Weds., April 8: Diagnosis update

First, today's funny.  Thanks to our friend, Lee Erickson, for this outlook when we explained Mike's head is completely buzzed now: "Just put a light bult in his mouth and call him Uncle Fester from the Addam's Family."  Mike giggled so hard he couldn't talk!

(Sorry I didn't post last night, but I was fighting with Turbo Tax.)

After our talk with Lee, Mike said he wanted to know more about the new diagnosis.  He was near the end of the first chemo in the hospital when the doc first explained it.  His question was a good one to ask the doc.

Bottom line, before I go into detail, this is all good news.

The diagnosis by OHSU came back as small B-cell in the bone marrow, and "intermediate" in the stomach biopsy.  Those are non-aggressive cancers, compared to the very aggressive large B-cell the first lab reported (and therefore, the "put you in the hospital right now" action taken by the oncologist).

The less aggressive sub-types are harder to get rid of, but need less harsh treatment and are easier to keep a lid on.  Mike might be put on occasional doses of Rituxan, the anti-body, for maintenance.  And it might be that the type advances into large B-cell in five or seven years.

The more immediate plan is to continue the two-drug regimen, probably every three to four weeks, through at least June or so.  After another two rounds, the oncologist will probably order a scan to see how things look.  But right now his blood counts have improved, and the doc is pleased, "You just look better."

This was our longest talk with the doctor to date.  Of course, it was extended by talking about the ninth round of boards he has taken in his career, and why he is looking at running for Governor.

Mike will have another blood draw in a week, and the doc will decide on the timing for chemo round three.

Today's gratitude: to Lee Erickson, not only for the bit of humor, but for pushing us to push the doctor on confirming the diagnosis.