Since the last post, I've had the port intalled and have had 3 treatments with the chemotherapy medicicne GVD. Like the rest of these medicicnes, GVD makes me very tired. I did, however, receive a blood transfusion this week and that has helped make breathing easier and has given me more energy.
I will get one more treatment with GVD on Dec 21. Sometime the week after Christmas, I will get another PET scan to see if the GVD is keeping the cancer from spreading. If the GVD is successful, I will start a bone marrow transplant program as early as January. In conjunction with a bone marrow transplant, I may also participate in a clinical trial at the Cleveland Clinic on a new medicine called XGN-35. XGN-35 has shown great promise in keeping Hodgkin's from recurring in patients who have undergone a bone marrow transplant.
I thank everyone again for your support and prayers during this time. I'll post an update after I've gotten my PET scan.
Thanks,
Bill
Friday, December 17, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Up date from Joy
Um last week that new PIC line stopped working and so the Dr's took it out on that Monday. And Bill got the chemo the old fashioned way. He did fine with it. Tomorrow on Monday Dec. 6th the plan is to put a port in the right side.
A port will be nice because it does not require as much up keep as the PIC line.
That will be taking place at WPAFB hospital around 10:00 if you have a min to take a breath and send some love and a few heavenly helpers around Bill at that time it would be so appreciated.
WE ALL want to THANK EVERYONE who has sent us Fraser DVD's. So much fun to watch as a family. I did not think Bridget would like them...however that girl if full of suprises.
If fact at Bridgets skating competion this weekend up in Ann Arbor she took a big fall and so tomorrow I will be bring her to WPAFB to get checked out as well. My goodness. We will see if she need and MRI on her knee tomorrow. Good thing everything is on the same floor and just a few hallways apart.
With that said I think Bridget and her Dad will be enjoying the DVD's together. THANK YOU!
Will let you know how the port instlation goes tomorrow.
Um last week that new PIC line stopped working and so the Dr's took it out on that Monday. And Bill got the chemo the old fashioned way. He did fine with it. Tomorrow on Monday Dec. 6th the plan is to put a port in the right side.
A port will be nice because it does not require as much up keep as the PIC line.
That will be taking place at WPAFB hospital around 10:00 if you have a min to take a breath and send some love and a few heavenly helpers around Bill at that time it would be so appreciated.
WE ALL want to THANK EVERYONE who has sent us Fraser DVD's. So much fun to watch as a family. I did not think Bridget would like them...however that girl if full of suprises.
If fact at Bridgets skating competion this weekend up in Ann Arbor she took a big fall and so tomorrow I will be bring her to WPAFB to get checked out as well. My goodness. We will see if she need and MRI on her knee tomorrow. Good thing everything is on the same floor and just a few hallways apart.
With that said I think Bridget and her Dad will be enjoying the DVD's together. THANK YOU!
Will let you know how the port instlation goes tomorrow.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Nov.22 2010
Nov.22 2010
Greetings from Joy,
Bill had a new PIC line put in his other (right) arm today in preparation for the GVD chemo therapy tomorrow. The procedure was done in about an hour and Bill said that the removal of the old one was easy.
We are hopeful that this will be the right mix of chemo that will put a stop to the hodgkin's lymphoma and then allow Bill do start the stem cell transplant protical.
When we went to the Cleveland Clinic Bill found out about a follow on trial that he may be a candidate for. If that looks promising perhaps he will end up doing the stem cell transplant up at the Cleveland Clinic
instead of the Cincinnati Jewish Hospital. There are several other things that need to happen and unfold before we cross that bridge. (hum, that is a Bill saying if there ever was one)
For now please keep Bill in your prayers. Seeing the chemo therapy being installed with Divine Intelligence targeting the cells that are not of benefit to Bill's Body. Also seeing his healthy red and white blood cells able to rejuvinate with ease in harmony with the chemo therapy.
We are planning a low key Thanksgiving with the four of us and the NEW BUTTERBALL TURKEY FRYER!!!Its suppose to be safe? and easy to use. Bill who in the past never had time to watch TV was quite taken by the turkey fryer infomercial and so when it looked like it was something he wanted I told him to go for it!
