"You Look Good"

I had a CT Scan this week. Saw Dr. K on Friday. Good news. My abdomen, chest and pelvis show no sign of disease. My last scan a month ago showed 3 (most likely benign) lesions in the Spleen. Last time they were 4.5cm, 3 cm, and 2.5cm in size. This time they are 4,2.5 and 2cm. So getting smaller, most likely repairing tissue.

My next scan will be in 2 months time, and it will be a PET/CT Scan. So the tests are getting a little further apart. I feel great. People keep telling me "You look good". I have a full head of hair now. It is getting a little darker. I may even get it cut in a week or so!

I was pressing the Dr. on Friday about my status.  "Am I in remission?" He describes me as doing very well, with a "great response" to chemo. The word remission is not used. Dr. K said that I should remember that "something went wrong" with my body. I am still at risk for relapse, and that will be part of my daily thoughts/life for at least the next 2 years. That is life with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Lymphoma patients tend to use the term No Evidence of Disease, or commonly the acronym NED. I have probably been NED since October/November.

I do not worry too much though. The scans are the worst, but this week I was pretty calm about everything. Louise was more nervous I know. I have been enjoying life. I took the kids skiing a few weeks ago, and took Tommy again a couple of weeks ago. I certainly enjoy time and activities with the kids more than ever. These times are precious, but I have a greater perspective on that since diagnosis.

Thanks as always for keeping me in your thoughts.

Paul. March 9. 2008.