As some of you may or may not know, 3 weeks ago I was diagnosed with stage IV, high grade, Large B-Cell Lymphoma. Since I'm so awful at responding to communication these days, I thought I would start this blog so that all who are concerned can keep tabs on how things are going. These past few weeks leading up to the beginning of my treatment have been such a whirlwind, that I'm pooped already when the "party" has barely begun.
I started my chemo treatment this past Monday, the 7th. It was about 6 hours of being hooked up to an IV and getting all sorts of odd things pumped through my veins. Luckily they have all sorts of pre-meds and aftercare meds that help limit all the common awful side effects you hear about. I woke up this morning feeling like I was hit by a truck and a little queasy. After I took my medication though, that all went away for the most part for the rest of the day (except for a rather embarrassing incident at Target that was truly a scene out of "The Exorcist").
I will be getting chemo treatment every 3 weeks, 6 times, for a total of 18 weeks. My finish date is 3/25/10...
Overall, my medical team is optimistic about my response to treatment, and the general prognosis tends to be around 75% success. Taking into consideration that I'm a physically fit, active, healthy, strong guy everyone seems to feel that I should respond well to treatment. It definitely seems like it will be a battle, though, and I intend to be every part the little soldier.
A big shout out to everyone who has been so supportive so far and has witnessed my roller coaster of a life the past few weeks. I truly appreciate it. It's probably been the most surreal experience I've ever had and is truly baffling.
And to everyone who has emailed me, or called, over the past few weeks with words of encouragement and well wishes, and I haven't responded yet, I have not forgotten...once my finals are over this week(yes, amidst all this I still have to crank out 5 finals, arghh) I'll have a chance to catch up on my correspondence.
As one of my favorite drag queens says..."If you don't love yourself, how the hell are you going to love someone else. Can I get an Amen?"
love,
Stephen
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