Appears the situation has the Docs perplexed

Duh.. We knew that. Officially, the update is the PeT shows the tumor in Andy's chest is lighting up brighter than ever. This means active cancer. At the same time, the tumor is marginally smaller than originally scanned. There are also nodes lighting up in his lungs. This could be a few things, including infection. The plan is to have the surgery and get a biopsy of the chest tumor. Andy expects a call next week to schedule the procedure. We know this is a major procedure but not sure of inpatient time or recovery time. Will find out. He wants his Mom there if possible and we will work on that when we have dates. It's unfortunate the Doc is perplexed, but one more reminder of how thankful we are to be with the best medical team possible for this condition.

You are wondering how Andy is feeling. He just wants this behind him and to quit living one day at a time or words to that effect. He feels better, coughs some, and wants to get back to normal life.

Thank you all for your support.

Finally a return appt

Andy got a call today to schedule a PET scan for Feb 22. We will take it! Progress and a chance to meet with the doctors to determine next steps- that's what we need at this point.

Appt for surgical consultation is set

We have an appt for Jan 4 to meet with the surgeon and discuss the biopsy. Will provide an update at that time!

PET results are in

The PET showed no change from before BEACOPP and after ABVD. That means the chest tumor seems to still be alive. There is a chance the PET is wrong so a biopsy is being planned. This takes special surgical skill given the location. Timing tbd. If it still is alive a new chemo regimen specific for Hodgkins will start. This is outpatient every 3 weeks for 4 times with a PET in the middle. We need to stay focused on the cure! The timeline changed but nothing more.

Bummer

Andy and Laurie went to UCSF as instructed. After a long while it was confirmed there was no need for the visit. They spent a day on the road, money and more energy than Andy has and he is very upset. He feels horrible and exhausted and his blood is hovering just above the threshold that would require another transfusion imparting they get home safely and that Andy starts feeling better. Also, the PET scan will be sometime in November. A day of disappointment

Back to UCSF

Turns out Andy needs to spend Friday at UCSF as part of the study protocol. We really were unaware until they called yesterday. We will need to figure out transportation and other details. Got to look at this as progress--one step closer to the point of being declared cure!

Wed Oct 10

Another day of blood work and another neupogen shot. No g I issues for about 12 hours and staying on bland diet. Andy seemed a lot more upbeat, even given the onset of the bone pain, and is anxious for "what's next". He's trying to be better about taking all the medicines to help with both pain and potentially even some sleep! The visits from last weekend by fantastic,caring and dedicated friends continues to buoy him up.