Here's the Situation

Hey everyone - so this is my entry into blogging - an act which I swore I'd never become involved in, as it's so shamelessly exhibitionistic. That having been said, I guess it's best not to knock it til you try it... My primary objective with this thing is to document my experiences with this non-Hodgkin's lymphoma thing I seem to have picked up - more on that later. I'd kind of like to have a forum in which I can save my thoughts to look back on as the treatment progresses, and get out some of my thoughts and feelings on various subjects. So here's the story - and what I told my friends last Tuesday in a bulk email. I think it'll be easier to block quote than to reconstruct the message - and it still remains accurate:

A couple of months ago I began to experience experienced a pain and tightness in my chest. The initial indications were for a condition called chostrochondritis, which is essentially an inflammation of the muscles or ligaments in the sternum. The pain persisted and increased during subsequent weeks. The doctor ordered an x-ray and additional follow-up visits, but the diagnosis still seemed to be the same. The pain subsequently spread to my back and shoulder and my primary care physician wisely suggested a CT scan. When the doctor reviewed the results with the radiologist found a tumor in my mediastinum. Following additional blood tests and another CT scan, I've been diagnosed with a carcinoma - non-Hodgkin’s large B-cell lymphoma (stage III-AS for those of you with medical backgrounds). The doctor feels that this is likely the result of a random mutation, and with treatment, my long-term prognosis is relatively favorable. I'll begin treatment next week - in the form of radiation and chemotherapy. The regimen is expected to last 36-48 weeks, after which, we'll see. Expect to see me roaming the halls - sans hair :)

The response was incredible, and so many people have been so supportive. It's really great to be surrounded by such positive people and great friends.

Well, that gives us a starting point, and I don't want to make these things go on for too long, so just one or two other points - just for the record:

Pain - this thing hurts like hell. I'm told the mediastinum is pressing on nerves in my back and chest, and that's causing it. I'm not currently (this morning) taking any medicine for the pain, and I'm on the verge f screaming almost every third minute. My temper is about as short as its ever been. The pain is spectacular...

Hair - I still have my hair for the next 20 mins or so - after which I'm going to shave off. I'm told that there's no point in prolonging the inevitable. I do like my hair, so this bums me out a bit. I'll try to post before and after pix. "Make it so number one"

Ok - that's enough for now. It's a testament to the ease of use of this media that I've been able to keep writing for so long. I don't like to be too verbose. I'm hoping narrative about this stuff will prove to be a good experience for me and that it will keep my friends informed.