Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma

Cypher · New User Joined: 16 Nov 2007 Posts: 1

Hi,

I'm trying to find concrete information about the titled cancer.
My mother died this saturday, and the biopsy result, which we received only on monday, two days later, referred to angioimmunoblastic t-cell lymphoma.

It seems that until 2003 there were only 29 documented or studied cases.

But I can't seem to understand from the different publications what might have been done or can be done with this sickness.

She had a leg pain about a month and a half ago (upper leg, where the lymph node is) and first painkillers worked - then, after working once, they didn't anymore.

Then, on or about Oct. 12 she swelled up - the whole body. She thought it was an alergic reaction since she did suffer from allergies.
Then, after a doctor's visit, she was referred to the ER for a biopsy.
It was first scheduled to the 21st, but they said they can't operate since she had neumonia.
[From what I read, both the "allergic" like symptoms and the "neumonia" like ones are manifestations of this cancer]
They finally did the biopsy on the 31st, after which for ten days she was weak, gradually ate less and less, had wounds in her mouth and nose, legs swollen and concrete - like a plastic doll - and couldn't even walks herself to the bathroom.
Until this saturday, when after calling an ambulance, she simply was too exhausted to try and breathe - the lymphoma stranglled her.

She looked peaceful. Serene.
She was only 55.

Her father, my frandfather, asked "I'm 80, she's 55 - why am I alive and she isn't?"

Does anyone know what could have been done? If anything?
Is there a treatement?
Was this too fast for any attempt of treatment?
Anything at all?

Please, some help.
Even pointing me to a forum where doctors, oncologists or hematologists, can answer.

brainman

Cypher, first of all, my condolences on the death of your mother. My mother died just over 9 years ago of GBM, a primary brain cancer.

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell is also known as AIL and is indeed a rare form of Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. The treatments available are basically the same as for any other Lymphoma included Stem Cell Transplant for very aggressive forms of AIL. If she had been diagnosed properly, your mother's medical team would probably have started her on steroids. Unfortunately, the results from the biopsy were too late.

I am truly very sorry for your loss. I will be thinking about and praying for you and your family.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

cammasue · New User Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 1

So sorry to hear about your mother. I can imagine what you have been going through. This past September, just 8 days before his 60th birthday, my father was diagnosed with stage 4 angioimmunoblastic. It has been an ugly battle. We had to put him in the hospital twice and he should be there now.

They got him started on CHOP and learned in mid-December that it was failing, even though he was feeling better than he ever had. The week before Christmas they started him on a drug called Ontak, which has been absolutely brutal on him. This past week it seems his health has slipped and his doctor is out of town. Those caring for him at the cancer center seem to want to admit him to the hospital, but he keeps saying he doesn't want to. In fact, he informed us that he does not wish to continue fighting this as the doctors have told us that there is a strong possibility that he could be on some type of treatment for the rest of his life.

We are fortunate in that we have no regrets, only wonderful memories. I don't want him to suffer any more even though I so badly want him to keep fighting. I am expecting my first child in July, his first grandbaby. I want him to be able to hold this little being and it devistates me to think he wont be able to.

The doctor will be able to see him tomorrow and I suspect we will be making hospice arrangements. I am frightened and I certainly don't want to see him die. I just pray that he is comfortable and peaceful.

No matter how it happens, losing a loved one is brutal. I feel like I have peace with it, but I am paralyzed by the situation. Suddenly we are grown up, dealing with doctors, attorney's, wills, powers of attorneys.

This response really has no purpose other than to express my condolences to you and get thoughts off my mind to those who have cared for people going through this. Hang in there!

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