Good News
The biopsy came back as being scar tissue. No evidence of cancer. There is some evidence that there has been some bleeding around the spleen. Dr.K says the bleeding could just be from repair or death of tissue in the spleen, which was heavily diseased. The plan now is to see the oncologist in two weeks, then have another PET scan in about five weeks. Dr. K stated that he will be watching me very closely, but overall the news about the biopsy is very very good indeed. There is no further chemotherapy planned at this stage.
The last week has been a very anxious time as the outlook/statistics for patients still having disease after 6 chemotherapy treatments is not good. So there is a huge sense of relief at the news. Life has been on hold, but now I have a sense that I can cautiously look ahead again. I am told though that a regular feature of the coming months will be anxiety as scan dates approach. For the next year I will have PET scans every 3 moths, then it is usually every 6 months for another year, before graduating to one scan every year for another 3 years. My type of lymphoma has a high relapse rate so I face years of monitoring.
I went to the UK for a quick 4 day visit over MLK weekend. Everyone remarked that I looked a lot better than on my last visit in October. My hair is coming in now (a lot of grey and white!) and I am also getting some improved sensation in my fingers and toes, which have been numb and tingling as a result of one of the chemotherapy drugs. I am also back to my normal weight. On the trip to England I went to see my beloved Manchester City play over the weekend with Tommy, my 8 year old. A 1-1 tie, not a great game, but it just felt good to share the experience with my son. Life is good.
Paul. January 22. 2008.
Paul,
Wonderful news and a huge sigh of relief. Just the outcome we were all wishing for.
The Pickards
Posted by: Pickard Family | January 22, 2008 at 03:22 PM
Yes! This is exactly what we've been waiting to hear. Couldn't be happier for you.
Posted by: Liddy | January 22, 2008 at 06:30 PM
You have been in our thoughts and prayers over the past several weeks. We are SO happy to hear the results were good. Keep up the positive attitude!
Posted by: Bernetti Family | January 22, 2008 at 09:38 PM
Tingling news indeed!! More than my toes and fingers are tingling over this news!! Yippee, yippee!! Sometime the finish line is far away but knowing you will make it really gets you there! All the W-H's are thrilled with the news.
Posted by: Bill Wheatley-Heckman | January 22, 2008 at 10:12 PM
A big DITTO from the Breeden's !!!
Posted by: Steve & Jackie Breeden | January 22, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Brilliant, I am sure your positive mindset and the support of your family had a huge role to play.
So pleased for you!
Posted by: Chris Evans | January 23, 2008 at 02:07 AM
Paul, like everyone, I am so very very happy to hear the good news. Pat says he can help you "take an edge off" of the anxiety, but the hang over might be worse than the worry. Love you, Amy
Posted by: Amy Curran | January 23, 2008 at 09:17 AM
We are so happy to hear the good news. You and your family are always in our thoughts, and our prayers. Keep up the positive attitude. Love, Charlotte and Chris.
Posted by: The Hoyson Family | January 23, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Fantastic News. I will see you in about 20 minutes to congratulate you in person.
: )
once again awesome to hear
Posted by: Daniel Cranston | January 23, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Absolutely thrilled to hear this news Paul, its the result we have all been praying for. You deserve all the good news in the world, none of us really know what you have gone through these past five months, but this blog has been a place to come and read all your updates, thank you for doing this. Keep us posted!! Keep smiling :0)
Love to you all
Mandy, Geoff Auntie Jessie and Uncle George xxxx
Posted by: Mandy and Geoff | January 23, 2008 at 03:41 PM
excellent. I've been thinking about you a lot lately- hoping you weren't too anxious about your test results. Glad the news is so good and I'll continue to hope for the best.
Posted by: Bradley DeMunbrun | January 23, 2008 at 04:29 PM
Great news, Paul! Now, it's time to focus on something positive ..like Subbuteo! When the next event in Maryland? :)
Posted by: Massimo | January 23, 2008 at 10:42 PM
Keep the good news coming big man.
Posted by: eddie | January 29, 2008 at 12:44 PM
Well done. Keep the good news flowing. You remain in my prayers.
Posted by: Patrick Madigan | January 31, 2008 at 04:57 PM
Paul,
I just heard from Kari who heard from Louise that the second scan was negative again - more cause for celebration! I think you should go play table soccer for a weekend - maybe in Virginia.
Posted by: Janet Tillman | March 14, 2008 at 09:52 AM