind you!
Big smooch!
Kim
Sweet Bekah,
The blog seems like a good idea and I'm glad you seem to have the plan all set. The battle isn't easy, but you are definitely up for this fight and we all know you'll do great. If you ever need another take on what to plan, expect, etc. for any of the process, don't hesitate to ask!
B
Hey Beks! I know you can do this, and you can always count on me and your forum family to support you through all of it. Having a blog was a lifesave for throughout the whole SCT process. It definitely had the effect of letting people feel like they knew what was going on with me, without worrying about "bothering" me. I think about you often, and am here for you, whatever you may need! Take care hon!
Hey Bekah,
It's great to see that you're tackling this head on. You can do it. A day at a time is the best advice to give. And find time to do things you enjoy.
Love, Alison
you are brave and you are beautiful.
today i smile for: you
Bekah Sweets,
You have so many behind you- you are so loved! I'm glad you are being strong. You are incredible.
Here for you, darling-
Bekah,
I was reading Kelly's blog and she had mentioned your situation. Me, myself being a recent Hodgkin's patient, my heart goes out to you. From reading your blog, you sound like you are a very strong young lady. I know times are hard right now, but if you beat this once you will beat it again. Stay strong!
Jane
hey bekah,
i'm just checking in on you. your in my thoughts. let me know if there is anything i can do for you...even if you just want to talk.
peace and love,
qua
You are amazing! You are wonderful with words and your strength is second to none. You inspire me with your words! I pray for a speedy recovery!
Hi Bekah...I hope your trip helped you get refreshed, invigorated and ready to begin doing battle so you can get this fight over and done with and get back to love and life. We'll be checking back here tomorrow night to read your update from your doctor's appt on Thurs.
Super-duper huge hugs.
Susan
Hi Bekah - just stalking you to send you a HUGE hug..... <3..........xx
I've been through the ropes, having had a bone marrow transplant. You are the kind of patient they love. Young and healthy (other than the Hodge).
In a short time you will be back home again. I wish you a speedy recovery and healthy cells!
Bekah,
You're awesome! Congrats on the blog! You write so beautifully, I've sent your link to all of my friends and family. Which means you just gained an army of followers. My best to you.
love,
Alicia aka cpcandy32
Dear Bekah,
Please know that you and your whole family are in our thoughts and prayers. Our whole community is in your corner and wishes you well.
Warmly,
Rabbi Gary Pokras
Bek,
Since the time we were small you have been the strongest person I have ever known, which is what I love and admire about you the most. I know what lies ahead will be exhausting and terrifying but if anyone can fight through it, it is you. You have motivated me to make a difference towards the control and cure of cancer for not only you but my future patients. I will think of you everyday and please contact me anytime day or night.....keep being brave bek
Laur
Bekah
We're sending tons of prayers and a little sunshine from Florida up to you.
Stay strong-
peace
Elizabeth (Jan's sister)
and the whole congregation of FirstCoast MCC in St. Augustine
It was not that long ago that we were in the same place. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers and send our love and strength to you! Love and hugs from Colorado!
bek youve got to be the strongest person i know....please if there is anything i can do just ask....
Love Timmy
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