About the middle of November 2010 I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL). A CT scan revealed that I had a group of large (~ 15 cm x 15 cm) lymph nodes in my upper abdomen. They were pressing near-by organs and causing discomfort. This discomfort came sporadically and lasted only a few days. I had no other symptoms. A needle biopsy revealed NHL. In retrospect, this had probably been developing for many years.

I immediately had a "port" surgically implanted in my right shoulder to facilitate chemo infusions. The day after the implant, I had my first chemo. Symptoms from the enlarged lymph nodes immediately abated. I then had a bone marrow biopsy and a CT scan of my upper chest to try to detect other cancer. Both were negative. My second chemo infusion was 12/10/2010, third scheduled for about 12/27/2010. About six rounds of chemo about 3 weeks apart are expected; I should be finished sometime in February.

This is not very life threatening; probability of 5 year survival is in the range of .8-.9. After five years, the risk drops to near zero. I continue to explore strategies for escaping this life alive. At this time, prospects seem poor.

The chemo has not been alarmingly onerous. Nausea has been well controlled. After a chemo, I have about a week of mild symptoms such as fatigue and poor sleep. Mild flu-like symptoms. I am able to maintain a normal routine most days. Then, two good weeks. Hair started falling out about 12/5/10; I shaved 12/11/10.

NHL seems to be associated mainly with age. There is some association with exposure to certain pesticides and tobacco.

This posted 12/13/10. Look again later for updates.

12/26/10
Second chemo was even less eventful than the first. Third is tomorrow, 12/27.

1/19/11
4th chemo two days ago. Two to go. CT scan about a week ago revealed, as expected, greatly reduced tumor sizes. Down to about 10% of original volume. Tumors are likely dead but may take years to get completely assimilated.

2/9/11
5th chemo two days ago. One to go. Chemos have been Mondays. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and maybe Thursdays after chemos have been "feel bad" days. Second weeks after chemos are not normal, but not bad. Third weeks after chemos are close to normal; I start getting full nights of sleep only in the 3rd weeks. 5th chemo is looking maybe a little worse than the first four.

3/8/11
6th chemo 8 days ago. This one was worse than the others; I hope the worst is now past. Feels good not to have to do another one in two weeks. Various diagnostics in the future, PET scan and CT scan. Maybe get the port out in a few weeks. That is not sedated surgery and done in the surgeon's office.

3/30/11
Last chemo over 4 weeks ago. Nothing much to report. Digestive system is still not back to normal. Still low on stamina.

7/17/11
Had a PET scan a couple of months ago and a doctor's visit a few days ago. Everything "normal" or "as expected". Stamina somewhat improved. Age and heat are stumbling blocks. Weight is back to (or above) "normal". Oncologist told me I could get the surgeon to remove my port; I'll do so when I think I have time. I'm overdue for my first haircut since November. Next on my schedule: a CT scan in November along with another oncologist visit.

7/25/11
Cancer: The gift that keeps on giving!

11/12/11
Had my CT scan early this week. Scheduled to see oncologist next week but got my appointment canceled because the doctor had earlier than expected back surgery. Telephone report on the scan is that everything is ok. Still haven't gotten my port out. Since we got frozen out about a week ago, I should have plenty of time to get it done.

3/24/12
Had a colonoscopy plus endoscopy. Or whatever they are called; going in from both ends. About two weeks ago. Colon is ok. I have GERD and now take a daily "proton pump inhibitor". They think I'm going to get another colonoscopy in about five years. I think I've had my last one.
Saw my oncologist a few days later; he is all recovered from his back surgery. Has a few fused vertebrae. I'm scheduled for another CT scan in a month or so. More barium :-(
With no prospect of colon cancer, I had my port out five days ago. Fairly simple and little pain. Done under local in the surgeon's office. I drove myself and then picked asparagus all afternoon. And, I have a memento.
Jean and I are shopping pretty seriously for a Sprinter RV conversion. We hope to travel some this summer. I am dealing with the asparagus crop right now, but have planted no spring/summer crops.

5/3/12
I had a CT scan yesterday and got the report today. All tumors continue to shrink. I am to see my oncologist in September. It looks like we will probably go to Houston in a couple of days and pick up an RV. Asparagus is now finished and I have almost nothing to sell. We will take the electric Hyundai to Houston and then have to charge for 5-10 hours in order to get it back home.