For years, I had searched for the problem with my left eye. The white of my eye would turn red, then yellow. Applying eye drops sometimes, it would begin to look normal then after a month or more, the process would begin over again. My primary physician was inept. The only suggestion he had for my problem with an injection of steroids. One afternoon, he wasn't available and I went to another doctor who was taking his calls. She was astounded at the doses of steroids, showed me photos of individuals who was on the regimen and the serious problems steroids had caused to their teeth and bones. It was then that I decided to search for a solution. Time to change primary doctors. It was a long road to finding the diagnosis.
Finally, after going to eight specialists one of them said, "You need an Ophthalmologist." This is the beginning of the next stage of my journey. Steroid drops for the eyes proved non-effective. After three weeks of treatment, Dr. Soparkar was in the office and Dr. Jenkins requested an examination. I was thrilled. Dr. Soparkar had treated me for Hashimoto's thyroiditis. (Dr. Soparkar is known in the medical field for his discoveries and knowledge.) Dr. Soparkar noticed a nodule on the right-side/back of the eyeball and advised Dr. Jenkins to send me to the Alkek Eye Center at the Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Alice Mataba was concerned with the nodule so she ordered a scan and photos. During the eye operation, Dr. Mataba found the tumor, located in the eye socket. The diagnosis of the biopsy was Orbital MALT Lymphoma.
Hearing the word, "cancer" is a blow! Dr. Soparkar made a gentle delivery of the 'c' word. Bless his heart! Recommending Oncologist, Dr. Pretti, Methodist Hospital, was the best decision in my next stage of my journey. Now my real journey had begun. Hope this blog gives you the information that you will need if you are beginning your journey with Orbital MALT Lymphoma. On a positive note, Orbital MALT Lymphoma is rare, less than 10% of all the Lymphoma diagnosis and a 95% cure rate. Dr. Pretti said, "If you're going to be diagnosed with a type of Lymphoma...it's the best Lymphoma to be diagnosed with!"
This blog will continue on to the radiation therapy. Depending on what stage (Stage 1-4) the physicians differ on treatment before beginning radiation - chemotherapy or antibiotics. Blood tests, scans, MRI's and the making of the mask are on the agenda before radiation begins. Patience is the key to successful treatment.
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