Ha ha ha and so the adventure of turkey frying is before us.
Thank You for all of your prays and well wishes.
Greetings from Joy,
Bill had a new PIC line put in his other (right) arm today in preparation for the GVD chemo therapy tomorrow. The procedure was done in about an hour and Bill said that the removal of the old one was easy.
We are hopeful that this will be the right mix of chemo that will put a stop to the hodgkin's lymphoma and then allow Bill do start the stem cell transplant protical.
When we went to the Cleveland Clinic Bill found out about a follow on trial that he may be a candidate for. If that looks promising perhaps he will end up doing the stem cell transplant up at the Cleveland Clinic
instead of the Cincinnati Jewish Hospital. There are several other things that need to happen and unfold before we cross that bridge. (hum, that is a Bill saying if there ever was one)
For now please keep Bill in your prayers. Seeing the chemo therapy being installed with Divine Intelligence targeting the cells that are not of benefit to Bill's Body. Also seeing his healthy red and white blood cells able to rejuvinate with ease in harmony with the chemo therapy.
We are planning a low key Thanksgiving with the four of us and the NEW BUTTERBALL TURKEY FRYER!!!Its suppose to be safe? and easy to use. Bill who in the past never had time to watch TV was quite taken by the turkey fryer infomercial and so when it looked like it was something he wanted I told him to go for it!
Ha ha ha and so the adventure of turkey frying is before us.
Thank You for all of your prays and well wishes.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Update from Joy ~ November 10, 2010
Greetings from Joy,
The PET scan that Bill had on Thursday Nov. 4th indicated that he would need more and a different kind of chemo therapy before he can begin the stem cell transplant. Although there is less along the center of his chest...there still is some active cell growth in that place near his heart as well as a small spot on the back of his neck and a few spots on the edge of his liver.
Bill is going to gather additional information up at the Cleveland Clinic on Tuesday Nov 16th and then should be able to make a choice as to what is the best chemo treatment plan for this next phase of clearing the cancer.
It was pretty "sucky" news when Bill found out that he would need more chemo before he could go thru the stem cell protocol however, He has had a few days to do some research as well and a chance to see the scan. And although it's not great to see the "hot spots" it was somewhat reassuring that its not that much... and the 3rd type of chemo must be the charm to clear the rest of the cancer so that Bill can begin the stem cell program.
Overall I would have to say Bill is hanging in there. He has not had chemo for about a month and he seems to be completely recovered from his lung surgery. He is still tired and takes a few naps here and there through out the day.
He still has his eye brows and eye lashes and a few hairs remain on the side of his head.Mostly he is the same old Bill or Bubba just not as energetic as he was before.
One guilty pleasure that he has discovered, Fraser is on Mid morning TV and thankfully that makes him laugh. So I am now on the hunt for the Fraser DVD's starting at season one.I looked at Target and did not have any luck. So if you happen to be out and about and happen to find Fraser DVD let me know. Thanks.
Until the next post know that Bill is hanging in there. He misses work and would like to be doing something useful soon. Please continue to see Bill as healthy and well, as you pray for him, as well has being free and clear of cancer.
Thank you for all of your prayers and support. It means so much to Bill and myself as well.
Thank You
Joy
The PET scan that Bill had on Thursday Nov. 4th indicated that he would need more and a different kind of chemo therapy before he can begin the stem cell transplant. Although there is less along the center of his chest...there still is some active cell growth in that place near his heart as well as a small spot on the back of his neck and a few spots on the edge of his liver.
Bill is going to gather additional information up at the Cleveland Clinic on Tuesday Nov 16th and then should be able to make a choice as to what is the best chemo treatment plan for this next phase of clearing the cancer.
It was pretty "sucky" news when Bill found out that he would need more chemo before he could go thru the stem cell protocol however, He has had a few days to do some research as well and a chance to see the scan. And although it's not great to see the "hot spots" it was somewhat reassuring that its not that much... and the 3rd type of chemo must be the charm to clear the rest of the cancer so that Bill can begin the stem cell program.
