Time to wait

Well, we met with our oncologist today and it turns out that things aren't over yet. They got back the last of the 3 tests and they were right that there wasn't any Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. But there was Hodgkin's Lymphoma in that lymph node. Katie is having a bone marrow biopsy on Monday. Then on May 8th, we're meeting with the oncologist and a hematologist. Before that meeting, the hematologist will be looking at the bone marrow biopsy as well as the biopsies of the original tumor and the lymph node that was removed a few weeks ago. Then we'll learn what course of action will be taken. It could be more scans, chemo, and a bone marrow transplant. This is a fairly rare condition. Even the Mayo Clinic report said that there isn't a consensus on what the treatment should be. But until the biopsies are re-examined, they can't be sure what the exact condition is.
So you can imagine that we're a bit frustrated, but we're taking it in stride. We continue to rely on the Lord are feeling His blessings in our lives. We'll let you know as we know more.

No more celebration

Well, I thought it was all great, but earlier today my oncologist called and said they did further testing on the biopsy and found another type of Lymphoma called Hodgkins Disease. So, we have to meet with her tomorrow and do another bone marrow biopsy. Not exactly something you want to do more than once in your life! So we'll know more after those tests are over. I'll keep posting here with details as we get them.

Great News!!

We got some good news this morning. Dr. Kanard called and said that the removed lymph node (from surgery last week) was only swollen. There was no cancer in it! So I get to have the port removed; which is the last step to this being over. So no more chemo is planned, and the cancer is in remission!

We have been very, very blessed. All previous indications of scans showed cancer in that lymph node. The Lord continues to work miracles. Thank you for your faith and prayers!

Surgery

I'm sorry that you have been waiting so long to hear about the surgery on Thursday. I keep meaning to write; I’ve been about as tired after this as with the Chemo.
The surgery did go quite well. There were a few complications that could have come with getting the lymph node out but none happened, which I am very thankful for. One was a punctured lung because it was close to the top of my lung the other was rupturing a small lymphatic form that would secrete a white substance that would not have been good. The first I would have had to stay in the hospital because they can't send you home with a punctured lung, and the latter I would have had to wear a bandage with a ball to keep pressure on it over the site for 2-3 weeks. I am so glad that neither of those happened and I am still alive. I did however have a drainage tube until Friday to make sure there was nothing secreting into the area of the wound, which is protocol by the surgeon, I guess that area doesn’t bruise well.

The lymph node was sent to a pathology lab and possibly on to the Mayo Clinic to be processed. We are hoping that there were no cancer cells in it and I can continue with the Retuxan as planned. I will find out sometime next week. So please, please continue with your prayers and fast if you can, I can use all the help that I can get.

Hair

At least my hair is growing back! Slowly but shirley. I am planning on taking a picture every few days so in the end when I have long hair again I can put it all together as one movie. Here is the first picture.

A date for surgery

Yesterday was Tuesday, it was very busy. I first went to Lizzie's six month check up and then right to the doctor that will do the surgery. Dr. Robertson said that he is not exactly sure that he felt the lymph node in question. He did not get the PET scan pictures like I had thought. Today I got a call to set up the sugery. It will be April 10th probably about noon. I have to go to a pre-op appointment and a post-op. I will also have an ultrasound before the surgery to find exactly where it is. There is something else that might happen after they take out the lymph node where there is fluid where the missing node is and it swells. So much fun to think about...

The fat lady hasn't sung yet

We changed the date that I was going to see Dr. Kanard to today so that Derek could come with me to the appointment. The results of the PET scan wasn't what I thought it would be. The big mass that was there in September that hindered my breathing has shrunk even more than December's scan and it is still not showing signs of cancer; so it is pretty much a lymph node again.
There was a small lymph node near my right collar bone that has increased in size since December. Dr. Kanard thinks it is best to just get rid of it. So I have to go to Dr Robinson (the doctor I went to last week about the cough) next Tuesday for a consult. It is so small that you can not feel it with your fingers so he might have to use an ultrasound in order to know where to go. So, I will have a triangle of scars; this one on the right, the biopsy in the middle and the port scar on the left.
The following picture is the small lymph node that is brighter in the bottom (March scan) as apposed to the top (December scan).