Chemo #6

First of all, apologies for not writing in a while! I have been doing well. A lot of my time in the last two weeks has been taken up by my crazy table soccer hobby. I just hosted a tournament at the school with 76 players playing. This included visitors from 13 different states, plus Canada. I had a great time, and it was great to see so many of my friends, as this is a big social outlet for me. $1300 was raised for Leukemia and Lymphoma research at the event.

On the medical front I have continued to do well. I have put on a few pounds, and am now maybe just 10 pounds or so short of my "fighting weight". My energy level has been excellent. In no time at all my 6th cycle of chemo is upon me. I will be receiving #6 tomorrow morning.

I saw Dr. Kouteralakos on Wednesday. My question for a while now has been whether I will be receiving 6 or 8 doses. As things stand it is more likely to be 6, but 8 cannot be ruled out.  I am not currently scheduled for #7. I will have a PET scan the first week in January. The outcome of that will determine whether I get the other two cycles. Dr. K is impressed with my physical progress though, so we are all hopeful.

At my appointment on Wednesday the doctor also talked about the next few months. Apparently one of the biggest mental hurdles is coming off the chemotherapy. All of a sudden you feel that the disease is not being actively fought, this can be difficult to deal with. Also the emotional impact of what the patient has experienced can really come home several months after the chemotherapy finishes. Whether I get 6 or 8 doses, I will face several years of follow up. My type of Lymphoma has a 30% relapse rate within two years. I will be having scans every 3 months for a year or so, then every 6 months etc. Like everything else, just got to take it all a day at a time. I mentioned to my friends this past weekend that I am doing as well as can be possibly expected at this time in my course, you really cannot ask for more than that.

Paul

Comments

[Mandy and Geoff]

Thinking of you today as you have number 6. Stay strong, keep positive, you are doing so well.
Mandy, Geoff, Auntie Jessie, and Uncle George. xxxx

[Liddy]

You looked fantastic today and had such a great attitude. I didn't remember until later that you just had chemo on Friday!
I'm sure you and your family are looking forward to spending some quality time together over winter break. As always, the cats and I..or maybe just I...am thinking of you and your family.

[Jeremy Stroop]

Paul... what can I say? It was great to see you so physically well and in great spirits at the tournament. You were even outlasting me, the chief night owl, at night. Keep fighting the fight!

[eddie]

Great to see you Paul. Now update the site after your hopefully, "last" chemo treatment.