Overall I would have to say Bill is hanging in there. He has not had chemo for about a month and he seems to be completely recovered from his lung surgery. He is still tired and takes a few naps here and there through out the day.
He still has his eye brows and eye lashes and a few hairs remain on the side of his head.Mostly he is the same old Bill or Bubba just not as energetic as he was before.
One guilty pleasure that he has discovered, Fraser is on Mid morning TV and thankfully that makes him laugh. So I am now on the hunt for the Fraser DVD's starting at season one.I looked at Target and did not have any luck. So if you happen to be out and about and happen to find Fraser DVD let me know. Thanks.
Until the next post know that Bill is hanging in there. He misses work and would like to be doing something useful soon. Please continue to see Bill as healthy and well, as you pray for him, as well has being free and clear of cancer.
Thank you for all of your prayers and support. It means so much to Bill and myself as well.
Thank You
Joy
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Update From Bill
Bill is actually typing this posting. I wanted to let everyone know that I'm home after a successful operation to expand my right lung. I also learned that my cancer is in remission after 3 ICE chemotherapy treatments. I feel better today than I have since my relapse in September and finally have the energy to type something.
I will start my visits to the Jewish Hosptial this week to initiate my bone marrow stem cell transplant. I will first get one more ICE chemotherapy treatment. After the treatment, the doctors will start harvesting my healthy stem cells from my blood supply. Once they have enough stem cells, I will get a 'knock out' session of chemotherapy. As I recover from the session, they will reintroduce the stem cells back into my body. After 4-6 weeks, the process will complete and my Hodgkin's will be in complete remission.
I thank everyone for the prayers, cards, calls, and meals. It's meant a great deal to me and my family
God Bless,
Bill,
I will start my visits to the Jewish Hosptial this week to initiate my bone marrow stem cell transplant. I will first get one more ICE chemotherapy treatment. After the treatment, the doctors will start harvesting my healthy stem cells from my blood supply. Once they have enough stem cells, I will get a 'knock out' session of chemotherapy. As I recover from the session, they will reintroduce the stem cells back into my body. After 4-6 weeks, the process will complete and my Hodgkin's will be in complete remission.
I thank everyone for the prayers, cards, calls, and meals. It's meant a great deal to me and my family
God Bless,
Bill,
Monday, October 18, 2010
October 18, 2010
Change of plans ~
Bill checked in to the hospital tonight so he can receive more blood and then the lung procedure will be performed tomorrow around 1:00pm.
Thanks for the good wishes and prayers.
Holly
Bill checked in to the hospital tonight so he can receive more blood and then the lung procedure will be performed tomorrow around 1:00pm.
Thanks for the good wishes and prayers.
Holly
Saturday, October 16, 2010
October 16, 2010
Greetings from Joy,
It has been a week from Bill's chemo treatment and he is getting out of bed more
and seems to have a stronger disposition. He had a meet and greet with the
thoracic surgeon today and he seems very able and capable.
The surgeon explained that the procedure is much like peeling a hardboiled egg
from its shell. Sometimes the "rind" covering the lung comes off easy in one piece
and sometimes it takes a bit more effort.
So those of you who are able pray seeing the "rind" being removed with ease and
in one piece would be a wonderful prayer request. It was my understanding that
the easier it is to remove from the lung the faster the recovery.
Bill has a breathing exercise class on Monday, Oct 18 and then he is scheduled
for surgery on Tuesday Oct 19. Recovery will be anywhere from 3 to 5 to 7 or so days.
All of this will take place at Kettering Hospital.
The Dr. said this is a pretty straight forward procedure and that Bill being
young and strong should do very well.
My hope is that Bill's procedure is very easy for the Dr. and for Bill.
And that Bill's recovery will happen with ease and very little or no pain.
And that the cancer continues to decrease in volume as Bill heals
from the procedure.
That way he will be able to pass the breathing test and start the
stem cell treatment at the Jewish Hospital.
Thank you for sending your postive thoughts and prayers
to Bill and Our family.
