Never Too Old for a Transplant
This morning Dad had his third bone marrow biopsy and received two bags of platelets in anticipation of the procedure to place his central line catheter tomorrow, Friday, February 19th. At 1:00 p.m., we met with two different nurses, not Denise, and Dr. Ayala. First,...
Hello?
Yesterday, Dad’s second donor, the 19 year old from Germany, was to have his physical evaluation to confirm that he is able to serve as a donor for the stem cell transplant. As of 9:45 p.m. last night, Dad still hadn’t heard. We are a bit frustrated...
More Blood, Please
Dad will continue to receive regular blood support at the Moffitt Cancer Center at International Plaza (MIP) until it is time for him to be admitted for his stem cell transplant on February 21st. Dad’s latest blood counts indicated the need for a blood...
New Donor, New Date
Upon arrival to the Moffitt Cancer Center this morning, I went straight to Starbucks on the first floor. As I stood in line to order my standard venti-skinny-vanilla latte and Mom’s tall-hazelnut latte, Krista, hematology oncology PA, greeted me with...
Tick, Tick, Tick
This is the week. Or so we thought. Plans were in place. Preparations were completed with anticipation that Dad would be admitted as an inpatient to Moffitt tomorrow. One of Dad’s key preparations was to get his 2015 taxes prepared and sent to his...
To Smell a Rose
Dad completed his second of three planned spot radiation treatments on his shoulder and the “egg” on his head. Dad dons his grey, flat cap when he is out in public these days. He has a large, bright blue oval, hand drawn in marker, around the...
Who is Dad?
Presently, the risk of an American man developing cancer during his life is nearly 1 in 2. In 2013, Dad was the 1 in 2 diagnosed with cancer (of any type) and 1 of 3,000 new cases of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in the U.S. Dad was 1 in 450 CTCL cases which were diagnosed as Sézary syndrome.
Who is blogging?
The primary blogger journaling Dad’s roller coaster called “cancer” is his daughter, Jennifer. Additional bloggers may include other family members.
Why this blog?
We are sharing Dad’s story so that we highlight the experiences of a real patient, a caregiver, and his family affected by cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). We want to raise awareness and share the results of the various treatments attempted for this uncommon disease. Most importantly, we want to give inspiration and hope to all families waging their personal wars against CTCL.
What is cutaneous T-cell lymphoma?
“Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) constitute a group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) of the skin. CTCLs are cancers of the T lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) that mainly affect the skin but can also involve the blood, lymph nodes and/or internal organs in patients with advanced disease. There are many types of CTCL. The two main subtypes are mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS). Initial signs of MF include skin patches, plaques or tumor nodules. SS is a type of CTCL that affects both the skin and the blood.” — Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
What is Sézary syndrome?
Dad’s Cancer Team
Dr. Ernesto Ayala
Blood & Marrow Transplant
Dr. Frank Glass
Cutaneous Oncology
Dr. Michael Montejo
Radiation Oncology
Dr. Lubomir Sokol
Malignant Hematology
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6