Bad News 3

I don't know why I let myself feel optimistic about the appointment today. It made the latest blow even more devastating. I guess the fact that I was looking back to normal on the outside lead me to believe the insides were following suit. So yeah. I'll jump straight into it. I'll tell you all the news like a wax strip on a hairy leg. 

Ow.

The lymphoma is back. Confirmation of disease in the cervical (neck) lymph nodes. That means there will be more chemotherapy to come. The shadow in the lung seems to have reduced during my rest period, which probably means it's not cancerous.

There is also increased activity in the C6/C7 vertebrae. In plain English, that means there's something strange going on in the bones of my neck. The problem here is that it's an unusual place for lymphoma. So it probably isn't lymphoma. I'll need to have a biopsy of the bone as soon as possible, dependent on the availability of a neurosurgeon. It's a very awkward and painful area to biopsy so they'll put me to sleep with general anaesthetic. It will most likely lead to a hospital admission for a few days too. 

It's not actually me. My chin is prettier than that...

That's all I know. Summary is that lymphoma has returned and that the neck activity will be identified by a biopsy, but it's not definitively cancerous.

Unfortunately I expected too much. I suppose this blog hasn't got its positive ending quite yet. But I know with the support of my brilliant family and friends, I'll keep motivated to get better, although the truth is that I'm absolutely terrified of what's to come.

Let's try to make the best of these bad situations - each time I have to go through something bad, let's try and all do something good for someone else.

Starting here. Throughout everything, there has been one particular charity who has been absolutely wonderful to me - The Amy Wallace Magpie Trust. They need our help. There is a campaign by Sainsbury's to sponsor local charities by getting the public to nominate the winner. I would (and they definitely would!) appreciate it so much if you could take a few minutes to follow the instructions below. Thank you.

To nominate them, click here and then:
1) Click the Nominate Now button.
2) Input the postcode as 'SG12 7JD' and select the Hoddesdon store.
3) Charity name is "The Amy Wallace Magpie Trust" and their charity number is 1142957.
4) Contact information is info@amywallacemagpietrust.org.uk .
5) In the 'Reason for Nomination', please mention how they have looked after me by granting wishes, like going to Harry Potter World and to see the Lion King, and how they donate entertainment equipment to hospitals for children, teens and young adults with cancer.
6) Submit!

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Joshua Lerner

Hi! I’m the 'star' of Livin' With Lymphoma. The blog was founded on the 31st October 2013, on the day I was diagnosed with Stage 4B Hodgkin's lymphoma. I hope you find it funny and informative.

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