And the next chapter begins . . . . . . . .

Where to begin?

It was probably early December 2014 when I felt the first familiar twinge of pain in my spine. I thought to myself that I was imagining it; I was being overly sensitive. The rest of the month continued as it should. We were having a great Christmas and I was cancer free. New Year's Eve we went to a party with our friends. Awesome dinner, champagne, desserts, dancing, celebrating my new freedom and positive outlook for 2015.  Saturday, January 2, 2015 normal day for us. Lots of little chores around the house that we always enjoy. I don't remember what we made for dinner, but Robert loves to cook so I am sure he prepared something great. I made us our usual before dinner cocktail and then it happened. One swallow and minutes later I was having a painful attack in my spine again. I can't explain what I felt at that moment but I knew it was back. 

I emailed my primary doctor right away. His response was quick and an MRI was scheduled immediately. My primary doctor has been my greatest advocate. He has looked outside the box when I have become the most frustrated. He has ensured that I receive quick care every time something new comes along. This time was no different.

MRI showed that the mass on my spine had returned to almost the same size as when this all started. Another spinal biopsy was scheduled. Once again the initial results report indicated an infection. I met with an infectious disease (ID) doctor. Robert and I both expressed our disappoint and concern over what we felt was a bogus diagnosis.  The ID doctor referred most of our concern to my oncologist. I was given a huge supply of antibiotics again. The next day it was confirmed that my Hodgkin's Lymphoma was back. Just as we had suspected.

My oncologist was retiring and referred me to a new doctor closer to home. It was a welcomed relief when he called me and asked if I would mind switching to a Hodgkin's Lymphoma specialist. Well, of course I want a specialist. My new Onc is awesome. She has done trials and research with Stanford University, the #1 HL hospital in the nation. She is aggressive and doesn't hold anything back. Just how we like it. 

She explained I have recurrent HL, this is when the disease returns within a year. Mine is more serious because it really never went away. So onward to the next regimen. ICE followed by a transfer to Stanford for a stem cell transplant. 

ICE - 

Ifosfamide

Carboplatin

Etoposide

Three days in the hospital followed with 21days off. We will do this three times and take an eight week break. I will then be admitted to Stanford for my stem cell transplant. This is the part that scares me the most. They will take my blood to harvest my stem cells. I will then go through conditioning, this is intense chemotherapy to prepare my body for the transplant. What I mean by intense is killing everything in my body and taking me to the edge of death. After two weeks of this I will receive my stem cells and remain in the hospital for approximately another 2wks. The real work begins when I am released to come home. A long road of recovery to regain health and strength.

I think this is long enough for now. More to come soon.