John had an appointment with Dr. Swaab over at the Pottstown Cancer Center today. As you know, a few weeks ago, John had his spleen removed because they found 2 teeny spots that tested positive for B-cell Lymphoma (that was the cancer he had last year). After the surgery, he had a PET scan done and a CT scan done also. Today John found out the scans were CLEAR!!! YAY!!!
Dr. Swaab now wants to keep a closer eye on him and see him in 3 months instead of 6 months. What they weren't sure of was if the cancer found on his spleen was a residual cancer that was hiding, or if it was a new outbreak. They want John to see a Lymphoma specialist at Fox Chase Cancer Center soon.
I need to do some research but John told me there was something with his T-cells... that possibly his immune system was attacking the cancer on his spleen? I'm guessing that was a good thing. Like I said, I want to do some research.
Dr. Swaab told John if they find more coming back, he'll need to do a different kind of chemo that will require him to be in the hospital for 5 days. I can only think this will make him extremely sick, so I hope he doesn't have to do this.
This is the first time I've had to deal with cancer this closely. My father died of cancer 30 years ago, but I was in my early 20s when he first got colon cancer. Dad seemed to bounce back easily. Then 2 years later, it was back with a vengeance and it was EVERYWHERE! They opened him up, shook their heads and closed him right up. He died a week later and we never told him he had cancer. Like I said, I was young, living my life, working. I didn't have to deal with Dad recuperating from his surgery... that was Mom's job. NOW I can see what it's like. And I have the 20 stress pounds on me to prove it! LOL But you know what? I'll keep doing it because I love him and he's worth it.
11 comments:
That sounds like great news. I'll pray that it stays good.
P.S. I think you guys definitely deserve a vacation!
John is lucky to have you :)
I second Braja. :) He is blessed to have you by his side during all of this. And I'll say a prayer for him and you.
Congrats on the clean report and I'm sending the very best wishes that they stay that way for many years to come...
:^) Anna
Praying for John...and you!
Hey Joanie, what a great woman you are. And I am so glad John has the all clear. Keep loving him girl because you and he are worth it. Hope you are having a great week.
@ Queen, thanks for the prayers and YES! We certainly do need a vacation!
@Braja, John says without me, he'd do a hell of a lot worse! He's so smart!
@Amy, thanks for your prayers also.
@Anna, he has to get healthy and stay that way. He promised to take me to Alaksa one day.
@Janie, thank you!
@Lilly, and thanks to you also.
For the record, I'm very lucky to have John in my life. He's kind and loving and makes me feel so special. And he can curl my toes!!
Glad the scans came back clear!! Keep us posted. I've also never had to live close to cancer... so I'm interested to keep reading.
I'm glad to hear some good news! My internet connection is pissing me off and when this comment form finally loaded it said thanks for the comment but I hadn't commented yet. Sigh.
Garret
@ Liz, thanks. It does help to write about it. I told John that I do this and he thought it was really good that I had an outlet to talk this out. He understands that I don't tell him of my fears with this illness. I do try to keep a happy face and positive outlook on it. It was difficult enough to have "that talk" in the summer of 2007 when he was first diagnosed. You know, what did he want me to do if he died. I did all my crying then. Now I'm faking being brave and stoic.
It is true we become like our parents more than we think in that we do end up dealing with all the same situations that they had to. The good news is they did it, they were able overcome and deal with whatever was in front of them
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