The ups and downs!

Blair here - it was my turn to be at the hospital today (Wednesday).

Lauren's oncologist, Dr. Weinstein, came to visit this morning to let us know exactly what kind of cancer we are battling this time, to present a plan of action and to discuss with Lauren if and how she would like to proceed.

This is definitely cancer. It is called Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. This is a different kind of cancer than the one she had last time. The doctor wants to treat it with a combination of steroids (Prednisone) given for 5 days up front, Cytoxin given once every three weeks, and Rituximab given once each week. Depending on how Lauren's body reacts, the treatment cycle will last from 12-18 weeks.

Lauren was presented with two options. The first option is the chemotherapy treatment described above. The second is no treatment, which does not have a good ending. Lauren wants to go through the treatment and continue to fight.

She continues to lose blood and they can't figure out why or how. Her blood pressure went extremely high tonight for a variety of reasons which is concerning. Before they can start chemo tonight, we need to get her high blood pressure under control and give her 3 units of blood via transfusion.

She is currently resting peacefully, We hope it won't be a long night ahead and that all of the treatments will be able to move forward as planned.

Thank you for your continued faith and prayers! We can feel them making a difference for all of us!