That Nasty Little "B" Word

I was generally OK about going to the oncologist for the results of the PET scan. After all, I have been down this road dozens of times before. I am used to hearing "well, there's something wrong, we don't know quite what. Let's do the test again and see if anything changes."

But I knew immediately that things were different. They sent a student in first to "chat" - they only come in when there is something going on, some treatment or news. I was prepared to hear what the doctor had to say.

She suspects that I have follicular lymphoma. Not rectal cancer metastasized. A new cancer. It resides in the lymph glands. Yes, the last biopsy was clear, but we did just get a few cells, not an entire gland. Given the PET scan results and the history. . .

The plan? I see an Ear-Nose-Throat specialist next week. They will try to remove an entire gland from my neck (gulp). Nasty little Biopsy - yuck. I will see radiology, who may find they can begin some treatment. The doctor will re-consult the doctor who did my last colonoscopy since there is now something showing up in the rectum area. She will also present my case at Strong rounds, and at a conference for the eastern seaboard, to see if she can glean any insight from others.

I will need PET scans every 2 months. Not to worry, this sort of cancer doesn't shorten your life - by much. People have been known to live a good thirty years with it. And then the word 'incurable' and 'managed' and a blur of other stuff.

Deep breath. OK. We have a suspicion that we are going to try and prove. Let's see what happens. Meanwhile, I feel OK. Not great, but OK except for the pain in my shoulder and arm. So nothing has changed, really. Just some words to explore. Now if I can just get past the idea of slicing something out of my throat, I'll be fine.