Joy
It has been a week from Bill's chemo treatment and he is getting out of bed more
and seems to have a stronger disposition. He had a meet and greet with the
thoracic surgeon today and he seems very able and capable.
The surgeon explained that the procedure is much like peeling a hardboiled egg
from its shell. Sometimes the "rind" covering the lung comes off easy in one piece
and sometimes it takes a bit more effort.
So those of you who are able pray seeing the "rind" being removed with ease and
in one piece would be a wonderful prayer request. It was my understanding that
the easier it is to remove from the lung the faster the recovery.
Bill has a breathing exercise class on Monday, Oct 18 and then he is scheduled
for surgery on Tuesday Oct 19. Recovery will be anywhere from 3 to 5 to 7 or so days.
All of this will take place at Kettering Hospital.
The Dr. said this is a pretty straight forward procedure and that Bill being
young and strong should do very well.
My hope is that Bill's procedure is very easy for the Dr. and for Bill.
And that Bill's recovery will happen with ease and very little or no pain.
And that the cancer continues to decrease in volume as Bill heals
from the procedure.
That way he will be able to pass the breathing test and start the
stem cell treatment at the Jewish Hospital.
Thank you for sending your postive thoughts and prayers
to Bill and Our family.
Joy
Friday, October 8, 2010
October 8, 2010
Greetings from Joy,
Bill has completed his third round of chemo. He also received a blood transfusion before chemo and then one after chemo.
So his color looks good and he seems to have more strength. Something about the hemoglobin numbers being low and how those cell are the ones that carry oxygen.
On Monday Oct 4th is when the PET scan news came in. The good news is that there is less cancer than before..
the Whaa news is that it is not disappearing a fast as the Dr. would like. So the prayer is that this round of chemo is even more effective at dissolving the cancer cells.
Other news is that Bill will need to have his lung repaired before he his a candidate for the stem cell process at the Jewish Hospital. As I understand it there are two concerns about fluid in the lower right chest cavity.
One is about the risk of infection that having fluid in the chest cavity would cause as Bill undergoes the extreme chemo, and the other is about needing effective enough exhale abilities so that he would be able to release the toxins of the chemo effectively as well.
So he has an appointment to meet with a thoracic surgeon on Thursday October 14th. There I imagine that Bill and I will get information on how a cool little camera will go inside Bills chest and the surgeon will be able to "scrape" the "rind" off of Bill's right lung so that his lung will be able to extend fully, thus improving his ability to breathe.
Once he heals enough from that. He needs to pass the "Breathing Test" and then he will be on his way to the Jewish Hospital.
On Thursdays meeting I hope to have a better idea on how long Bill will be at the Kettering Hospital and how long after that will he need to recover to take the Breathing test again and then get the okay to go to the Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati.
Truth be told I was very disappointed to learn of the need to have Bill go thru the lung procedure.
However after a night of crying I think I have gotten my sad out and am able to proceed with more calm and peace of mind than before.
For those of you who have read Steven Covey's book the 7 habits of highly effective people there is a list that gives example of what you might be focused on if you are not a principle centered person. When that was years ago and mostly I am able to live in
the principle centered place however... in weak moments I can be come very
enemy centered! And so I now repent of my sins from all of the evil eye energy
I was sending to the experts who denied Bill at the Jewish Hospital until his lung is repaired.
May God Bless them
AND may God Bless me!
Because Bill looked so good when I picked him up from WPAFB Medical Center on Thursday
I am feeling hopeful that all will be well.
So other than moving the "This Sucks" meter to "This Really SUCKS"
The Good News is that he is still here and he is still a very strong man.
OH one more good thing was when Pastor Sara from our church Epiphany Lutheran Church
came chatted, prayed, and shared Holy Communion.
During our chatting time we talked about making things suck less and we
got to talking about how Bill enjoys malts and shakes now. And she reminded us
of how wonderful United Dairy Farmer shakes and malts are. Oh yes!!!
very very delicious.
Please continue to keep him in your prayers. And if possible enjoy
the ease of your life just a bit more. And as you are in that place
of appreciation just send a bit of that love, energy, contentment Bill's way.
