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.

reMISSION ACCOMPLISHED

As I was boarding the train home,  Dr. Ma called to let me know the PET scan showed the "positive results we were hoping for". I am in remission. It was difficult to talk, so I will call back tomorrow and share more details once I know.
Praise God and pray for a long remission.

No Shave November finally coming to an end

Here's my report from No Shave November:

• I wasn't a handsome man to begin with, then I lost my hair from chemo and it got worse.  If I wasn't ugly enough, I decided to take part in No Shave November for the first (and last) time.  Ugly just keeps getting uglier.
• Caroline kind of liked the mustache and goatee.  She's being kind calling them a mustache and goatee.
• Melissa didn't care how I looked since she lives 120 miles away.
• Claire was embarrassed to be seen in public with me.  She called me her chia pet. 

The purpose of No Shave November is to raise awareness and money for cancer.  I'll make my donation, shave, and bring on December.

As far as the hair on top of my head, there's something there.  I'm not sure I can call what's on my face whiskers nor can I call what's on my head hair.  I'm guessing I won't reach my goal of sporting a Man-Bun by Christmas.

Time well spent

Eastern Illinois University's Fall break was the entire week of Thanksgiving.  It was great having Melissa home for over a week.  Like most college students, she spent her time wisely.

My Best Friend Turned 55

Thanksgiving 2015

I have many, many things to be thankful for.  At the top of the list was the chance to celebrate Thanksgiving with my three girls!

My Baby Turned 18

Here are a few of the many Senior pictures she has to choose from: