Want to connect with others with Splenic B cell Marginal Zone Lymphoma

Posted by April @sabtahis, Jul 24, 2016

There are over 80 different subtypes of lymphoma . This is a slow growing lymphoma.I'd like to know and communicate with any patient if possible.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Blood Cancers & Disorders Support Group.

Profile picture for reneemp @reneemp

Laurie,

Thanks for getting back to me. I agree about the challenges about being good - healthy diet and exercise. The most challenging thing for me is the fatigue. I use to be much more active and it’s exhausting being tired.

I am a breast cancer survivor so I already am working hard at being healthy. I do admit last night I had some sweet potato chips - yummy!

Thanks for the bone marrow info. Clearly something I am not looking forward too.

Yes, continuing to connect would be nice.

It’s getting cold in Minnesota. Enjoy the day. Renee

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Renee,
I've lost track of some posts and replies but wanted to check in and also ask a question of you and the group. I had great results from my bloodwork of late last year, and just had another checkup. Unfortunately, my bloodwork coincided with the trail end of a cold and my numbers were slightly elevated. (I had tested negative for Covid but had sore throat, slight cough, and tiredness.) My ocologist mentioned an ivig infusion, telling me he has a "low threshold" for that procedure. My proteins aren't at scary levels but I could tell he was suggesting I could have the ivig to bolster my numbers. We left it that if I have recurring colds or other symptoms I should have it done. I know that I've been trying my best to live healthy and manage my immune system without any infusions, and that saying yes is acknowledging this is a cancer that I have little control over. (That's a tough realization for me.) However, I realize this is a resource I probably should take advantage of, especially with Covid still lurking. Can anyone offer insights about side effects or other issues with ivif? I am due for my second Covid booster - sounds like side effects are similar to covid shots - I always end up with flu-like symptoms. Beginning to dread that about every issue but think I need to buck up and deal!!! Hope you are well and your health is steady! Laurie

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Profile picture for theresad2 @theresad2

thank you for the paper, it was very encouraging about treatment. I am now due back for repeat studies in 6 months and during that time I hope to settle on a second opinion professional. I am certainly considering the Mayo Clinic. My local oncologist has put the ball in my court at the present. I am slowly developing a self care routine with activity and connections that increase a sense of well-being, but I'm still trying new things. It's a balancing act between denial and obsession I'm getting better at.

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Theresa, here’s the link to more information about requesting an appointment at Mayo Clinic, either by self-referral or having your physician submit a referral http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

If you have any questions about Mayo, I’m sure @scsimpson @stankent and @reneemp would be happy to answer questions.

All the best with your appointments next week, Stan.

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Profile picture for reneemp @reneemp

I will be going to hematology and endocrinology. Thanks for all your advice.

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Renee, Ok Thanks.
I have tests ( labs, CT, Bone M biopsy) there on April 12. Then Hematology and Lung Oncology appointments on April 20th. I hope you appointments go well and provide the help you are seeking. Update us following your visit.

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Profile picture for SteveSmzl @scsimpson

I was diagnosed in May with splenic marginal zone lymphoma. For the past 6 years I have been dealing with Itp. Now it turns out that it was smzl.I had my spleen removed in July. Now I am waiting until April to have another bone marrow biopsie to see if the lymphoma in my marrow go down. Does anyone have any advice?

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I will be going to hematology and endocrinology. Thanks for all your advice.

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Profile picture for reneemp @reneemp

Thanks for the tips. I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and advice. Renee

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Renee, I'm not sure if you are familiar with the Mayo Rochester facility. It is quite large, but there are many information kiosks and volunteers that are quite helpful. Just park in the Damon parking ramp ( or the Graham ramp) , take the elevator to the sub level and follow the signs to your appointment building. Cancer care is split into many specialties/departments and each has their own check-in desk. If you're willing to share, which department(s) will you being seeing?

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Profile picture for theresad2 @theresad2

I do find activity is great for my attitude and I am glad I am able. Walking and talking with a friend on a nice day is an important part of my self care. Unfortunately my spleen is so enlarged (21 cm) some things like yoga only increase my awareness and concern. I just got clearance to wait another 6 months before I repeat studies so I am happy I can let it go for the summer. It does help hearing how others cope. Let us know how the April visit goes!

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I know what you mean about the increase of awareness of ‘normal’ movements. I am discovering that sometimes when I do yoga I end up in pain so I have been experimenting with taking a day off and not doing as many bends. It’s such a trial and error process.

Glad to hear you have 6 months until some more tests.

Thanks for sharing and enjoy the day. Renee

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Profile picture for stankent @stanleykent

Renee, I hope your visit to Mayo is helpful for you. While I was at Mayo, I found the American Cancer Society office to be to informative. Just stroll through, it has quite a library of books, pamphlets, and at times, offer some talks/presentations on various topics. It's a fairly large glassed-in area on the west side of the Gonda lobby on the ground floor ( street level). Let me know if you have any questions.

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Thanks for the tips. I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and advice. Renee

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Profile picture for theresad2 @theresad2

I just got a reprieve for another 6 months before I return for repeat studies. I am happy about this but wonder sometimes if I should let go of resisting treatment. Especially when I hear you had no side effects! Bravo! That is encouraging, thanks!

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Theresa

You are welcome. Anytime you have questions don't be afraid to ask. Everyone here are always ready to help. Good luck with your journey.

Steve

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Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung

Welcome Theresa. I'm confident that fellow SMZL'ers like @scsimpson @waltera @kayak4me @juiceylucy @reneemp @stanleykent @cdwilm27 will join me in welcoming you to the group.

Here is a paper from 2018, a follow up to a 2007 study that may interest you.
- Rituximab monotherapy in splenic marginal zone lymphoma: prolonged responses and potential benefit from maintenance https://ashpublications.org/blood/article/132/6/666/39401/Rituximab-monotherapy-in-splenic-marginal-zone

Theresa, I can understand your reluctance to start medication, especially one that has side effects like rituximab. Have you spoken to your oncologist about the pros and cons of delaying treatment? Might getting a second opinion at Mayo Clinic be an option for you?

What are the activities that bring you joy?

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thank you for the paper, it was very encouraging about treatment. I am now due back for repeat studies in 6 months and during that time I hope to settle on a second opinion professional. I am certainly considering the Mayo Clinic. My local oncologist has put the ball in my court at the present. I am slowly developing a self care routine with activity and connections that increase a sense of well-being, but I'm still trying new things. It's a balancing act between denial and obsession I'm getting better at.

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Profile picture for SteveSmzl @scsimpson

Theresa
I can't say to much about watch and wait but I can respond to to Rituximab use. I had my enlarged spleen removed in July of 2017. Then pet scan showed that lymphoma was in my bone marrow. So I had 4 weeks of Rituximab which put me in remission. Which I am currently still in. I had no side effects with the Rituximab. I wish you well.

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I just got a reprieve for another 6 months before I return for repeat studies. I am happy about this but wonder sometimes if I should let go of resisting treatment. Especially when I hear you had no side effects! Bravo! That is encouraging, thanks!

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