Thank You.
Bill has completed his third round of chemo. He also received a blood transfusion before chemo and then one after chemo.
So his color looks good and he seems to have more strength. Something about the hemoglobin numbers being low and how those cell are the ones that carry oxygen.
On Monday Oct 4th is when the PET scan news came in. The good news is that there is less cancer than before..
the Whaa news is that it is not disappearing a fast as the Dr. would like. So the prayer is that this round of chemo is even more effective at dissolving the cancer cells.
Other news is that Bill will need to have his lung repaired before he his a candidate for the stem cell process at the Jewish Hospital. As I understand it there are two concerns about fluid in the lower right chest cavity.
One is about the risk of infection that having fluid in the chest cavity would cause as Bill undergoes the extreme chemo, and the other is about needing effective enough exhale abilities so that he would be able to release the toxins of the chemo effectively as well.
So he has an appointment to meet with a thoracic surgeon on Thursday October 14th. There I imagine that Bill and I will get information on how a cool little camera will go inside Bills chest and the surgeon will be able to "scrape" the "rind" off of Bill's right lung so that his lung will be able to extend fully, thus improving his ability to breathe.
Once he heals enough from that. He needs to pass the "Breathing Test" and then he will be on his way to the Jewish Hospital.
On Thursdays meeting I hope to have a better idea on how long Bill will be at the Kettering Hospital and how long after that will he need to recover to take the Breathing test again and then get the okay to go to the Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati.
Truth be told I was very disappointed to learn of the need to have Bill go thru the lung procedure.
However after a night of crying I think I have gotten my sad out and am able to proceed with more calm and peace of mind than before.
For those of you who have read Steven Covey's book the 7 habits of highly effective people there is a list that gives example of what you might be focused on if you are not a principle centered person. When that was years ago and mostly I am able to live in
the principle centered place however... in weak moments I can be come very
enemy centered! And so I now repent of my sins from all of the evil eye energy
I was sending to the experts who denied Bill at the Jewish Hospital until his lung is repaired.
May God Bless them
AND may God Bless me!
Because Bill looked so good when I picked him up from WPAFB Medical Center on Thursday
I am feeling hopeful that all will be well.
So other than moving the "This Sucks" meter to "This Really SUCKS"
The Good News is that he is still here and he is still a very strong man.
OH one more good thing was when Pastor Sara from our church Epiphany Lutheran Church
came chatted, prayed, and shared Holy Communion.
During our chatting time we talked about making things suck less and we
got to talking about how Bill enjoys malts and shakes now. And she reminded us
of how wonderful United Dairy Farmer shakes and malts are. Oh yes!!!
very very delicious.
Please continue to keep him in your prayers. And if possible enjoy
the ease of your life just a bit more. And as you are in that place
of appreciation just send a bit of that love, energy, contentment Bill's way.
Thank You.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Latest News About Bill Richard
Dear Followers of Bill's Blog,
A note from Joy, Bill's Wife,
It was confirmed that there is a recurrence of Hodgkin's Lymphoma for Bill. Thankfully he has already had two rounds of new chemo and perhaps one more before his care will be transferred to the Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati. There he will under go some prep work to collect his very own bone marrow/stem cells, the hospital will save his cells in the deep freezer for later, Once the collection is complete he will be checked in for approximatly a 3 week stay as they give him strong chemo therapy for about 5 days and then, when the time is right, re introduce his own stem cells back into his body. Our guess is that this more intensive healing adventure will begin sometime in late Oct.
I will do my best to keep you up to date with accurate information. With special days, times and intentions on what to pray for.
The back story
Something was not feeling right to Bill in late July so he when in for a Dr. check up and had a PET scan scheduled for the next week.
