My Oncologist/Hematologist/Internist, Dr. Meyering has been great – really engaged, spends more time and effort than I’d have expected.  Her own experience surviving cancer also helps.  Got lucky with her!  After yesterday’s sit down, here’s the latest:

• My initial response to chemo round 1 has been quite good…and without the worst of the side-effects (yet – timing and magnitude varies a lot).  REALLY glad that we pushed to start ASAP – doing it in hospital Fri-Sun not only gave us 3 day head start on the enemy, but also provided constant monitoring and management that had to help in minimizing side-effects.
• My “big twist” is the involvement of quite a few bones.  One of them was at the top of my cervical spine (the Clivus) and was of great concern since bone damage there could lead to a serious “acute event”.  After review of the MRI from Friday night, though, it seems that there is no immediate structural threat.
• Due to the number of areas of the spine (and a few spots on the skull) involved, we’re going to assume there’s a good chance of my CSF (Cerebro-spinal fluid) being involved.  To be safe, I’ll probably get a round of chemo in the spine, probably during cycles 3-6.  This has to be administered separately, since the CHOP-R injections to my circulatory system don’t cross the blood-brain/spine barrier.
• Still TBD in reviews with UCLA and City of Hope specialists: what marrow/stem-cell therapies might be recommended to boost immune system and reduce chances of recurrence after the initial chemo course(s).

Bottom line: prognosis for cure still really good…just taking it one day at a time and pushing the “cure above all” agenda.  I’ll survive short-term misery for long-term prognosis improvement.

And, today’s pic – something I never thought I’d have!

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