Pretzel Logic

Twisting, turning, a little salty, but in the end a very satisfying treat.

Pathology results back from Emory and we’re back to lung cancer; melanoma has left the building (which we kinda knew since Dr Retterbush couldn’t find any cancerous lesions).

So, this is a very strange type of cancer and has Dr Nik a little baffled. Regardless, he can’t believe how well I responded to the first treatment and he is ecstatic. The nodes in my neck have decreased in size so much that you can’t feel, much less see them. He said I was a lucky man.

With Adenocarcinoma originating in the lung you would expect a large mass which would then spread. I have no mass evident from the first PET scan. “So we caught it early?” No, we didn’t catch it early because it’s spread to the lymph nodes throughout your chest and neck.

BUT, we treat based on the biological make-up, not where it originated (though we want to know that too), and the treatment is having amazing results already. I’ll have another treatment on October 9 and then go for another PET scan to see how the lymph nodes in my chest are reacting. Hopefully as well as those in my neck.

Barring development of any side effects and continued results like this, I’ll stay on this treatment every three weeks for a year, with scans ~every quarter to monitor. (Update from 2nd opinion Silpa:
“Tony this makes clinical sense! So happy that the immune therapy is working so well! I think everything will melt away! No surgery in this case.”)

Meanwhile, Sadie played extensively in her volleyball game today and did great in CMS victory over BHL. So happy her hard work is paying off.
—–
Every person you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.
Be kind.

17 thoughts on “Pretzel Logic

  1. Steph says:

    Thank you for the update. Sounds positive as do you. That my friend is the secret to whipping this!!!! I’ll keep you in my prayers. Know I’m here if you need anything.

  2. Patience (Patty) Hayes says:

    Hello, love! I am thrilled that the immune therapy is working and helping to rid your body of this garbage! I’m grateful that you’ve taken care of your health so far; you’ve made the battle that much easier.

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, dear friend!
    I wish for you a fabulous year and a rocking, Macdaddy, love filled celebration this weekend!

    Love,
    Patty

  3. Patterson Hood says:

    So glad the treatments are going so well. You’ve bene in our constant thoughts and we’re all rooting for you to get this in your rearview asap. Much love from the Hood’s in Portland and on the road. XO

  4. Lisa Bliss says:

    Hey Tony! I’m far from home and was so glad to be able check your blog and read about the positive response to treatment. Happy Birthday! Ciao!

  5. elizabeth says:

    It’s good news to hear you are responding positively to the treatment. Eat well, play well, and love that little Darlin’, Sadie. I hope to see you soon! Love you!

  6. robbye brooks says:

    Thanks for the update Tony.
    All these music references made me pull out one of my favorite mix tapes. It’s labeled “Tony’s Bicycle Tape”…..and oh man…..it’s so good!

  7. Carol says:

    All caught up with my Tony reading. Very, very glad the treatment is working so well. It’s going to be a great fall!

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