Excellent news

Today was the big day. I just returned from my visit to the oncologist to get the news about last Wednesday's PET scan. I'll cut to the chase - the news was excellent. The tumor has shrunk to a size of about 4cm, and there was no evidence of Lymphoma-related metabolic activity in the scan. I am much better than I was in June.

The doctor didn't use words like 'cured' or 'remission' or even 'done' - those words being clinical terms for being out of the woods for a clinically significant period. He did indicate that I'm no longer showing evidence of cancer. So if I'm not out of the woods, I am well away from the bear that lives in those woods and was threatening to rip me to shreds.

So, what is next? Well, next I'll thank God for saving me from a particularly untimely demise.  I'll thank you all for reading this blog and offering your prayers and good wishes. I'll then write some cards and emails to thank so many of you who have helped and supported me and my family through this difficult time.  I can't express in words how greatful we are for your friendship, understanding and love.

In a couple of weeks, Jane and I will meet with an oncologist at MCV who specializes in more advanced cancer treatment procedures. We'll discuss what my likelihood of recurence is and whether I may be a candidate for therapies that could reduce that chance. My oncologist noted today that my stage at the initial treatment was IV-b, ('the end of the line' as he put it).   This high staging level increases my likelihood of recurence. And trust me, I want to mitigate any risk of having cancer again - so I have a few more miles to go in this race.  But for now - I'm well ahead of the other runner, and I feel secure that the finish line isn't far away.

Just know - this isn't a "conclusion" entry in this blog. I have more to go through, and some of that may be unpleasant. But for now, I feel much more like my old self than I have since early this year. I'm happy to be alive and on the road to recovery.

Day of fun

I've been feeling better - especially considering the past few days haven't found me in Martha Jefferson. So, we took the girls ice skating today. It was loads of fun, even with the occasional fall on the ice. Madeline took the falls as opportunities to practice her snow angels in the middle of the rink.  It was great getting out with the family, though I expect we'll be a little sore tomorrow. 

We're optimistic about the results of the scan this past week, and will be meeting with the oncologist to discuss our plans for the future on Wednesday afternoon. So not too much waiting left.

PET Scan

Quick update - I know it's been awhile, but there's been little new news to report. Today I had my first PET scan after treatment. In case I haven't described it before, in the PET scan you're injected with a radioactive glucose. The sugar is metabolized at a higher rate in areas which have active tumors. My scan from today will be compared with my scan from way back when - before the six cycles of chemo. In about a week or so, my oncologist will let me know the results, and what the next steps will be.

So it's going to be a little longer before I know how I'll be spending my holidays. Fingers crossed for good results.

Quick Update

I've been out for a couple of weeks now and am still a little run down. But i'm on the upswing. The last big excitement happened a couple of Sundays ago - so this is old news. My red blood cell count was really low - they call it 'serious anemia'. This caused some chest pain and shortness of breath which prompted me to go to the hospital. Fortunately, they checked me out and nothing bad had happened. I've been instructed to 'take it easy' - easier said than done for me :)

Other than enforced rest, things have been getting back to normal for me. My red blood cell count is slowly increasing now, (it was still declining as of last Friday), and so I'm hoping my energy levels will return to normal. I can't wait to get back to my old self. Maybe I'll grow some hair, now that the weather has turned chilly.

Tomorrow I go with Jane to see the doc, and he'll fill us in on the latest plans for future treatment. I'll keep you all posted. 

I sound like a broken record, but thanks again everyone for all of your help and friendship. Your support, kind words, and prayers have made all of the difference in my treatment. Thank you all.