More details from PET Scan

Andrea was kind enough to call and explain in great detail the results of the PET Scan and future visits.  My original diagnosis in July was Stage 4, Grade 1, B Cell, Follicular Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  Yesterday's scan showed that I'm in remission.  That's a HUGE, HUGE step!

The PET Scan showed the following:

• The once football sized tumor (in my retro-peritoneal space) is now smaller than a penny.  Just as important is the scan showed "no significant hyper-metabolic activity"; meaning no cancer activity.
• The pleural effusion is still there, but "markedly decreased" and, again, no significant hyper-metabolic activity.  The measuring stick I use was the ability to carry my golf clubs up the hill during last week's warm weather without any shortness of breath.
•  The report stated the "previously noted extensive hyper-metabolic skeletal lesions involving the proximal humeri, scapulae, sternum, ribs, thoracic spine, pelvis and proximal left femur have nearly completely resolved."

Beginning January 5, I will be getting immuno-therapy every two months at Northwestern.  The goal is the immuno-therapy will, at the very least, keep these "hot spots"  from increasing in size and numbers.  Ideally we'll see these "hot spots" disappear.

I will continue several of the medications to protect me from infections.  A result of the chemo was the break down of my T Cells.  Until this is resolved, I still need to protect myself from infection.