Valentine's Day is special this year. On the 14th I went with Amy and Olivia to see my oncologist to review the results of my mid point CT scan that I had done the previous week. After review it looks like the mass in my chest has shrunk down over 50%. This is a great result. My oncologist recommended that I get a PET scan to determine if what is left in my chest is just scar tissue or scar tissue with remaining cancer cells. With this type of cancer, hodgkins lymphoma, there usually is scar tissue remaining in the chest cavity. Originally I was reluctant to get another scan because of the build up of radiation in my body, but if they can determine if the cancer is gone or almost gone, then my treatment may change. For example he may reduce the number of chemo treatments or pull back on the radiotherapy. The PET scan is scheduled for next week. Fingers crossed. Finally, I will also be meeting with my hematologist the following week as well. With a recommendation of a friend, my hematologist is one of the best in Australia. I'm currently meeting with him as I leverage him as my second opinion.
How am I feeling? Overall pretty good, but not as strong as I used to be, as to be expected. A few weeks back I took a bicycle ride along the Yarra river and felt a bit tired after a short ride. I'm also not outside walking as much as I used to. I feel like I'm missing an opportunity to be walking with Olivia in the baby carrier. Tomorrow. My weight is steady at 185 lbs or 83 kilos. Hair is thinning out much more and my muscle mass has shrunk. But if I have to be in this position, then i'm happy where I am at. Treatment is working, spending time with Amy and Olivia and now beginning to work again. Some that I know from my support group and those that i got to know at the retreat are having tough times or have moved on from the physical world. Just today I found out that another person from the retreat has died which makes three. I think my biggest challenge is balance, which the Gawler retreat has
helped me a lot with meditation, nutrition, positive thinking and living in the present moment.
