CancerBlog

I had the biopsy in January 2009, which showed some activity on the left side of the pelvic region. Small but noticeable. Fortunately, it wasn’t acute b-cell lymphoma, but a milder type. Dr. K’s recommendation was to have infusiions of Rituxan once every eight weeks for two years.

I began the treatments in February 2009, so I’ve now had seven treatments and am at the halfway point. A PET/CT scan in December showed that the hot spot had gotten no bigger and no smaller. Dr. K. said it’s common for some patients to have this type of low-grade non-Hodgkin’s for years without any treatment, and just monitor it with periodic scans.

The infusions aren’t nearly as bad as full-blown chemo treatment, and it doesn’t cause hair fallout. The first one took around four hours, but now they only take two or three. The biggest drawback is the liquid antihistimine that makes me so drowsy I have to go home and sleep for two or three hours. So I have to take the whole day off work once every two months. Not a bad trade-off.

Of course, there are other physical effects that I really don’t care for. I can’t do heavy physical work for long before I get sick to my stomach, and although I have hyperhidrosis, I can’t pin it down to any one medication. I’m very glad that I don’t have anemia or any of the other complications I had during chemo.

Looking forward to this time next year…

Saw Dr. K. today and let him know my surgery was scheduled for 10 February 2009. He said that’s too far in the future and wants me to reschedule for as soon as possible.

When I called Dr. M.’s office, they were able to fit me in on 23 January for the biopsy.

Went to see Dr. M. today and am now scheduled for surgery on 10 February 2009.

Had another scan on November 12, and Dr. K. said the area that was lit up by the dye was larger than it was earlier in the year. He definitely wants me to get a biopsy.

Today I met with the Dr. M., the oncology surgeon. He said he would probably just like to go ahead and do the biopsy.

I need to decide if I want to go ahead and have it done. He’s on vacation next month and will get back to me when he returns. I’ll talk to Dr. K. and get his thoughts on it.

Back on the 13th of this month, I had my semi-annual PET/CT scan. Today I saw Dr. K, my oncologist. He said the dye lit up part of the lymph node in my left pelvic area. He wants me to talk to a surgeon to see if he wants to do a biopsy and maybe an ultrasound first.

…and still cancer-free. Oncologists never use the word “cured,” because there’s no way to tell if cancer is in remission or gone permanently. So they would most likely say I’m in a remission period. It feels great to be back to my old self.

The PET/CT scans are now down to twice a year, and next year should be an annual test.

I wanted to again say thanks to all of those who showed their support during my treatment and recovery and didn’t think cancer is as contagious as the plague – Sandi, Drew, my Mom, Amanda, Gwen, my health care professionals, the kind folks at the oncology center, those who I’ve thanked in my earlier posts, and many others.

I’ll close the blog with three words:

Never Lose Hope.

Dr. Y. says my R.A. is still well under control from the high dosages of Rituxan I’ve received through chemotherapy. He doesn’t think it’s necessary to start Methotrexate yet and wants me to resume taking Celebrex for stiffness or joint pain.

First day back at work. I’ve been able to adjust to sleeping at night and had no trouble getting up early.

More great news – my scan was completely clear. No questionable areas whatsoever.

My next scan will be in October.

I originally made the appointment for this PET scan for the afternoon because I’m still having trouble falling asleep at night.

I didn’t find out until later that I had to fast for five hours prior to the test. Had I known, I’d have made it for early morning and forced myself out of bed.

It went okay though. I’ll find out the results next Monday morning.