Thursday, June 14 – Today we got Monday’s biopsy results from the oncologist.
The results were that it looks like we found something that looks like the cancer. We’re having someone else take a look at it, to make sure they agree, and if they do, we will proceed with more treatment.
The GOOD news about this is that Jacqui and I can get out of the holding pattern we’ve been in since the end of last year, not knowing how to make me feel better. We are glad that we have an opportunity to move forward, and move towards less fatigue and tiredness on my part, and getting rid of all the nasty effects of cancer. Most of all, we are glad for the opportunity to finish kicking cancer’s butt!
The NOT SO GOOD news is that the path that is before us will not be easy. It will involve a STEM CELL TRANSPLANT. The process involves ICE chemo, then they will harvest my healthy stem cells, then High Dose chemo to destroy all the bad cells (and the rest of my immune system), followed by the stem cell transplant, where they put my stem cells back into my body and regrow my immune system.
This process should take roughly 4 months. That’s a rough estimate, so I could look at finishing the stem cell transplant sometime in November-ish. Again, these are all very rough estimates. After the stem cell transplant is complete, there is a six month recovery process towards healing and normal immune function. In the meantime, there will be lots of antibiotics, etc. to keep me healthy.
If I can do math, this means we should be through this process sometime next May. I’ll turn 28 years old on May 4th next year. We should have a huge celebration!
In the meantime, my last post was about another party welcoming me back to Swizzle’s on Thursday, July 21. I hope that many of you can come. If we proceed with the stem cell transplant process, I will start chemo on Monday, July 25. It would sure be nice to have a good time with all of you one more time before starting chemo again.
I look forward to seeing you all at Swizzle’s on July 21. The fun starts at 6pm!
Peace and Love, Forever.
– Andrew
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