Claudia had a CT scan on September 14, and we met with her oncologist on the 20th to talk about what they found, and to make plans for going forward.  Comparing this recent scan with previous scans made over the past year, this scan showed that all the lymph nodes that had previously been enlarged due to the lymphoma had decreased in size.  In many cases, they had essentially disappeared, while in most others they showed significant shrinkage.  None showed any growth, and there were no new appearances.  The scan was, overall, quite positive.  On the other hand, there was still evidence of some cancer.  On the third hand, we understood at the outset that this type of cancer is rarely “cured,” but is instead managed over time, so we were not surprised or particularly discouraged that it was not completely gone.  The goal, therefore, is to watch for symptoms and do periodic scans, so that if it starts to pick up again, we can catch and treat it early to avoid the problems Claudia had to go through this time.

The doctor told us that under other circumstances he might have recommended a maintenance program of a Rituxan infusion every twelve weeks (Rituxan is an immunotherapy drug).  However, while Rituxan can help slow the return of the cancer, it also has a tendency to suppress the immune system.  As I mentioned in the last update, Claudia’s immune system is currently weakened to the point that her COVID vaccination had no effect; she didn’t form any COVID antibodies.  Under the circumstances, the doctor felt it was more important for her immune system to recover, not only so that she can get a proper vaccination, but also so that she can regain her normal resistance to other common pathogens.  Claudia and I had talked, before visiting with the doctor, and she had already arrived at the same conclusion.  She had intended to resist any advice toward an active maintenance schedule, at least for now.  The doctor did recommend that she have a COVID vaccine booster right away.  He said that a recent study suggested that there was some chance that a booster would impart partial protection, even with her compromised immune system.  However, she has decided to wait at least until the next set of blood tests (in a couple of months), to see if she can get some recovery of her immune system before getting the booster, thinking that this would increase the likelihood of a strong response to the vaccine.

For the time being, Claudia is focused on recovering physically from the severe weight and muscle loss of last year.  She has regained the weight but getting the muscle back has been pretty tough.  Now that she is through with the chemo, she has much more energy, and is already showing faster improvement.  She doesn’t use a walker inside the house and is now climbing the stairs by herself—although I am still spotting her on the stairs.  She has been walking—with her walker—every day, two or three laps around the grassy island in the middle of our cul-de-sac, as well as a couple of trips up and down the little hill that goes from our house down to the main road.  In total, her current daily walk is about a quarter mile. She is still frustrated that she can’t do everything she wants, right now, but I think that that (the frustration) is good, because it gives her an incentive to keep working.  She will also resume physical and occupational therapy, which we discontinued several months ago because the chemo was leaving her too debilitated to do much work. 

So now we are looking forward to some rebuilding time, and then, about the time that the whole world recovers from this COVID mess (or maybe sooner, given the way things are going), she’ll be back in fighting form, ready for the next challenge.

We love you all,

Hal

Claudia adds the following:

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."
- Mother Theresa

Because of you, these words have come to life for me over this past year. Your prayers and acts of kindness, no matter how small, have changed my experience. Knowing that you are there has made all the difference and I am better and stronger because of you.

I'd like to share some things I've learned during this experience . . .

~ I know that my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are there for me. For all of us. They love and adore me. And you. The words to one of my favorite hymns have lifted me during times of despair:

"Fear not,
I am with thee,
O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God,
and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee,
help thee,
and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by My righteous,
omnipotent hand.”

~ We can't do it alone. We really do need each other. 

~ There are hidden gifts in every hard thing.

~ I hope to become a more thoughtful, compassionate friend. One who stays long after the hard things are shared. I hope to never forget how difficult the first days, weeks, months and years are. I pray that God brings to my remembrance those who need a kind word, a text, a note, or a phone call. These are such simple things to do, but are small acts that could mean all the difference.

"Perhaps you will forget the kind words you say today, but the recipient will remember them for a lifetime."
- Thomas S. Monson

I will always remember.

Thank you!
I love you!

Claudia