BLOG 11
22 January 2009
We are not letting Lymphoma take Jodie's leg or life! Well, we have some news about Jodies health. We will keep it brief and to-the-point: I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11. So far, Jodies first chemotherapy, got rid of the majority of Jodies Lymphoma (remission occurred in March/07) relapse in Jodies Sciatic nerve started in January/08 when her Right toes stopped responding to individual movement requests, along with other symptoms and a very weak Right leg. EARLIER THIS MONTH: 7th January/09 (3 months after the end of Jodies last treatment), Jodie noticed pain in the area of the R Sciatic nerve & some leg weakness, although dim.
Without immediately calling the Doctor, Jodie monitored the symptoms for about 2 weeks, before making the call to advise her hematologist. The symptoms were & have been getting, progressively worse. WE ADVISED JODIES HEMATOLOGIST: 20th January/09 & went in for a leg test on the 21st January/09, which confirmed that the disease had re-occurred. We knew that this was a possibility and were waiting to see if the injection (methatrexate) injection chemotherapy (Jodie had in September-October/08), had permanently solved the relapse or not. NOW THE SAME SYMPTOMS HAVE RETURNED AT FULL STRENGTH: The R leg is currently particularly weak and Jodie is using a walking cane again for stability.
This time it has only taken about 2 weeks from no symptoms and virtually no leg weakness to full symptoms, previously felt prior to the last course of chemotherapy injections. WHAT DO WE DO NOW: 29th January/09 we will get an MRI to see if we can visually spot the Lymphoma that is causing the problems in and around Jodies sciatic nerve. Regardless, even if no change is located, we will progress (on/around 30th January/09) to a full course of systemic Fludarabine (2nd line for relapsed indolent Lymphomas) chemotherapy. THEN A TRANSPLANT: Once the chemo starts--the plan is then to start discussing my options in terms of trying to irradiate the disease entirely from my system.
Probably the first transplant will be an autologous stem cell transplant, using my own stem cells harvested from me in April/07. My 2.5 Billion stem cells have been waiting for me on ice at the Royal Brisbane Hospital ready for the time that I may need them. HOW CAN YOU HELP:
Please continue to pray for Jodie & her family (Greg, Julia & Anna), Offers of practical assistance are welcome think about giving blood regularly and/or stem cells or bone marrow to help Jodie & people like her. Tell all your friends about Jodie's Journey. The more people know, the more awareness is raised about Lymphoma and the symptoms.
Investigations are still continuing into Jodies delayed diagnosis, and therefore relapses caused from the extensive disease. NB -- we will read all of your messages, but may only be able to reply briefly or with a short response.
Thank you, much love,
Jodie & Family.
Jodie & Family