Fighting Mantle Cell Lymphoma(All Posts)

Good news again - clean bill of health!!

I had my scans done about 2 weeks ago, and got copies of the results as soon as they had them - a few days later. It's important to get the reports for yourself, as it's (1) good to have your own history, and (2) it's good to review them before you see the doctor.

The scans were good, so I felt good there, but it always seems there's some term or something on the scans that you don't understand, so it's good to have it highlighted prior to your visit, and ask the question - rather than see it after the visit, and have to ask the follow-up question. Most of the things end up being sinus congestion, etc. Again, a clean bill of health!

Chris and I went up to HUMed for a 9:50am appointment, and ultimately saw Dr. Goy around 1pm. Like a good restaraunt, you don't want it to be empty, but it can be frustrating at times. I do take solice in the fact that I know when I had fevers, etc, he would make time for me, and I know there were Saturdays when he'd make rounds seeing 70 patients, and then do add'l work. It's a job I couldn't imagine having, and am thankful there are doctors like Goy that dedicate themselves to the cause.

It was good to see Dr. Goy, Coleen, Noel, and Jesse, with the added bonus of seeing Alex, Mary, Hillary, and Maureen (from a distance) - the latter group of four were all phenominal nurses on 5PE where I got treatment. As much as I'm happy to see them at the clinic where Dr. Goy is, I know the patients are missing some of the best nurses there are - and I've expressed previously just how important the nurses are to chemo care. Regardless, I'm thrilled they're still with Dr. Goy and Hackensack.

Dr. Goy was as energetic and busy as always. He's been seeing over 100 MCL patients, from all over the world. This is key to understanding the disease, and getting more treatment options for it. We had to wait hours to see him, but you know when you do, you have all of his attention. He sits back and talks with you about your life, what's happening in the field, etc. He's got a great presense.

It's another 6 months before a visit, and I'm of course grateful for that.

Many thanks for all the wishes, prayers, and inquiries. I asked Goy and Coleen about Stephen, and they said he's doing well. I'll mail him shortly to get an update in person. I'll also mail Cory to see how he'd doing. James, another 'cell mate' has recently completed 6 rounds of treatment - including a study drug (velcade), and is doing well. He's had his battles, but he came through with flying colors (some black, some blue!).

On the personal front (like the above wasn't), it's been a great summer, with lots of good family time on the weekends, some good vacation getaways, and a great appreciation of friends and family.

Thoughs and prayers to all going throug this, including of course caregivers and families. A request for thoughts and prayers to friends of ours that have a baby in neo-natal due to a premature birth, as well as a very good friend and his family whose son recently passed away.

Again, many thanks for checking in, and we wish everyone well!

John and Chris