Cycle Four—Jay’s Fourth Mantle Cell Lymphoma Treatment—Treatments Are Working!
Updated: 4 hours ago
Every case of Mantle Cell Lymphoma is different. I'm sharing our journey, not offering medical advice. Treatment decisions should always be made with your oncology team.
The Scenic Route to Jay’s Mantle Cell Lymphoma Treatment
With a sense of adventure coursing through our veins and the rough, rugged Pacific Ocean to our left, we cruised up Highway 101, meandering through quaint port towns, and making mental notes about places to explore more in the future.
A little north of Lincoln City, we steered my trusty Subaru Crosstrek northeast toward Portland. Taking the scenic route burned about an hour’s worth of extra gas compared to the most direct course, but it sparked excitement rather than the duty of another routine treatment pilgrimage.
State of mind is important for healing!
Great News Before Jay’s Fourth MCL Treatment
Jay’s oncologist discussed the results from his current blood tests and the CT scan performed the previous day.
Let’s Hear it for “Unremarkable”!
Unremarkable—ordinary, common, not worthy of special mention—is the word we hope to see dominate scan reports since Jay’s Mantle Cell Lymphoma diagnosis.
And it prevailed!
There was one exception: hepatic steatosis without lesions. That kicked the unremarkable label to the curb.
Translation: fatty liver with no lesions (tumors) detected.
The doctor explained that the finding wasn’t a current area of concern because no lesions were detected to suggest MCL involvement in the liver.
Jay isn’t overweight, doesn’t have diabetes, and his liver blood tests all fall within the normal range. According to his doctor, the fatty liver isn’t a health issue at this time.
Cue the Angels Singing!
The oncologist explained that based on the scan report, Jay has achieved complete radiographic response.
Translation: All previously visible signs of the cancer have completely disappeared on the imaging scan.
Praise God! The treatments are working!!!
We’ll have to wait another three to four weeks for the results of the MRD (measurable residual disease) test drawn earlier that day. Although I’m expecting good news, I may not have any fingernails left by the time the results appear in Jay’s patient portal.
The oncologist recommended that Jay complete the six treatment cycles regardless of the MRD test finding. If the test shows no detectable residual disease, we’ll weigh the potential benefits and risks of maintenance treatment before deciding how to proceed.
For now, we’re celebrating the good news we have!
Jay’s Fourth MCL Treatment: Infusion Days and Side Effects
The registered nurse who administered Jay’s very first infusion welcomed us on Cycle 4, Day 1. When she saw his name on the schedule, she called dibs.
It’s nice to be wanted—and comforting to see a familiar face during treatment.
The premedications and infusions went off unremarkably. Other than feeling drowsy, Jay felt fine. He fell asleep early that evening, but woke on a steroid high around 3 a.m. the next morning. Infusion Day 2 was a repeat of Day 1.
When the steroid and Zofran highs wore off, his stomach started acting a little grumpy, and he developed a mild headache. The symptoms worsened a little over the next three to four days before gradually tapering off.
The side effects seem to have increased in intensity with each successive cycle. All things considered, though, Jay’s treatment has been very tolerable.
COVID, Colds, and a Prayer for Protection
Jay’s neutrophil and lymphocyte counts have dipped below normal. His oncologist encouraged him to avoid crowds, especially during cold and flu season.
And this is October!
Two weeks after Jay’s Cycle 4 infusions, a couple of our daughter’s friends were diagnosed with COVID. Soon afterward, our toddler grandson developed a fever and runny nose.
Jay avoided close contact with the little guy as best he could. Each time I held my grandson, I prayed for his healing and asked God to protect the rest of us from whatever virus he had.
Miracle of all miracles, our grandson’s fever and runny nose broke after two days, and the rest of us stayed symptom free!
“Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.” Psalm 103: 2-3 NIV
Living with Mantle Cell Lymphoma: Hope Is Alive!
The outlook for Mantle Cell Lymphoma looks much better today than it did that first day we received Jay’s diagnosis.
MCL still looks like a huge, fire-breathing dragon, but our attitudes have changed. Instead of living like frightened villagers hiding in our home, we’ve crawled out from under the bed, donned fire resistant armor, and wielding a magic sword we battle the monster.
Hope is alive!
The treatments are working!
We know there are still steps ahead, and we’re anxiously awaiting the MRD results. But today we’re celebrating the progress Jay has made and thanking God for the treatments available to fight this beast of a disease.
We don’t know everything the future holds, but we know where our hope rests.
Mantle Cell Lymphoma: The Journey—Private Facebook Group
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with MCL, the private Facebook Group, Mantle Cell Lymphoma: The Journey, is a wonderful place to share triumphs and fears, ask questions, and receive and give support.
The group has given us so much hope and encouragement throughout Jay’s journey.
You’ll need to complete a questionnaire before your request to join can be approved, helping the group maintain its private, supportive environment.
Blessings,
Angela
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Angela L. Gold is an encourager who shares the love of Christ in her writing. She is the author of The Lion Within and Kill Shot.
