March 30, 2007

Well, the second lab examination of the specimens taken on March 6th confirmed that lymphoma cells are present, so chemo is on for Monday, April 2nd. Everyone who has ever been through this experience has told me that it's nothing to write home about, but I guess I'll have to find out for myself.

Your continued prayers and support have been a source of strength and encouragement. I am humbled and grateful. Enjoy the weekend--I know I will!!

March 28, 2007

BLUF--Join Geri and me in praising God!! Just got a call from Dr. Rainey, my oncologist, who has all the test results--EVERYTHING is normal, except for the original lab report (and my missing kidney, which I didn't know was AWOL!). They are going to reexamine the specimen and render a second opinion regarding the diagonosis of lymphoma--not likely that they'll have a different opinion.

So, although I have the lowest grade of lymphoma, (assuming the lab report agrees with the original diagnosis), this particular disease is diffuse, meaning that there are probably lymphoma cells throughout my body but have not yet manifested themselves in the form of masses or tumors. This makes treatment problematic because it'll be difficult to determine how much is enough but Dr. Rainey recommended an entire chemo regimen to get any of these diffuse cancer cells, wherever they are throughout my body. I intend to follow his recommendation.

Thanks to all who said a prayer--your prayers have been answered!

March 27, 2007

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front): The tests are over but the wait continues.

The MUGA yesterday had me lying on a table with an iv, while the tech positioned a large x-ray looking machine at three angles around my heart, about 10 minutes for each angle. After it was over, he showed me a digital "moving" picture of my heart beating! They'll use triangulation to figure out the volume of my left ventricle, apparently most critical and a baseline for future, post-chemo heart function.

The PET scan today was a bit more lengthy albeit with no results either. My prep was to fast from all carbos and vegetables after noon, have only protein for dinner (I had steak and mussels, nothing else!) then completely fast after 8 p.m. (not too tough). Geri was an angel and rode in with me early this morning, so we could use the carpool lane--we got there 30 minutes early! I was administered an IV and irradiated glucose, then had to lie still for about 45 minutes BEFORE the scan, allowing the radiation to circulate throughout my body. The scaning machine looks like the CAT scanner but required me to lie still for about an hour while the table on which I lay moved back and forth. The tech said it was ok to snooze so I did!

We had our date at lunch afterwards (I was "fairly" hungry!) and will await our oncology consult on Thursday when all results should be available. We're still have the joy of our Lord!

Thanks again for all the prayers, love and support!

March 25, 2007

For those who are time-challenged, I'll try to remember to put the bottom line up front and since it's Sunday, to share my faith: Geri and I are doing well, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I am currently symptom-free. In fact, God has given both Geri and me not only a deep, abiding peace about this whole issue, but He's actually given us joy--in knowing that whatever happens, He will work it out for our good. Pastor Elwin shared that God WILL heal--we just don't know whether it will be in this lifetime or the next!! I've come to grips with my own mortality and know that I WILL die some day so I've taken out some spiritual insurance. My response to those who scoff at God as a myth is that the peace and joy in this lifetime are by themselves, worth the delusion, if that's all God is. But I know God and I know what He has done in my own life so I'll continue to put my faith and hope in Him--whatever the outcome. Amen.

March 23, 2007

For someone who has spent one night in a hospital in the past 20 years, and who sees a physician only when absolutely necessary (it's a "guy" thing, you know), I certainly have my share of upcoming appointments:

Mar 26--MUGA (multiple gated acquisition) heart scan
Mar 27--PET (positron emission tomography) scan
Mar 29--Oncology consult
Apr 2--1st chemo appt (CHOP + Rituxan). The head of the chemo dept warned me that this appt will be 5.5-6.5 hours long. (Guess no golfing that day!)

So I appear to be on a fast treatment track. I cannot say enough about the kind, compassionate, caring military medical professionals by whom I have had the honor of being treated. They have been simply superb!

In retrospect, the most touching, unexpected blessing of this whole situation has been the unexpected, undeserved yet sincerely appreciated love, support and prayers from family, friends, and former acquaintances who have proven themselves to be far more. You will never know how much your thoughts and prayers have blessed Geri and me.

So, whenever you read this, thank you . . . with our love, humbly and sincerely.

March 20, 2007

Had bone marrow biopsy done today--not painful but a bit "discomforting," to use the Dr's words--like a dull ache deep inside my lower back which I have never felt before. Results will tell whether there's a low-grade lymphoma in my bone tissue, in addition to the relatively aggressive version taken from my upper jaw on March 6th. Treatment (chemo) should start next week but not until I have had a PET scan (sounds like putting Fido through a baggage scanner) and a MUGA scan of my heart (to insure that it's working ok since the chemicals could have an adverse effect on my heart). One SHOCK--I've lived all these years with only a right kidney: the high contrast CAT scan showed that my left one is "absent." This was new news, even for my Mom! Guess I can't be a kidney donor! Wonders never cease, as does God's awesome peace and joy throughout this journey. Good news: all CATS were clean of any tumors bigger than 1mm.

March 19, 2007

Had appt with oncologist, Dr. Rainey, who is at TAMC on a fellowship. He looked too young to be an MD, much less an oncologist but he ordered more blood tests, explained what was to happen from here on, including redoing the lab tests, more blood work, and a bone marrow biopsy. That didn't sound like too much fun, but tomorrow, I get to find out first hand! The good news is that the CAT scans for my torso and pelvis came back normal. The bad news is that those for my head/neck had not yet been evaluated. More waiting but God is good!

March 16, 2007

Got full body CAT scans today and two of my head/neck--one with and the other without the "dye" injected into a vein in my arm. Quite an experience and lesson in bladder control as the "dye" seemed to flow straight from my arm to my bladder, making for an uncomfortable last few minutes! Fortunately, this is normal and the radiology tech did the last scan in record time, enabling me to do what I had to do!

March 10, 2007

Dr. Barr called--all blood tests and x-rays are normal. Thank God!!

Maarch 9, 2007

Had appt with gen practitioner, Dr Barr at Pearl Harbor Medical Clinic. She's very concerned about my mental health and that of Geri's. I assure her that we're both ok. She orders x-rays and blood tests. There is a sense of urgency--which is good. She referred me to Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) for full battery of CAT scans and appt with oncology. I'm learning that I'm not in control of any of this but that God is, so one of the lessons I'm learning is to lean on Him!

March 8, 2007

Not so great news. After being seen by my brother, Ken, on Feb 6th for what I thought was an infected tooth, he referred me to a root canal specialist. Finally got to see this specialist on Feb 22 after he got ill the week before. Not my root canals so he referred me to an oral surgeon who I saw on Feb 28th. He wants me to do a CAT scan before he does a biopsy but I'm too cheap when they tell me that my medical/dental coverage will not pay so I ask him to do the biopsy anyway. Got phone call from oral surgeon today. Biopsy of part of right upper jaw, above my eye tooth, came back positive for lymphoma, also known as B or large cell lymphoma. That's ok. God has given me a peace about this journey no matter what happens, when or where it ends.