15th - The New Normal

Many of you have heard the phrase "the new normal".  It has been overused many times in the media over the past few years and I heard it a lot lately related to my condition.  The theory is that I will find a rhythm or pace to my life during this treatment.  As today is only "day 2" (common nomenclature for the first day after chemo), I will not pretend that I am anywhere close to the new normal.  Stuart will be glad to hear it after witnessing my day.

So how did I feel?  Generally pretty good.  A few common side effects not worth mentioning, although I will give special recognition to my burning feet...who knew?  Good thing I bought the lotion.

I did work for a couple hours and took a walk around the neighborhood for about an hour.  Other than those three, the rest of the hours in my day were spent on the Internet trying to get my head around what I read in my pathology report yesterday.  I will no doubt get past it and move on.

One of my college roommates, Steve Sparks, posted a comment to yesterday's entry.  He was diagnosed with Hodgkin's at age 28, so I look forward to his wisdom and experience as I go through this.

Tomorrow, my Hokies have a slim chance of beating Wake Forest and moving the team to 5-2 on the year...I will be tuned into ESPNU tomorrow for the 3:30 kickoff.

29th - Good news is bad news

Dr. Reames called this afternoon to tell me that the pathology department called and the tissue from Monday's bronchoscopy was "non-diagnostic".  Technically, it means that there were no malignant cells found, which I took as good news.  Those in the medical profession took it as a disappointment however, as they do not seem to want to call it quits without an adequate explanation for the golf ball sized lymph nodes in my chest.  Go figure.

At this point, I think everyone but me believes that I have Lymphoma.  My resolve has started to give way, so I decided it was time to see that Oncologist for a consultation.

Dr. Kersten recommended Mariealane B. Hellner, MD, who practices near my house and is supposed to be very good.  Stuart and I will go to her office in the morning.