OK, I just typed an entire long entry and I just lost the whole fucking thing. I am so pissed!!!!!!! This is a shorter version.
John saw the Lymphoma specialist at the Perlman Center at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital today. He had all his CDs of his CT scans and PET scans. Dr. Swaab's office sent all his medial records (his file is at least 9 inches thick!)
Some background: In June 2007, John was diagnosed with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma of his neck, chest, left side near his spleen, a mass on his liver and a mass on his spine. He underwent 7 treatments of chemotherapy, 3 weeks apart for 6 months. After 2 treatments, the mass on his spine was gone. After 7 treatments (April 2008), he was declared in remission. Fast forward 6 months, to October 2008. CT scan and PET scan show the cancer is back, on his spleen. In January 2009, they remove the spleen, scans show the cancer is gone again.
John's regular oncologist wanted a second opinion about the chances of the cancer coming back again. This new doctor (I don't know her name yet) said this type of cancer likes to come back repeatedly. Not good. They've decided to keep a closer eye on John, and check him every 3 months instead of 6 months. There was some talk of harvesting John's stem cells to be put back inside him at some point in the future. I don't understand that but I'm sure I'll learn!
John's doing ok mentally, emotionally. Not great but he's dealing with it. I'm ok, I guess. I put on a good face for him. I let my fears show here. No fancy colors tonight... I'm at Burger King online because I didn't pay my bill again and I have no internet until this weekend when I can put enough money in the bank to pay the fucking bill. I"ll be back here tomorrow. Ciao!
11 comments:
I am sorry to hear such bad news. I hope John can a speedy recovery.
Health is the Greatest Happiness & The World at The Present
Wow Joanie, I cannot imagine the stress you two are under. I know John has been through a lot already. Prayers to both of you and may it never return! Take Care This is a great place to vent Joanie, we are all here for you!
I'm sure John feels so lucky to have you there to support him in this. Prayers for both of you.
Wow Joanie you do put on a brave face and its hard living in the shadow just waiting for each bit of news. The good thing is John is all clear at present and hopefully with the doctors keeping such a close eye then it will be controlled. My prayers are with you. Keep laughing and being yourself. You are a wonderful woman with a big heart. Take Care. Hope you get some big tips coming your way!
I'm sorry Joanie. I hope things work out much better for you both this time around. Have faith and enjoy life together.
I'll say a prayer for you both.
I am so sorry that you and your husband have to deal with this. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys.
Sending prayers for you and John to breeze through it with no bumps!
Thank you all, for your thoughts, good wishes and prayers. John is a tough old bird! Before he started chemo in Oct 07, his doc gave him a 50/50 chance. I just kept saying well, you have to stay positive, the glass half full idea and not half empty. A year and a half later, he's still here, doing well, in spite of his relapse and surgery.
I do credit myself with keeping his outlook positive. He rarely saw me cry. We even had the "what if" talk. Now we go on like this cancer is not going to kill him.
We will go on, living our lives together, for as long as we can. I just hope that means 20 or 30 years.
Sorry to hear about the cancer returning, but I have hope that they will catch all of it this time and it won't ever come back. Best to both of you, keep up the spirits.
It is so hard to put on a happy face when the one you love is going through something like this. I'm crossing my fingers this second opinion is a good one
Joanie - I'll be in prayer for the both of you.
Stay strong - and remember it's important to take a little time for you...
XOXOXOXOXOXO
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