March 24th Fred was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). The initial recommended course of treatment was to "wait and watch". We were not comfortable with that treatment plan and on May 2nd we went to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida for their opinion.
After a chest and pelvic CAT scan, several blood tests, a "fish" test (Chromosones) and a Bone Marrow Biopsy, Dr. Lawrence Solberg from the Mayo Clinic informed us that it was a more aggressive type of CLL and also Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL) with an 11q- anomaly and that it should be treated with chemotherapy in mid-June.
The question then became what drug regiment would be the best to put the leukemia in remission. Dr. Solberg set up an appointment for us at MD Anderson Leukemia Center in Houston, Texas. We went there on June 18th and after a B2M test, a course of treatment was recommended which followed the treatment recommended by Dr. Solberg at Mayo Clinic.
We have decided on treatment to be administered at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. Chemotherapy will begin Wednesday, June 25th after blood tests and chemotherapy education training. Chemotherapy will be six hours on Wednesday and eight hours on Thursday. Due to the aggressiveness of the leukemia it is necessary to treat it aggressively. This will be followed up on Friday with a white blood cell booster shot.
For the pharmacuetical people the drugs used in the triple-drug regimen will be Fludarabine, Cytoxan, and Rituxmab.
Please keep Fred in your prayers. This will be a tough battle, but we will come through with flying colors.
6 comments:
Fred & Carol:
Know that you and the medical team are in our prayers.
Love - Ruth & Rick
I posted a comment last night, but I guess it didn't want to show up....anyway Uncle Freddie & Auntie Lu, you are in my prayers. Thank you for taking the time to update us all on everything.
You and you're family our in our in our prayers.
Jennifer Peterson & Bob
Good Luck today Mom & Dad! I'm definitely thinking about you guys.
Lots of Love,
Memi
Keith printed out the info for Mom. I got the blog address from Jenn. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers all the time. Today I have watched the clock wondering what was happening when. Hang in there Freddie!! You, too, Lu.
Love,
Coralee
Just checked in and read the great news. Let's keep the count going down, and the spirits going up!
Love and prayers to you both!
Ruth & Rick
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