Lymphoma Treatment

 I have a new healthcare team since switching to a Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Plan available to me through Medicare Plan C enrollment. The new hematology/oncology doctor (HemOnc) informed me about treatment recommended for lymphoma, specific but not limited to the type I have (Non Hodgkin SLL/CLL). More about that later. 

First, we are in the staging process. This involves blood tests and radiologic scanning. I have a PET scan scheduled at the end of April. This HemOnc doc assessed me at Stage 3 because of the size of some of the swollen lymph nodes. Results of the PET will show how much the cancer has progressed in a year. 

Once all of my health factors are weighed together, a decision will be made as to whether or not it is advantageous for me to try these two pills together for two years, to kill the type of cancer cells that are threatening my quality of life. 

VENETOCLAX + ZANUBRUTINIB
Here are medical links describing these drugs, their applications, and risks. 

• FDA/Venetoclax - https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/venetoclax-venclexta-tablets
• Mayo Clinic/Venetoclax - https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/venetoclax-oral-route/description/drg-20311676
• FDA/Zanubrutinib - https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/fda-approves-zanubrutinib-chronic-lymphocytic-leukemia-or-small-lymphocytic-lymphoma
• Mayo Clinic/Zanubrutinib - https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/zanubrutinib-oral-route/description/drg-20477009

Meanwhile, we are challenged with anemia, which appears to be iron-deficiency type. Testing is in progress and I am writing about that separately as there are many factors, and it could be caused by bone marrow failure if the cancer is in the bones now. Stay tuned. More post-PET scan about that. Hoping a bone marrow biopsy is NOT necessary to figure out the root cause of anemia. 🤞

At present, we are doing three iron infusions via IV, one per week. It's going well. No side effects. It has only been a few days since the first infusion and I am feeling a little more energetic, and my blood tests show some improvement since March 23rd tests. 

I changed my diet effective March 25th, eating more red meat and eggs, and avoiding foods high in phytic acid, which blocks iron absorption. 

I'm applying labels to these blogs to help people find related topics. Click labels listed on the right side of the blog page to view more posts connected to that topic. 

I hope that sharing my health journey, and specifically my cancer journey, will be useful to others. At least, it will provide insights to my genetic offspring and those who love me and care about my emotional and mental health during this process. As I have said previously, it's easier for me to write it out than to have to talk about it repeatedly to family and friends. Thank you for getting the info this way, it is very supportive and I appreciate it!

To close this blog on a happy note, here is a recent pic of me and my honeybear. 

Oliver & Carma at Huntington Botanical Gardens
The Chinese Garden Waterfall, April 2026