It was about the middle of August that Bill starting feeling more tired and having night sweats. The PET scan info came back with some "hot spots", On the first day of school for the kids Bill stayed home and told me he was not feeling well. After that things moved quickly a Dr. appt at WPAFB with instructions to go to Miami Valley Hospital Emergency Room to prepare for fluid removal from Bill's heart (about a liter) as well as lung(about 5 liters). No wonder he was not feeling well. From that moment every thing was in high gear to confirm that it was Hodgkins so that he could start chemo.. to get the show on the road Bill underwent a biopsy near his color bone with only a local pain killer!! I was so PROUD he got that completed before the Labor Day weekend! That way the lab was able confirm that it was Hodgkin's again and Bill's Dr. was able to get chemo started a.s.a.p. Phew...
For our 20th anniversary experience Bill waited for his chemo port to be installed... unfortunately.. the port thing did not go as planned and a few days later a PIC line was installed in his left arm. That seems to be working just fine. Bill has had two round of chemo. Tuesday for about an hour Wed for a full 24 hours where he is checked in to the hospital for and over night and then one more hour on Thursday and then he is home. The first time over night he ended up in the ICU because of low Oxygen levels and they took more fluid from his chest caviaty. While there they also found a blood clot so now I get to give him shots in his belly everyday. His second round of chemo was easy and he seems to be doing very well. Plus he recieved a blood transfusion and that has helped with his energy levels and well as his skin color.
We have as a family gone thru a wide rage of emotions from shock , deep sadness, to time to pull yourself up by your boots straps and get on with it... Mostly we talk about how it SUCKS that he needs to go thru this experiance again and we come up with ways to make it suck less. (inspired from a quit smoking add) Mostly practicing the power of being in the now. Praying and Giving Thanks for all of the helpful people who are are providing right action and support.
Once the paper work is complete I will provide more detailed information.
Thanks for caring.
Peace and Blessings,
Joy
A note from Joy, Bill's Wife,
It was confirmed that there is a recurrence of Hodgkin's Lymphoma for Bill. Thankfully he has already had two rounds of new chemo and perhaps one more before his care will be transferred to the Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati. There he will under go some prep work to collect his very own bone marrow/stem cells, the hospital will save his cells in the deep freezer for later, Once the collection is complete he will be checked in for approximatly a 3 week stay as they give him strong chemo therapy for about 5 days and then, when the time is right, re introduce his own stem cells back into his body. Our guess is that this more intensive healing adventure will begin sometime in late Oct.
I will do my best to keep you up to date with accurate information. With special days, times and intentions on what to pray for.
The back story
Something was not feeling right to Bill in late July so he when in for a Dr. check up and had a PET scan scheduled for the next week.
It was about the middle of August that Bill starting feeling more tired and having night sweats. The PET scan info came back with some "hot spots", On the first day of school for the kids Bill stayed home and told me he was not feeling well. After that things moved quickly a Dr. appt at WPAFB with instructions to go to Miami Valley Hospital Emergency Room to prepare for fluid removal from Bill's heart (about a liter) as well as lung(about 5 liters). No wonder he was not feeling well. From that moment every thing was in high gear to confirm that it was Hodgkins so that he could start chemo.. to get the show on the road Bill underwent a biopsy near his color bone with only a local pain killer!! I was so PROUD he got that completed before the Labor Day weekend! That way the lab was able confirm that it was Hodgkin's again and Bill's Dr. was able to get chemo started a.s.a.p. Phew...
For our 20th anniversary experience Bill waited for his chemo port to be installed... unfortunately.. the port thing did not go as planned and a few days later a PIC line was installed in his left arm. That seems to be working just fine. Bill has had two round of chemo. Tuesday for about an hour Wed for a full 24 hours where he is checked in to the hospital for and over night and then one more hour on Thursday and then he is home. The first time over night he ended up in the ICU because of low Oxygen levels and they took more fluid from his chest caviaty. While there they also found a blood clot so now I get to give him shots in his belly everyday. His second round of chemo was easy and he seems to be doing very well. Plus he recieved a blood transfusion and that has helped with his energy levels and well as his skin color.
We have as a family gone thru a wide rage of emotions from shock , deep sadness, to time to pull yourself up by your boots straps and get on with it... Mostly we talk about how it SUCKS that he needs to go thru this experiance again and we come up with ways to make it suck less. (inspired from a quit smoking add) Mostly practicing the power of being in the now. Praying and Giving Thanks for all of the helpful people who are are providing right action and support.
