Anyone have Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma?

Posted by cindylb @cindylb, Jul 28, 2017

Does anyone in the group have Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma? I am waiting for an appointment with my oncologist (follow up for breast cancer) and am at possible risk for this cancer. I'd like to hear from anyone who has experienced these symptoms, how they got their diagnosis and what treatments they have or are having. Thank you.

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My husband has CTCL, diagnosed about 5 years ago.
Entered a drug trial at UAMS and it worked but still has to be approved by FDA. He has gone from two weeks per month to one week of IV of this drug. He had it several years and was treated as eczema. This is a tricky one to diagnose. We feel like it is finally under control.

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I have just been diagnosed with this week. Seeing the oncologist on Friday. Thanks for posting this question, looking forward to reading the responses.

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Hi Georgie

I do not have a unit. Maybe you were thinking of someone else’s post.
My sis was treated for her T-cell with radiation therapy at hospital. 5 treatments over 5 weeks. All the best!

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@shari715

I have a light box from National Biology. It is Panosol II. 31 nm Nbuvb. The doctor’s office was charging me $ 40 for my co-pay. Pretty expensive lifetime payment. It is also so much easier to do it at home. It is different from the doctor’s office as their machine is a booth and it does your whole body. Good luck.

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I have a different, b-cell subset (PMZCL), but I believe it can be treated with phototherapy, too. Would you mind sharing the cost of your home unit?

I visited the National Biology site to check, but did not see that particular model unit listed, nor were any prices posted at their site. Great that you can do your phototherapy at home.

Thanks for posting about it.

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@shari715

I have a light box from National Biology. It is Panosol II. 31 nm Nbuvb. The doctor’s office was charging me $ 40 for my co-pay. Pretty expensive lifetime payment. It is also so much easier to do it at home. It is different from the doctor’s office as their machine is a booth and it does your whole body. Good luck.

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Thank you! I appreciate you taking time to reply.

Gary

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I have a light box from National Biology. It is Panosol II. 31 nm Nbuvb. The doctor’s office was charging me $ 40 for my co-pay. Pretty expensive lifetime payment. It is also so much easier to do it at home. It is different from the doctor’s office as their machine is a booth and it does your whole body. Good luck.

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@shari715

Wow. I am so sorry. My dermatologist noticed something strange on the back of my leg during a biannual routine checkup. I think he was able to spot the difference because he sees my skin often. I was shocked with the diagnosis. I saw an oncologist who did PET scan and blood work. I was so happy it was stage 1. I am doing UV radiation 3 times a week. My doctor was amazing and worked with my insurance for me to purchase the equipment for my house. None of this has been cheap but now I am set up it should be okay. This is the second time I have had cancer - I had a non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This involved chemo and radiation 35 years ago. I was not happy with another cancer diagnosis but at least it is stage 1 and not stage 3. I know that my Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma will most certainly require chemo, surgery, radiation. I know the oncologist could not believe I was only Stage 1. It is very unusual. What you describe is the expected course. Hang in there. Cancer is not fun but if you have a good team of doctors, excellent health insurance, family, and friends for support it does make life slightly easier. My insurance does not cover care at Mayo. Feel free to stay in touch.

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Shari715

Good to hear your ctcl is undee control. I, too have stage 1 MF. Treated with uvb at the dermatologist office it is under control. I'd like to treat at home with lights. Can you share the brand/model you are using?

Thanks, Gary

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Thanks so much! I wish the same for you too!🙂

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Hi. I was recently diagnosed with CTC lymphoma. Interestingly, I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 1988. I had tons of treatment - chemo and radiation. I had no issues for 35 years and the was diagnosed with CTC lymphoma. The oncologist does not know if there is any connection. In 1988 the doctors had no genetic information so it was very different. Good luck. I hope all works out.

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Thank you for this important information. I am happy to read you are finally getting some relief. It sounds like you have been through a lot!
My sister has Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma.
She is stage one. She has had 4 radiation treatments on the sore on her skin
(nasty looking). Her bloodwork is now normal. (Had low white blood cell count). Her scans were also clear. Praise the Lord! I am so grateful!
I have heard from so many people with stories about their own battle with skin cancer and much support. I am so appreciative of this Mayo Clinic site.
Thank you everyone. God bless you all! Debby

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