Daily Archives: 08/13/2009

(Community Matters) Good meetings with the nurse, then the physician’s assistant, then Dr. McLaughlin. No alarms, less surprise to them than us. Relapsed cancer now a grade 2, rather than previous grade 3, ie., higher proportion of small cell v large cell. We expected a 3 to 5 year remission, though experience is slightly less than a one-year. Returning lymphoma isn’t’ characterized by stage – from here out simply referred to as “relapsed lymphoma.” Discussed various treatment options: intensive strategies (stem cell transplants & full regiment chemos), medium & mild (clinical trials with minimal side effects and without immune supression). Also option of waiting and seeing how this slow growth lymphoma progresses. We’re all but agreed no need to take the most intensive option. We’ll come back next week for consultations and tests, the following week to reconvene with the doc.

(Community Matters) After a super night in Sealy, Michael Mitchell, Robert Torian and I are in Houston for consultation Dr. McLaughlin at MD Anderson, first since the return of Michael’s lymphoma.

Unfortunately, my parents weren’t at the farm last night – one of the few nights a month they spent in Houston. Super hanging out, chatting, margs, dinner out, gathering eggs and checking out the new birds (quail). Loved waking up there. Took an early tour in mom’s golf cart (usually only reserved for her since there are three others). Not only is it outfitted with an awesome stereo, comes equipped with a really big & sharp machete as well as firearms ammunition. My facebook posting about this elicited comments from my cousins, admonishing me for expecting any less.