Good News

After having the PET-CT scan yesterday, I was able to see Dr. Lindgren today regarding the results. He was very encouraging. He compared the scan to infrared helping a soldier to tell whether some shadow in the distance might be an enemy. The infrared would show a hot spot for life, rather than just the shadow. My scan shows NO hot spots at this time. Most of the lymph nodes are greatly reduced in size and he expressed that my body was reacting in a very positive manner to the treatment. He also mentioned that my blood counts were great and gave his blessing on my trip to ND. Again, thanks for your prayers!

Chemo - Day 4

After an extra week for my platelets to catch up, I had my 4th chemotherapy today. It went very well and I feel great.

Now I need to apologize. A couple of you said that you had made comments, but I never saw them. I now realize that in "Blogger" where I create the post, there is a button for me to moderate comments before they get posted. I love the comments and will look forward to more.

During the next couple weeks, they want to "restage" me. This means bone marrow test, blood tests, and PET Scan. They will try to get the PET done before I leave for about an 8 or 9 day trip to North Dakota. My home town (Powers Lake) is celebrating its centennial and I want to visit with a bunch of old buddies who will be there.

Postponement

I am sure many of you were expecting Chemo - Day 4. Because of low platelet count, Dr. Lindgren postponed chemo for 1 week. He said that it is normal for the body to need a little extra time to catch up this way. You may also wonder about this picture. If you look closely to the right side, you should see a semicircular area of red. I played golf yesterday and this is the area in the back of the cap above the strap. After a round of golf, Anita and I went square dancing - a very full day.

Chemo - Day 3

This was taken this morning. You may not be able to see the amount of hair loss, but it is very significant. I am going to post the previous pictures on Day 1 and Day 2. By the way, the Hawaiian shirts allow for easier access to my portacath so that is my uniform. I am now 50% through with chemotherapy. I feel great even though I am missing some hair. I have some days where energy is an issue, but overall I really do feel good. I square dance every Monday and actually played golf about a week ago (went well). Thanks for all your prayers on my behalf.

Chemo - Day 2

My second session of chemotherapy went great also - except for some pain with the insertion of the needle through my skin and into the portacath. I feel good - no nausea and quite a bit of energy. A few days ago, I had the pleasure of walking Newport Beach Country Club watching an ex-student from El Modena (Ed McGlasson) attempt to make it to the US Open. He shot an even par, but played better than that. I think he would have moved on with just one less shot. That was the most exercise I had in several months. Other than a few issues with cramps in my legs later that day, I felt good. It's definitely time for me to work on getting back in shape. I have approval for that, so I am starting tomorrow. Again thanks for all your prayers on my behalf.

Chemo - Day 1

Well, I have survived 1 day of chemotherapy. I feel great! That may be due to the anti-nausea pills that would have cost $3600 for 18 pills, but due to insurance I get them for $90. The first part of the treatment was Rituxan (rituximab). They start this one very slowly, watching for any possible reaction to it. Midway I did have a slightly scratchy throat so they slowed it down for a while. The nurse thought it was basically my body reacting to the positive action of B-cell breakdown. This slowdown caused my session to last about 8 hours of IV and 10 hours in the doctor's office for day 1. I go in for a shot (to boost my immune system) tomorrow and see Dr. Lindgren next Tuesday. Your prayers were felt today - keep praying for His best.

Treatment

Talking with Dr. Lindgren yesterday, I found out that he had lunch on Friday with a noted Mantle Cell oncologist from Houston. They spent an hour discussing my case and Dr. Lindgren was convinced that a third alternative might be the best for me. This is a modified R-CHOP. I don't know what all the letters stand for - it can be found online, but what it means for me is one day of treatment (in his office) and 13 days off. We then repeat this 14 day cycle 6 times. After the fourth one, I go through all the tests for staging again (including bone marrow biopsy). The day after treatment, I receive a shot which is designed to boost my immune system. I will also take a steroid pill and several pills to help alleviate nausea. It will take a few days to get all the prescriptions settled with the insurance company and take another blood test for "bench-mark" purposes. Therefore we are scheduling next Tuesday (5/5) as the start date for chemotherapy.