Finishing Up

My last chemo treatment is tomorow (Friday). Saw the doctor today and spoke a bit about follow up. Given the encouraging PET results so far the presumtion is that the post treatment PET in two weeks will be negative and that will be it for treatment. No radiation follow up. My hematologist prefers to avoid radiation exposure unless there is a clear clinical indication, and given my interrim PET results so far she doesn't see that. I received similar advice from the researchers at the NIH before I started treatment so I'm with her on this decision, given what I've heard about short and long term side effects from radiation.

So, I've got the scan in two weeks, then monthly folow ups with the doctor for blood work and symptom checks. Limited scans durring follow up (3 month, 6 month?). Again, looking to avoid unnecessary radiation. If there is a relapse she said it's not critical to catch it early.

I asked about recovery of Red Blood counts and they thought around a month, but that doesn't necessarilly translate into "back to normal" performance. We'll just have to see about that.

Bottom line - the end is in sight and I can look at checking back in to a normal routine.

Thanks to all family and friends who offered any support durring this time. It's all appreciated more than you know (certainly more than I've expressed).

Let's see if I can keep the 10 lbs. off. I know I should climb much better at 160 than 170.