Update

I thought I would write a quick blog to update you all on what's been going on. There has been a change in plans regarding the Stem Cell transplant. It has been put on hold for now. On Thursday 9/22, I had my pre-transplant PET scan to see the status of the disease (hoping for Complete or at least Partial remission) to proceed with transplant. The previous CT showed that the mass in my chest looked to be a very slight bit larger. However, it was so unclear because it was such a small difference that it could have been associated with the angle I was laying, movement, or the machine itself. Mark and I remained in high hopes that this was the case. Deep down inside I knew something wasn't right. It was the same feeling I had when the biopsy confirmed relapse back in May. On Friday 9/23, I received a call from an unknown 205 (Birmingham) number. When I answered the phone, Dr. Shelton was on the other end. Then and there I knew what I was about to hear wasn't going to be good news. I've learned that it's never a good thing when the doctor calls. She said that the PET scan confirmed that the mass in my chest had became slightly larger. This means that it did not respond to the mobilization chemotherapy that I had back in August. Not good at all. They are calling my disease "Refractory" now. This means that it doesn't respond to certain chemos. There was also a questionable spot in my left clavicular region where the clavicle and shoulder bone meet. She recommended to have a biopsy of that area to see if it was anything and with the results from that we will determine the treatment plan.

That was a hard day for me. Some of my best friends came over that night for a pre-planned girls night. We had a blast and it helped me to take my mind of things. The next day I felt like a new me ready for battle. That day, I made a commitment to myself and life that I would do the only thing I knew that I could do and that's to make myself stronger. I have committed to a plant-based/vegetarian diet  with low sugar intake as well as very low processed foods. I have also started exercising on a daily basis. NO more wine or desserts after dinner. So far I have felt great and actually a lot healthier. I am more aware of the things that go into my body and I hope by doing this that I can help in my defeat against stupid cancer.

This past Thursday we met with the Surgeon and also a Radiation Oncologist. The surgeon decided that it wouldn't be wise to do a biopsy. First, he couldn't feel anything in the region of the suspected spot. He didn't want to be just "digging" around in there. He and Dr. Shelton decided that the best plan of action would be to do a repeat PET scan and if the spot was still there then it is pretty much indicative of new disease. The reason it is in question at all is because there was no spot on the CT and there are a lot of things that can cause a PET to be positive. They are unsure if the area is disease or if it is just inflammation, movement, etc. Sorry if I'm confusing you. Thankfully, I received the call on Friday that the insurance company approved another PET scan and so we are just waiting to schedule it now.

I also met with the Radiation Oncologist because having radiation if the cancer is localized is a huge possibility. Meaning, if the "new" spot turns out to be nothing and the only evidence of disease is in the original mass in my chest. He explained to us the process and side effects. It would be around 24 treatments, Monday through Friday. About 5 weeks. I'll go into more detail about it if it is the path chosen for us to take.

Just to through it out there. I have also spoken with Dr. Forero who is working hand in hand with Dr. Shelton and if the spot comes back positive for Hodgkin's then the next planned step would be to use a drug called SGN-35. It's supposed to be the most powerful drug for Hodgkin's. It is different than most chemos because it actually targets certain antibodies and proteins on the Hodgkin's cells therefore sparing healthy cells. It's a good drug and a likely possibility.

Anyway, I know this seems like a lot and believe me when I say that our heads have been spinning. In the midst of all of this, Mark and I have to decided that it would be wise to have a second opinion. We have made an appointment with MD Anderson in Houston, TX. It's not that we don't trust our doctors, we just think it would be a good idea to hear another voice in the matter. It is my life that's in their hands. The appointment is scheduled for October 10th and we will be there for a few days. I'm hoping to leave there with more hope and knowledge. It is said to be the best cancer center in the world.

I'll keep you all updated.

I'm a Survivor

I'm not gone give up

I'm not gone stop here

 I'm gone FIGHT harder

I'm a Survivor