Thursday, June 28, 2007
No Signs
"Your skin is showing no signs of cancer," so says Dr. Foss. Can I get an Amen?
Rachelle and I traveled to see Dr. Foss yesterday, cautiously optimistic that we would receive good news. And we did!
I was diagnosed 2-years ago in June 2005 and have recently being receiving Interferon-a and narrowbeam UVB treatments 3x per week. We're scaling back the Interferon to 2x per week, then 1x per week over the next 6 months. Our goal is to eventually be down to Interferon 1x per month and the UVB 1x per week. We'll systematically step down the treatments to a minimum maintenance level, keeping a close eye for any signs of recurrence.
Technically, I am in remission, but that word is loaded and has many connotations. To be technically in remission, I would have to be treatment free and cancer free for 5 years. With the ongoing treatments, the results are essentially the same: the cancer is not advancing.
We are grateful for so many prayers on my behalf. Thanks and don't stop. The prayers are the one aspect of my treatment regimen that must continue and even increase!
Can I get an AMEN? Rachelle and I are still a bit numb from the journey, but we did have some downtime in Stoney Creek, CT (about 20 minutes east of New Haven) to enjoy a harbor cruise. Have you ever seen two more good looking, happy people?
Rachelle and I traveled to see Dr. Foss yesterday, cautiously optimistic that we would receive good news. And we did!
I was diagnosed 2-years ago in June 2005 and have recently being receiving Interferon-a and narrowbeam UVB treatments 3x per week. We're scaling back the Interferon to 2x per week, then 1x per week over the next 6 months. Our goal is to eventually be down to Interferon 1x per month and the UVB 1x per week. We'll systematically step down the treatments to a minimum maintenance level, keeping a close eye for any signs of recurrence.
Technically, I am in remission, but that word is loaded and has many connotations. To be technically in remission, I would have to be treatment free and cancer free for 5 years. With the ongoing treatments, the results are essentially the same: the cancer is not advancing.
We are grateful for so many prayers on my behalf. Thanks and don't stop. The prayers are the one aspect of my treatment regimen that must continue and even increase!
Can I get an AMEN? Rachelle and I are still a bit numb from the journey, but we did have some downtime in Stoney Creek, CT (about 20 minutes east of New Haven) to enjoy a harbor cruise. Have you ever seen two more good looking, happy people?
Labels: CTCL
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
2 Years
Father's Day, June 17, 2007 marked two years since I was diagnosed with CTCL. It seems like a long time ago, and so much of "life" has happened since then, including the addition of Will. Next Wednesday, June 27, I return to see Dr. Foss at Yale for a regular check-up. As I stated in an earlier post, I anticipate confirmation that we're making progress towards eradicating this disease. I hope so, but it will forever be a part of my story. Just today, for instance, I went to a new dentist and had to fill out the plethora of forms, including medical history: Have you ever suffered from cancer? Yes. Are you on any medications? Yes. Etc. Etc. I'm not depressed or embarassed about this aspect of my story, but actually take some pride in kicking cancer's ass (sorry mom). Dr. Foss should say the same thing...in her own professional manner, of course, and I should be able to scale back on some of my medications. I'll let you know. For all the pray-ers out there, keep it up. I am grateful for all of you.
Scott
Scott
Labels: CTCL
