This Machine Killed Cancer

We have a lot more to write about the benefits, a lot of pictures and thank yous and the literary equivalents of hugs, but we got some medical news this week and I wanted to share it with y’all first.

The protocol for treating my type of lymphoma that has recurred in the brain begins with 5 cycles of R-MVP (a type of chemo).  Once those cycles are done, we do PET scans and an MRI to determine if we can move on to the next part of the treatment protocol.  If the scans show no sign of cancer, we get to move on to radiation (which we are actually pretty freaked out about - more below).  If there is even a little bit of cancer left, you go back for two more cycles of R-MVP.  My recent stay in the hospital was my 5th cycle, so last week I went in for a series of scans.  Rebekah and I had our hearts set on a positive outcome so that I could stop going to the hospital every other week (seriously, it’s a drag - if anyone asks you in the future if you want to do this, the proper response is to kick them in the nuts and run).

The PET scan was clean, but unfortunately, the MRI showed that there are still tumors in my brain.  They have shrunk in response to the chemo, which is a good sign, but they are not gone - so back we go for two more rounds of a week in and a week out of the hospital.  Yay.  On the bright side, it delays moving on to the radiation.  We are currently seeking second (and possibly third) opinions about treatment options because there is some worry that putting my head in the microwave can cause permanent brain damage.  I can already feel myself losing a bit of my memory and sharpness from the chemo to the brain, so I’m pretty terrified at the idea of further damage.

So, we’re packing our bags and heading back in tomorrow.  I would have missed the apple juice if we’d stayed away any longer.

“Hurry up, hurry up.  Ain’t you had enough of this stuff?” -The Replacements, Can’t Hardly Wait