We saw my oncologist today to get the results of the last set of CT/PET scans. Apparently there has been a significant decrease in the size of the tumors, with residual metabolic activity in 3 areas.
So the progress has been good, but things are not back to normal. The issue for the oncologist is the relative rarity of my type of lymphoma (ALK positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma) doesn't provide much of a road map for how to predict what this type of lymphoma will do or not do. He laid out a number of options:
1) biopsy the tumors and see if they are active or just dead tissue.
2) If active, then the next course of action would be an autologous stem cell transplantation or bone marrow transplant (2 names for the same thing).
3) if not active, then.....wait and see. If it comes back then its another round of chemo + the transplant.
4) Whether of not the results of the biopsy, since this type of cancer has a high likely-hood of recurring, go ahead with the transplant since I'm "relatively" young and in good health (able to handle the rigors of the technique). If I wait for a 2nd recurrence, I might not then be a good transplant risk.
My oncologist has referred me to the transplant specialist, a hemotologist/oncologist, at their bone marrow transplant center. We'll talk to him this week, then go back to my oncologist to make a decision.
The tough part in all of this is that I'll probably need to be hospitalized for a month or two while the transplant restores my bone marrow. That will be tough on us because it will mean my being on disability leave and drawing state disability (probably in the form of IOU notes!!) while I'm out. The financial hit will be hard, but I really don't have much choice if I want to beat this thing and grow old to a nice ripe age.
As I mentioned, the final plan won't be decided until next week when we see my oncologist again.
Prayers are very much appreciated, especially for God's wisdom for my physician's and our trust in His Plan for my life.
Soli Deo Gloria!
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