Welcome to the sequel of my cancer story! Enjoy my never-ending lymphoma drama.
Before you read this post, I highly recommend that you read: My Story (Part I): A New Hope , which is the first part of my Star Wars Trilogy story. It is called "A New Hope" because lymphoma is highly curable, the prognosis is very promising and the body usually responds very well with treatment. In fact, I was doing so well and that is why there is a new hope, a light at the end of the tunnel- that I will be cancer free. Sadly, I relapsed right after my first line of treatment that is why the story is far from over. So welcome to my sequel called "Revenge of the Lymphoma". There are more intense treatments to get back and blast these stupid fuckers for good!
Basically, I responded very well with the first line of treatment (R-CHOP regimen ) and it managed to work its magic. Unfortunately, my first follow-up scan indicated that my cancer came back. There was a 10cm mass in my chest. It's so bizarre!!!! I guess that explained my symptoms of dried coughing and dyspnea. So it didn't make sense to continue with the same R-CHOP chemo regimen due to the fact that my body developed resistance to it. Thankfully there are many treatment options available for lymphoma.
The second line of treatment for my type of lymphoma was more intense, complex and physically demanding, which was why I was required to stay overnight in the hospital longer hospital. The treatment consisted of a few rounds of intense salvage chemos, followed by autologous stem cell transplant and radiotherapy. The goal of these salvage chemos was to reach complete remission as close as possible so that the stem cell transplant could be a consolidation treatment to ensure a long remission and a cure. This was the timeline of what I have been through.
December 22nd-25th, 2020: #1 R-DHAP Salvage Chemo
December 28th- January 7th, 2021: Daily Filgrastim injections to stimulate stem cells in the bloodstream.
January 7th, 2021: Stem Cell Harvest
January 12th-15th, 2021 : #2 R-DHAP Salvage Chemo
January 28th, 2021: CT Scan
February 2nd- February 8th, 2021: #3 R-Dexa-BEAM Salvage Chemo
February 23rd, 2021: CT Scan
February 27th- March 6th, 2021: #4 R-Dexa-BEAM Salvage Chemo
March 26th: CT Scan
March 29th- April 17th: Stem Cell Transplant (High Dosage Chemo, followed by Stem cell infusion. Remaining 2-3weeks recovery in an isolation unit)
June 22nd-July 13th: 15 Sessions of Radiotherapy
The R-DHAP chemo was done over a course of 4 days, meaning I stayed in the hospital for three nights. The high dosage chemo that I got before getting my stem cell infusion was called R-BEAM. This is even more toxic as it wipes away your immune system while the new stem cells reprogram your new immune system. The radiotherapy targetted the mass I had for good. I am not gonna lie. I was quite scared but I do feel lucky to be treated in Germany because the health care system is good. You can find detailed documentations for each of my treatment cycles under "Chemo Diaries" in the blog section.
Read the third and final part of my story here: My Story (Part III): Return of Carmen 2.0
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