It's Back (Probably)

Well, we are finally getting some answers about my low back/coccyx pain and the numbness and tingling. The neurologist I saw on Wednesday put me back into the hospital. He saw something on the MRI I had a few weeks ago that everyone had missed, so he ordered another one. There's a cluster of cells at the bottom of my spine. They were unable to get enough fluid from my lower spine to find out exactly what the cells are, but of course the most likely case is that it is the mantle cell lymphoma returning. They're going to do another spinal tap at the top of my spine on Monday, using xray and ultrasound to see exactly where the needle is going. There is fluid there, and hopefully we'll be able to get a diagnosis. I'll also be getting a PET scan on Monday, or maybe tomorrow.

Meanwhile, they are looking everywhere else in my body for signs of it. So far I've had a CT scan, getting ready for radiation, a colonoscopy, a bone marrow biopsy, the lumbar puncture, an MRI that lasted an hour and a half! A scan of my head which will be used to see where they want to do the upper spinal puncture on Monday. So far they haven't found any more mantle cells, so I'm hoping it is just in an isolated spot that radiation can zap. I may have to do more chemo, too, though.

I had my first radiation treatment today. They decided to go ahead and start radiation because they didn't want me to continue losing my neural function. The treatment has already been delayed because of the mistake in reading the first MRI, so during those few weeks I lost more control in my back, legs, hips, feet and some control of my bladder and bowels. I'm praying that I will regain at least some all of that as we progress with the treatment.

I'll have 15 days of radiation. It was going to be 10 days, 300 units each time, but my radiation oncologist decided to do 250 units over 15 days instead. A little easier on my spine.

My dear Dr. B is out of town for two weeks, but the team here is keeping him up to date with my treatment.

There is the slight possibility that this could be something other than mantle cell lymphoma, or that the mass of cells growing on my spine could be something benign, but knowing how aggressive and sneaky mantle cell is, I didn't want to take the chance of not doing anything and losing more of the use of my legs. Whatever it is is not supposed to be there, it's growing fast and I just want it gone.

So once again I am begging for your prayers for me and my family as we deal with yet another health crisis in our lives. Thank you so much!

Ron got me a card for my computer so that I can use it here in the hospital. What a sweetie he is. He and Kelly were here tonight.

I had a really busy day, was out of my room until dinner time and was up all night last night doing the prep for the colonoscopy. So I'm miserable and ready for sleep. Once again, thank you for praying.