Delaying R-Chop w/ a new B Cell lymphoma discovery?

[Guest guest]

Hello Group: Here I am again after about 4-5 months after my

last communication, and presently in need of medical advice.

Questions : Are there any negative results in delaying a

second and third cycle of R-CHOP? Below are the events that

led to this quagmire.

I am grateful for receiving advice, insight, and current

articles on Richters transformation from many of you about

the discovery of Diffuse Large B Cell lymphoma cells in PET

and BMB and lymph node needle aspiration in abdomen,

May/June 2011. My general onc. believed I did not have

Richters because I had none of the other symptoms. Although

I made him aware of relevant current information as to how

to distinguish between Richters and a parallel disease, and

the importance of the FISH to determine the status of tp 53

and the need for immediate action, none of the info produced

actions to get it done. However, my onc agreed to request my

health insurance approve a visit to the closest CLL

specialists at MD in Houston. However due to a

denial of the request and issues with appeals, it has been

almost 3 months of delays. Meanwhile there was a sudden

aggressiveness in late Sept. of the lymphoma nodes in my

abdomen invading the intestinal region causing pain,

bloating, an E.R. visit and a first cycle of R-CHOP in the

hospital. My BP went down to 80/40.

After being released, a pneumonia immediately followed and

after 7 days of hospitalization it was followed by a

pulmonary embolism. Am very fortunate and have recovered.

A second cycle of R-CHOP was due last week which I refused,

because I have been told I am close to approval to go to

MDA. My general onc wants me to get the second cycle before

going to MDA. Although I currently have some of the

abdominal discomfort, I do not have the other deteriorating

signs of Richters. It is disturbing to not know the

potential damage being done while I postpone the second and

possibly the third cycle of R CHOP. Is there too high a

cost to pay to delay what may or may not be the correct

treatment? All ideas will be appreciated.

Marilyn Barbera (Louisiana does not have Cll specialists

according to ACOR}