Once the paper work is complete I will provide more detailed information.
Thanks for caring.
Peace and Blessings,
Joy
Thursday, March 25, 2010
All Done! - Feeling Great - Checkups Every 6 Months
I completed my radiation treatments last week. I feel better now than I have felt
in about a year! I only now need to go see the doctor every six months to ensure
that the cancer has not returned. I've also finally started exercizing again.
I appreciate all your thoughts, prayers, and support over these six months. I am very, very grateful.
God Bless,
Bill
in about a year! I only now need to go see the doctor every six months to ensure
that the cancer has not returned. I've also finally started exercizing again.
I appreciate all your thoughts, prayers, and support over these six months. I am very, very grateful.
God Bless,
Bill
Sunday, February 28, 2010
1st Week of Treatment
My first week of radiation treatment has gone fine.
I will get 16 treatments total and I finished my first 5 last week.
A radiation treatment only takes about 15 minutes and it's a piece of cake compared to chemotherapy.
Thanks for your continued prayers and support.
Bill
I will get 16 treatments total and I finished my first 5 last week.
A radiation treatment only takes about 15 minutes and it's a piece of cake compared to chemotherapy.
Thanks for your continued prayers and support.
Bill
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Test Results - No Actrive Cancer Cells!
I got great news this week with my test results.
The results were negative, meaning that all, or very nearly all, the cells in my mass are dead!
I will not need any more chemotherapy sessions. I will, however, undergo some
radiation treatments just to ensure that no active cells will remain.
I will have a CT scan this Wednesday to exactly isolate where the radiation treatments need to occur on my chest and how many I will need.
Once the radiation treatments are completed, my entire treatment program will be done!
I feel really good today and look forward to the upcoming weeks where I won't be "knocked down" by chemotherapy sessions. Having experienced one radiation treatment, they are a cake walk compared to chemotherapy.
Thank you again for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers.
Bill
The results were negative, meaning that all, or very nearly all, the cells in my mass are dead!
I will not need any more chemotherapy sessions. I will, however, undergo some
radiation treatments just to ensure that no active cells will remain.
I will have a CT scan this Wednesday to exactly isolate where the radiation treatments need to occur on my chest and how many I will need.
Once the radiation treatments are completed, my entire treatment program will be done!
I feel really good today and look forward to the upcoming weeks where I won't be "knocked down" by chemotherapy sessions. Having experienced one radiation treatment, they are a cake walk compared to chemotherapy.
Thank you again for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers.
Bill
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Last Chemo Treatment Yesterday - Hopefully
I had my eighth chemotherapy treatment yesterday.
Today, I feel pretty good after 12 hours rest.
This past Wednesday I had my 'full body' PET scan to determine
whether I would need more chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
My nurse yesterday told me that the tests results were very good and that the doctor
said they were negative. I won't know exactly what that means until I see the doctor next Wednesday, however, it's very encouraging news. Hopefully, the tumor is either gone or small enough that just one radiation therapy is all that's necessary. At worst, I may need two more chemotherapy sessions. I'm ok with either and just very thankful that my healing has taken place so quickly.
I know that my rapid healing could not have taken place without my faith and all your prayers. I pray for all of you and my medical staff every day.
Will post an update on Wednesday evening after I've met with the doctor.
Thanks,
Bill
Today, I feel pretty good after 12 hours rest.
This past Wednesday I had my 'full body' PET scan to determine
whether I would need more chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
My nurse yesterday told me that the tests results were very good and that the doctor
said they were negative. I won't know exactly what that means until I see the doctor next Wednesday, however, it's very encouraging news. Hopefully, the tumor is either gone or small enough that just one radiation therapy is all that's necessary. At worst, I may need two more chemotherapy sessions. I'm ok with either and just very thankful that my healing has taken place so quickly.
I know that my rapid healing could not have taken place without my faith and all your prayers. I pray for all of you and my medical staff every day.
Will post an update on Wednesday evening after I've met with the doctor.
Thanks,
Bill
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)