Karen McKy

Today is the PET Scan, installation of a PICC Line and an Ultrasound. The bone marrow test conclusively defined for me today that I have Follicular Lymphoma. This is a highly treatable lymphoma and the treatments are typically very effective at putting the Lymphoma into remission. I’m going to have a PICC Line installed to save me from being constantly jabbed all the time for blood draws and also to deliver the chemo into the larger veins. I learned this was an option and leaped at the opportunity to have this line installed. I am SO grateful for this intervention. My arm veins are small and I don’t want to burn them up with the chemo drugs. I also had a chest, abdomen and pelvic Ultrasound done late this afternoon. Measurements were taken of the lymph nodes in my chest and abdomen. They are measuring 70mm by 30mm (about 3 inches by 1 inch roughly). These lymph nodes are huge and are causing me difficulty swallowing liquid and food. They are putting pressure on my esophagus, stomach and organs.The lymph nodes are supposed to be about 1/4-1/2 inch long and flat! Not huge like these have become. The good news, no organs seem to have any cancer! Yea!!! I’m to be moved to the cancer wing today. That sounds ominous. It will make it possible for me to have top level oncology nursing staff and the chemo in my room tomorrow. I have to keep humbling myself as it seems to be a bit more scary and involved each step I take forward.

Hello Everyone,

It’s been a lot of testing over 10 days to figure out what is going on with me. The fluid from the lung taps was tested but there were no lymphoma cells in the fluid drained from my lungs on Oct 31, Nov 1  and again on Nov 3rd.

On Nov 5th the doc shared her suspected diagnosis that I had some form of Lymphoma. That was hard to hear as I was still hopeful I was dealing with an autoimmune disease or something NOT cancer related. I made the determination to go ahead and engage in the next step, Which was to start a steroid, Prednisolone, to help get the water retention in my body to drain. I’m super swollen through my entire abdomen and pelvic area. I still have one lung with a lot of fluid in it.

A day of respite. I awakened before sunrise to the songs of about 30 Australian Crows in the Birch Tree beside my bedroom window. Have a listen. They are very interesting to hear.

Today is the bone marrow test. I’m nervous about this, but they assured me they will give me a mild sedative and I won’t feel anything. I’m happy about that! The whole thing was much easier than I expected and I didn’t feel anything. Such a blessing to have helpful methods to ease the anxiety and pain.

I awakened early in the morning with terrible cotton mouth due to the steroid. I’ve never had a steroid. So, I wasn’t expecting this. I can hardly swallow. I had to hold the water in my mouth a few moments just to let it re-hydrate my tissues before I swallowed. Crazy! On a light note, I was blessed with a beautiful sunrise from my window. Had a visit from Doc Wolf. He said no additional (4th) lung tap needed. (Thankfully!!!) We’ll wait to see how the steroid performs. This is a huge relief. While greatly relieving, the lung taps are not at all fun or comfortable in any way.