Monday, December 15, 2008

Cytogenics results: positive for translocation...

This one will be quick, as I am still trying to process this info and learn what it all means. I think the clock is about to move pretty quickly to start treatment, as I was told this afternoon that my Cytogenetics tests came back positive for abnormal translocation.

What this means is that chromosome 8 rearranges when it gets near chromosome 14. This is called a MYC-rearangement.

As a result, my run-of-the-mill Lymphoma, which we knew to be diffuse large B-cell, is actually a more rare variant (just like Burkitt's) that is called c-myc DLBCL. Roughly 1% of Lymphomas are this type.

I have a lot to learn...

8 comments:

Erin said...

Wow man...we are praying for you, Candace, and your doctors each and every day.

Unknown said...

You are an amazing man! You are an inspiration. I hope that you beat Shane at golf every time we play for the next 40 years or so. And I will gladly take 3rd! I love you.
Ronnie Bates

Jon and Amanda said...

Oh Stuart...I'm so sorry. We're praying for you both.

PS Mr T said to tell Bentley "hello" He had a great time with his new friend.

David, Jenny, Jack and Victor said...

You da man. Ntha pow-leese!

if you gonna stick it, stick it.

Meghan said...

Goodness.

Geez.

(deep sigh)

I dunno what to write.

I'm glad that the TYPE has been specifically nailed down so that you can get the best treatment you can for it. I'm in awe of the fraility of the human body and just how little I have to complain about really.

I watched a YouTube clip the other day from the Conan O'Brien show. He was interviewing a comedian by the name of Louis CK. (he's actually pretty raunchy in real life...) Whenever I get moany and whiny I say to myself, "I'm in a chair in the sky!"

Watch this and you'll see why....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbIGbZ6gq_Y

lisa engle said...

trusting Him.

grateful to witness you two doing the same. thanks for walking this out 'with us'.

His sweet, sweet peace to you both.

Blog Strong said...

Hey Stuart,

About one month ahead of you and wanted to let you know I'm following you and hoping for the best with the cytogenics...

Also wanted to let you know that so far, waiting for the results was BY FAR the most difficult time period for me. It may seem unlikely as you think about the prospect of starting treatment, but better days are on the way.

Once you know what's up and start kicking cancer's ass with treatment, life gets a hell of a lot better.

Finally, once you know what treatment protocol you're on feel free to shoot me a comment or email with any questions. So far I've experienced the effects of Vincristine, Daunrubicin, PEG-Asparaginase and Prednisone plus cytarabine and methotrexate (injected into my spine). These are all pretty common chemo drugs. My mom is a lymphoma survivor who went through the R-CHOP protocol years ago and I'd be happy to put you in touch with her with any questions if it looks like your on a more similar protocol. For me, not knowing what to expect from the drugs was scary and I'd be happy to help in any way I can.

Sam
http://www.blogstrongweis.blogspot.com/
bikeryder@gmail.com

Kelly said...

Stu, I'm praying for you and Candace. You are so strong and have such Faith I have no doubt you will kick cancer's butt! Love you!