Follow-Up

Since my last post in June, I went for a third opinion with a doctor at Lynn University/Phyllis and Harvey Sandler Cancer Center in Boca Raton. Dr. Richter was very kind and spoke to Craig and I in a way that was reassuring and comforting. After going over all of the details of my diagnosis and treatment thus far, he had several things to say.

First, I was very lucky to have Dr. Zelenitz at Sloan Kettering as my second opinion doctor. He equated him to being the Bruce Springsteen of all things Lymphoma; the rest of the doctors, him included, would be his groupies!

Second, he was surprised to hear that Dr. Z would agree with stopping my Rituxin treatments. He went over the history of how Rituxin was once given every 6 months, then 4 months and now every two months. Although my white count has been low,  he feels that comes with the territory.

His recommendation was to go back to my doctor  and fill him in on our discussion.  He said he would always be there if we needed him.

At my next appointment with Dr. Schwartz, I filled him in. I didn't want him to think that I was going behind his back and wanted him to know everything. He understood but still felt that he wanted to wait until my count came up before we thought about having Rituxin again. ( At this point, I was supposed to be having my next scheduled treatment.) We did my bloodwork and flushed out my port (which has to be done every 6-8 weeks if you are not getting any treatments) and waited for the results. Lucky me-My count was up!!!!

Since Craig and I were going to be traveling most of July, there would be no time to get a treatment (not that he was planning on giving me one yet!). He wants my count to come up more, or at least stay steady for awhile. On top of that, I was due for my 6 month Pet Scan.  So. . .

I am having my scan tomorrow and the pre-diet sucks. No carbs. No sugar. No cream in my coffee (I got up early enough to have some!) No fruit!! Yuck!! I am trying to stay positive but I am nervous, too. I honestly believe that there is no cancer in me at this point but until I hear the words, there is still doubt. It is true what they say- When you have had cancer, your life goes from scan to scan and the hope that you will always hear,
"You're clean and clear."

Say some prayers, please. (And, Thank You!)