Like my beloved Auburn Tigers, I have a new approach to my treatment for CAD
We're now targeting the underlying Waldenström's macroglobulinemia
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Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with Brukinsa (zanubrutinib). Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy.
On Saturday, Andy Burcham, the radio play-by-play voice of the Auburn Tigers football team, began his broadcast by saying, “And we’re about ready to get underway for the 2026 season.”
It’s been a rough few years for fans, alumni, and other members of the Auburn family. I’ve been an Auburn supporter since 1963, and I’m sure the blood in my veins is orange and blue. We cheer on our team through all sorts of adversity, and there’s certainly been a lot of that. But a new era has begun with a new head coach, new players, and a new playbook. That means there will be a new way of approaching our opponents.
My treatment plan for cold agglutinin disease (CAD) has a new approach as well. We’ve changed from directly treating my CAD to tackling Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, the most common type of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, which triggered the CAD.
Setting up the plays
My doctor and I had our first scrimmage last week. He suggested starting treatment with Brukinsa (zanubrutinib), a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor that slows the growth and spread of malignant B-cells. The wonderful part of this game plan is that Brukinsa is an oral tablet, so no more infusions!
However, there was a challenge when my doctor said that it’s very expensive, and most people can’t afford it. But, like a blocker suddenly appearing across the field to remove an opposing player, he asked me if the social worker on my medical team could apply for a grant in my name. I quickly gave permission, and we ran the play.
Thankfully, I received the grant, and the cancer center’s apothecary ordered the drug. My personal game commenced last Thursday as I began taking the medicine.
I have to follow a lot of instructions regarding the dosage and the handling of this drug. (The pharmacist discussed some chemistry things I hadn’t heard since high school!) I’ve had three doses from this new playbook, which focuses on treating the cancer that caused my CAD.
I’ve noticed some mild side effects. At the moment, I have some tightness in my chest and feel a bit short of breath. That is a common symptom of CAD and has happened to me before, but it also might be a side effect of the treatment. This play is under further review.
My old companion, a chronic cough, is back as well. I’m taking it as a sign that my body is adapting to this new medicine, and the team members (the components of my blood) haven’t yet adjusted to this new style of doing things.
The game isn’t over until the clock runs out
I see similarities in my voyage with CAD and the way the Auburn Tigers played their opening game. At times, it looked like things weren’t going to work out in our favor. With mere seconds left on the clock, the opponents scored to bring them within one point of tying the game. They could tie the game with an extra point and send us into overtime, or win it with a two-point conversion.
That’s a good metaphor for where I am with my treatment. Every play is crucial.
In the end, our opponents elected to go for two points and were stopped at the goal line. It was a victory for the Auburn Tigers — an ugly one, but a win nonetheless. The outcome wasn’t assured until the final buzzer, and we won by a single point.
I suspect the rest of the season will be a bumpy road, just like life with CAD. Hopefully, though, my medical team and I — along with the Tigers — will get some wins.
Note: Cold Agglutinin Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cold Agglutinin Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to cold agglutinin disease.
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