Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Partial Remission

The experimental drugs LBH589 and RAD001 did their jobs. As tough as it was to be on this aggressive clinical trial, it was worth every, every, everything. It was worth every ounce of pain, fatigue, aches, tears, emotional rampages, nausea, weight loss, dry mouth. It was worth every long, cramped plane ride, every shot, every blood draw, every piece of endless paperwork and every sleepless night. Now I can see as clear as day why my body has been so wrecked and tired. Now I know that it wasn't the lymphoma growing, it was the lymphoma retreating and my body working tirelessly to get everything back into harmony.

The drugs have reduced the lymphoma problem areas in my body by more than 50 percent and eliminated some hot spots altogether. The cancer presence is not completely gone, but my PET and CT scans revealed a very, very good response; it's virtually nonexistent. The trial team in Texas was extremely pleased about the affirming science and very happy for me. The response is so good that MD Anderson has taken me off the pills and has signed off to send me onto allogeneic stem cell transplant at Sloan Kettering.

I know I have a huge treatment journey ahead of me still – arguably the biggest leg yet – but for right now I am relieved and thrilled to the core. I am finally ready. I am one huge step closer to the ultimate goal of long-term remission.


Posted by Karin Diamond at Wednesday, May 25, 2011
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23 comments:

  1. wonderchrisMay 25, 2011 at 4:10 PM

    Fabulous news!!! Congratulations!! You are a warrior through and through!

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  2. katherineMay 25, 2011 at 4:11 PM

    Wooooooooo!

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  3. MeghanMay 25, 2011 at 4:47 PM

    I am SO happy for you! This is amazing news! I have been following your journey for quite awhile now and I actually just jumped out of my chair in excitement. You've got this, totally :) Stay strong and keep on pushing, the very LAST step of your cancer journey is about to begin and then it's "back to normal" (whatever the heck that is, I'm still trying to figure it out). CONGRATS, go celebrate this victory!

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  4. jenberryMay 25, 2011 at 5:31 PM

    i'm so freakin happy right now. i'm not joking. i've been waiting for this post. it makes me cry. seriously.

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  5. AnonymousMay 25, 2011 at 8:28 PM

    Karin, I am so, so happy for you. Sending good thoughts, prayers and love to you and Craig.

    Phyllis

    P.S. And of course to Sammy, too. She needs her Mom!

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  6. AnonymousMay 25, 2011 at 9:42 PM

    WOW...this is the absolute best news I've read in a very long time!!!! I have been wearing that purple bracelet every day and I think of you always. You are my hero!!!!! Congratulations for getting to this HUGE milestone! Now keep on fighting, we're right there with you!!! I am a true fan of you Miss Karin!!!!!

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  7. AnonymousMay 25, 2011 at 9:43 PM

    AWSOME!!

    Wendy

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  8. ireneMay 25, 2011 at 10:38 PM

    So, very happy for you, precious girl. You have come a long way, with more to go, but you will do it. You are almost there. Bless you and your family. We are all with you. Love Irene

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  9. AnonymousMay 25, 2011 at 11:56 PM

    Yeah! Doing the happy dance for you.

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  10. AnonymousMay 26, 2011 at 5:52 AM

    Yahooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!! You go, girl!
    Sending you all my best, Rie

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  11. AnonymousMay 26, 2011 at 6:25 AM

    What a wonderful way to start my day. Thank you for sharing so much of your life with strangers like me.

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  12. AnonymousMay 26, 2011 at 7:18 AM

    Fantastic news!! The best way to start my day. Yes, thank you for sharing your story--the good and the bad, the trials and the joys--with strangers. Through your blog and our commonalities, I feel like I know you, and I've been so impressed with your grit and honesty. May this be the start of a long line of utterly good things coming your way. You're due and you've earned it. So very happy for you!

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  13. AnonymousMay 26, 2011 at 7:53 AM

    Cheers to you Karin Diamond! A true warrior you are! If ATTITUDE is half the battle, you have the entire Universe licked!!! Love, Blessings and Healing for continued success! Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey with us:) and we are also doing the happy dance for you today!!! Love, Amy & Mark

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  14. TriciaMay 26, 2011 at 10:33 AM

    So freaking happy for you!! Much love to you and your family!

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  15. jaime seltzerMay 26, 2011 at 11:35 AM

    this is great news...you are now on your way to the next level....

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  16. AnonymousMay 26, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    Karin,
    We don't know each other and I don't even know how I stumbled onto your blog one day. Your writing is amazing, and you have an amazing attitude and spirit. I just wanted to let you know that I'm pulling for you and happy to hear such great news today. I look forward to much good news in the future as you kick cancers ass.
    Take care of yourself and remember to ask for help when you need it.

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  17. AnonymousMay 26, 2011 at 12:54 PM

    Karin!!! I was so worried when you did not post from Texas right away. This is sooooo great! I am serious about the offer to visit you in Sloan Kettering from one Karin Diamond to another. I can't wait to meet you. Everyone who posts that your blog is so well-written and so inspirational is 100% right.
    Congrats on this big step forward.

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  18. ninaMay 26, 2011 at 8:59 PM

    So after trying one key after another - that 'cancer lock'which has proven to be so insidious to open - the right key has been found. Open the lock - let out that cancer, let out all that cancer.
    Keep it unlocked and never let that cancer get locked into your body again -
    Now on to the last humongous huddle - the transplant.
    Get it scheduled, get it done, get it good - oh so good.
    ~Nina

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  19. TravelgirlMay 26, 2011 at 11:17 PM

    Wow Karin, I'm so unbelievably thrilled for you! I came to check if there was an update and had a weird feeling that I was going to hear good news and here it is!

    Rock on warrior. Kick Hodgkins in the ass for good!

    Karen

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  20. AnonymousMay 27, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    Congrats! Such amazing news. My wife and I will send good thoughts your way for the transplant.

    My wife just started PLX3397 yesterday. We are hopeful it will bring her to a point that she can do a transplant afterwards .

    Brandon

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  21. LauraMay 28, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    oh, CONGRATULATIONS! You are truly a warrior. A smiling, inspirational warrior:)

    SCT is tough BUT you've been through the ringer and came out strong. Sloane-Kettering is wonderful, a dear friend of mine had her BMT there a decade ago and she is thriving.

    You are a blessing to those who you are sharing this journey with. THank you for being amazing:)

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  22. AnonymousJune 1, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    Yay!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited for you!!! You are one amazing woman!

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  23. Danger KittenJune 9, 2011 at 8:25 PM

    WOOHOO!!! So happy to log on after not checking in a while and see this beautiful, smiling picture of you holding up those awesome pictures!

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