Not Yet an Avalanche
A few days ago, a most distinguished colleague who is an expert in nuclear medicine called me to relate that a lymphoma patient had directly contacted him for a consultation concerning radiotherapy (RIT). This was the first time that this had occurred in his practice. (He further went on to lament that medical oncologists seem very reluctant to refer patients to experts in radioimmunotherapy, namely nuclear medicine physicians and radiation oncologists.)
The news that a patient directly sought RIT consultation is heartening. Betsy and I are trying zealously to encourage lymphoma patients to insist upon a consultation with a RIT expert, not simply waiting for the medical oncologist to suggest this most valuable therapy.
Not yet an avalanche, indeed, but a wee step in the right direction.
Dear patient, demand a consultation with a RIT expert to learn whether this therapy is appropriate for you.
Mort
Comments
Hi there
Last fall my mother was diagnosed with Stage IV Mantle cell NHL. Living just outside Santa Fe, we first went there, then Lieds/Omaha. Over the holidays I prayed and asked God if there wasn't something else..there had to be. I googled AGAIN and found this website.
She made the decision to go straight for the Zevalin. We found a Dr. here in AlexandriaVA area that had associates with NUC-MED. She had Rituxan with Zevalin-two doses. We are from Los Alamos so Nuclear is normal to us.
She is going on the 5th week and is feeling weaker due to low blood count...She has now been given an antibiotic. She had a blood clot that appeared to have formed from the tissue surgery/biopsy in Nov.which complicated the recovery on the 2nd week. SCARY!
I know she would like to talk to others who have gone through this. She is brave at 73 to try this. She had decided that RCHOP was not the answer.
Me, I am just scared and keeping up the faith.
Cory-Jeanne
Posted by: Cory-Jeanne | March 25, 2007 3:27 AM