Last Wednesday, I traveled from Cape Cod to Colorado for yet another PET scan that determined how effective my treatment plan is working. At 5:00, after spending all day Thursday at UCHealth, my lymphoma oncologist entered the exam room with a smile on her face and one word: "Spectacular!"

The PET scan showed the lymphoma on my leg was almost gone. Better yet, I had learned earlier in the day that two nodules on my left arm were nearly gone; one not visible; one only a "shadow." on the scan. Not only had three weeks of radiation in February/March worked, but four doses of immunotherapy had also worked "miracles." Okay, technically not miracles, but truly wonders of modern medical science!

Despite this good news.  I will continue with immunotherapy until next January, primarily for melanoma. However, I will NOT start chemotherapy for lymphoma because the radiation was so effective. Opdualag also focuses on lymphoma.

I'm not quite out-of-the-woods, but the edge of the meadow is coming into focus.  Despite the good news, Susan lags behind me. My cancers are still worrisome,  and she's scared about Jeff.  Exhausted after 30-some years of cancer in our family, she's waiting for another shoe to drop.

The PET scan showed same enhancement behind my nasal passage as well as near my  parotid that the previous PET showed. As a result, UCHealth arranged for an MRI of my face/head  today (5/12).  When I return to Denver on June  4, I'll see my ENT at Anschututz, Dr. Goddard. She saw me several months ago and was not concerned with the PET scan results at that time.  This time she may do a biopsy, depending on results of the MRI.

I return to Boston on Tuesday (5/14) and return for immunotherapy and the ENT appointment in early June. We're back in Colorado at the end of June for a short summer. In mid-August my progress will be monitored again with my 3rd PET scan - before Susan & I return to Cape Cod the last week in August.   

Needless-to-say, Susan, our kids and grandkids, and I are looking forward to spending some time near the meadow, with extended family and dear friends close by.

Love, Jim

p.s. In March I shared some troubling news about Jeff and wanted to include a brief update. It appears he does not have a brain tumor, but the limitation of his five senses on the entire left side of his body continues. No one is quite sure what is going on.

In June, he will have another specialized MRI which tracks the chemistry and flow of blood within his brain. His previous MRI showed some bleeding; this one will confirm if that continues. On May 28th, he will meet with a neuro oncologist at Anschutz in hopes he can get some answers to this ongoing medical mystery.