angioimmunoblasty T cell lymphoma AITL

Posted by fed66 @fed66, Aug 19 1:43am

My husband was diagnosed with AITL a year ago. He responded really well to the 6 sessions of chemotherapy and was offered auto stem cell therapy immediately afterwards. All the health professionals he spoke to were of the opinion that with his type of lymphoma, it really was the only way to get remission. One said the treatment would 'screw the lid on tight'.

In less than 3 months after stem cell therapy the lymphoma was back. We have since found out that there is a very low success rate of SCT on his type of lymphoma and now he has had a very adverse reaction to the first new stronger chemo treatment (anaemia and neutropenia) due to his weakened system. He is now wishing he never had SCT and his options for treatment appear to be limited going forward.

It is very hard to remain hopeful.

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kobe2026 | @kobe2026 | Aug 19 1:28pm

Step 1-NEVER GIVE UP-IF YOU DON'T CONSTANTLY WORK ON A POSTIVE ATTITUDE YOUR SETTING UP FOR FAILURE
Step 2-research as much as humanly possible the topic regarding your husband, you will be able to ask your doctor probing questions regarding a variety of treatment pathways.

Finally GOOD LUCK

Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Aug 20 10:32am

Hi @fed66. I’m sorry to read that your husband has had a relapse with his AITL (angioimmunoblasty T cell lymphoma). That must have come as such a blow after all the optimism and encouragement with his autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). With the 6 rounds of previous chemo and having gone into remission, his doctors most likely felt the ASCT would be his best bet to remain in remission. They can be very helpful in certain forms of lymphomas and multiple myeloma but unfortunately there is no guarantee…as each person has a unique journey.

With the chemo treatment he’s currently on, you mentioned your husband’s blood numbers are low and he’s experiencing neutropenia. That’s not unusual during the mid point of a chemo round. But then the numbers generally rise again. Has this been a prolonged experience after his chemo round and his neutrophils aren’t recovering?

fed66 | @fed66 | Aug 22 1:21am

In reply to @loribmt "Hi @fed66. I’m sorry to read that your husband has had a relapse with his AITL..." + (show)

Hello thank you for your reply. He has only had the first session with the new GDP chemo - then he got ill - low counts and a chest infection to complicate things. Several blood transfusions later and the counts are better, but obviously ongoing lymphoma symptoms. So i know its early days but he has a brutally honest consultant who has already said that she doesn’t expect the chemo to work.
However as you say, each person’s response is unique so it may work.