Well, here we are - OH was diagnosed in August 2014, so W&W didn't last as long as we had hoped it would. Most figures have remained fairly stable, but platelet levels consistently around 80 for last 9 months, so FCR starting tomorrow. As he is pretty fit, we are hoping that 4 lots of treatment will be enough, but will obviously take it as it comes. Mother in law (who, aged 86, hasn't been told, at his request), arrives for a holiday the following week, so hoping there'll be no obvious side effects, or that they will at least be short lived.
Both trying to treat this as a phase to be endured, a bit like when I had a broken leg and was non weightbearing for 3 months - you know it's going to be difficult, but you get through and things will be better in the end. Fingers crossed.
Sending enormous best wishes for the start of your husband's FCR. He sounds in the right shape to weather this well and hope a reduced regime does the business with spectacular success.
Just make sure mother in law isn't arriving with any infectious conditions that could make her a risk to him during this vulnerable period. Being unaware, if she's like my M-I-L, she'll arrive and then announce a cough, possible chest infection or a suspicious rash!
Yes you might have to have a story ready in case she has a virus etc... Something like.... At the moment OH is it? has a low immune system but... is getting some treatment..and.. for now we all have to be very careful regarding hygiene etc...that would be fairly acceptable ...Do you think!!!.
Best of wishes to you both for the journey ahead... Sometimes bumpy!! I can vouch for that. More for some than others. Having you by his side will be enormously helpful.
Wishing you and your husband all the best! It is so difficult with aging parents. I do hope the side effects are minimal. I was able to keep my diagnosis from my mother-in-law. I was so afraid it would hasten her death. Let us know how things go.
Hi I hope the FCR is going ok. I have had three sessions now, 4th next week if bloods still ok 🤞. And like your story, I am really hoping the four sessions will be enough.
The first treatment was the easiest for me , (apart from a bad reaction to the rituximab) . They get progressively harder , but it hasn't been as tough as I expected . The other posters are correct about avoiding infection , it is crucial. Try to limit visitors and insist that no one comes to see him if they have a cold or virus. He will be extremely likely to catch it, and might end up hospitalised. Your hubby does need to rest too, if he tries to do too much it will hit him hard. I find it difficult not being able to do as much as I usually would, but have to keep thinking it's just temporary.
Have anti bacterial gel everywhere and use it often , make all visitors use it (don't be embarrassed to insist on it) and clean common surfaces regularly, esp light switches/ door and fridge handles etc)
I would love to hear how it's going , and if there are any questions I can help with please let me know .
I wish you both all the best and hope the FCR treatment goes well for your hubby.
Don't forget to take care of yourself as well though x
Wishing your hubby and you very smooth sailing, and four treatments are perfect👏
best wishes
Well, we are a week after the first innings. He was very very tired, a tiny bit nauseous but overall, so far so good. Had already lost a weight, and with little or no appetite during treatment, may lose more, so trying to keep feeding him up (he carries no excess weight anyway). So far, MIL seems oblivious to everything, trying to keep her busy so she doesn't notice him sneaking of for a siesta in the afternoon!
Thanks for all the good wishes, it's quite a strain pretending that all is as usual, but hopefully there will be light at the end of the tunnel.
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