About Me
My name is Marc Kashinsky. I was born in Pittsburgh, PA, but currently reside in Long Beach, California.
I have mantle cell lymphoma, and to be so bold as to quote a line from another blogger “it may kill me.” Actually it is killing me, albeit very slowly at this point. In the mean time, I’m still able to function mostly as normal, going to work, riding my bike, playing golf and even planning for vacations.
In fact, if it wasn’t for that fateful blood test of March 26, 2002, I might not even know I was sick.
But that isn’t the case, so I decided to chronicle my life from the beginning (not from when I was born, mind you, but from that fateful day), and remembering it’s not just about being sick. Even if you’ve been diagnosed with a terminal illness, that doesn’t mean life ends.
We’re all going to die, most of us just have different perspectives on when that is going to happen. It’s how we deal with the living part of our lives, that makes a difference.
Want to know more? Read on………
I am encouraged, slightly horrified, and inspired by this entire.. blog you’ve greated. A random click brought me to your site and after a few moments of looking around I came and read your about page.
I’m glad I did and I will be sure to check in from time to time.
You’re living a whole lot of life
thank you for sharing that with all of us
Hi Marc – I am 45 and was diagnosed with MCL stage 2A last November aged 44. I have just finished 18 weeks of R-CHOP chemo and am in remission. I have also been blogging as therapy. Glad you are still well. I am confused as to what to do now as the prognosis is so apparently poor. Anyway, I will be following you from now on. Stephen
Thanks for sharing! My husband (age 53) just finished treatment for MCL, and is now in remission! It’s really scary – that this disease can reappear. This coming week he goes in for his last treatment- and hospital stay. I only hope his remission is as long as a long lifetime. I am happy to hear that the remission from MCL can last many, many years!
Just been diagnosed with MCL. Prognosis seems grim speaking to my specialist in the UK but I have to say your blog is inspirational. It’s great to hear someone with such courage, you and others like you make me realise there is hope. I’m a 48 year old divorcee with 2 kid’s my sons ten and lives with me and my new partner. Between them they give me every reason to live and you show that you can. We’re getting on with living and planning to get married in the next few months. Can’t thank you enough. Cheers.
Hi Marc,
I am just wondering if you had any problems with sleep after finishing treatment? My husband had Stage IV MCL- and finished treatment just a few months ago- and is in Remission!… and is growing his hair back too! He is having so much trouble staying asleep at night though, that he is now on sleeping pills- but still no relief. I am just wondering if you heard of that before? He’s so exhausted that it’s hard to function. You can reach me at nilzam@aol.com. Please put MCL in the title. Thanks! -Rachel
PS If anyone else wants to reach me regarding our experience with MCL- feel free to at nilzam@aol.com, and again- please put MCL in the title of the email. (Today is 06/27/2011)
Marc, I was so excited to see your email come in from lymphomation! I was just released from the hospital after a really bad reaction after my 4th r-chop. I am DONE with chemo. I will not let it kill me. I am not going off the deep end, but rather taking control of my life. I am going to try the wholistic approach and live my quality life to the fullest. Thanks , for the informative blog. I will be following it.
Marc, I have learned so much from your site. I am planning to visit one or two major cancer centers on the west coast. Over the course of your study of MCL, have you come across Doctors who are experienced with MCL and are cutting edge in terms of approach. I was dx’d stage IV one month ago (cervical lymph node and 5% bone marrow involvement) but with zero symptoms and feeling quite fine actually. Thanks, John
Marc,
It has been a long time or too long, but I think we are related. My father’s name was Isadore (Sailor). If you are who I think you are, please send me an email at sandeecow@aol.com. I remember your father Uncle Jock.
You look great!
Sandee
I was just thinking about MCL survival and found this blog through google. I was diagnosed with Stage IV MCL almost 8 years ago. Underwent R-HyperCVAD chemo and went into complete remission after three rounds. Relapsed a year and an half later and opted for aggressive treatment. RICE followed by a min–allo SCT in late summer 2006. I was fortunate that my 5 year younger sister was a perfect match. Withstood the SCT well however 5 months later developed Stage IV GVHD of both the skin and small intestine. Hospitalized for 3 months and couldn’t eat. I received nutrition and meds intravenously. Bone Marrow Transplant specialists at Massachusetts General Hospital tried all sorts of medications to treat intestional GVHD and finally found sucess with a treatment used for Chron’s Disease. Except for bi-monthly visits to BMT Center for infusion of immunoglobin, no other issues. Working full time and going about life.
Andy