3 February 2021

 

     I spent eight days in the hospital, returning the first.  Where to begin.

     The cancer entered my central nervous system (i.e., the brain and spinal cord).  Because of that they began intrathecal chemotherapy.  They continued me on the venetoclax and began an immunotherapy.  The latter of which the oncology nurses had not seen that drug before.

     Although it was similar to the immunotherapy Rituxan I received earlier.  My guess is it is a next generation drug.

       An MRI found infections had set in around the tumors in my neck.  They put me on antibiotics and that pain is gone.

     My eyes went haywire again with the swelling around the surrounding tissue.  But this time fluid built up between the clear layers of the eyes and the white.  Plus, my eyes turned yellow.

     Nausea is an issue, as is vomiting.  But we have response. 

     The tumor near my right eye is dramatically smaller.  And for the first time since December 28th, I had a period when I was pain free. 

     It did not last long, but it is progress.

     I understand this is transient.  Although at this point it is all about enjoying whatever little bits and pieces of happiness and satisfaction I can get from life.

     I will be going in every Thursday for chemotherapy and immunotherapy.  I really hate these trips.