Theo shrunk to approximately 4 by 6 centimeters. Its not gone yet but one its way out. Next step is a PET scan to see how active the remaining tissue is. If it’s not active then watchful waiting remains. If it is active then action might be taken. Either watchful waiting, radiation or surgery.
The PET will be done by the AMC the major hospital in the area. When it will take place will determined by them later. In the mean time we will book our vacation in the first week of October. If the plan the PET scan then we will reschedule the PET scan.
I also discussed my lack of deep breath, sore throat and nails that are falling off. For all problems he didn’t have a real solution. It’s part of the chemo he said. I guess he is right.
He also said that there were some blemishes on my lungs on the first scan. To small to determine what they are and if they had been something then the chemo would care of it, which it did. That annoyed me a bit. I would have liked to know before hand.
The last scan showed some other inconsistencies in my lungs. This is due to the Bleomicyn. That effects your lungs. Not happy with that either. But I had no choice, and now I have slightly damaged lungs.
I don’t know yet what I feel about all this. The news is as expected though. Oh, well we’ll see. I expect to know where I am at in two months or so. In the mean time waiting remains. For the rest I will try not to think about it all to much and gain my strength back, have fun and become useful again. Thats much more fun. Pebbels will help.
Hey,
Can not imagine what this is doing to you and Lori. But as lots of followers, including myself, stated over and over: deeply impressed by the way you’re dealing with it.
See it like using the simmering plate on the stove. It takes a while, but the result is worth the waiting eventually (have to stop using strange metaphors).
Anyway, we’re still there supporting you on your journey.
Hang in there,
JosK
well am very happy to hear that Theo shrunk, but I can understand you’r not sure how you feel about the current situation. The way you are both handling this is very bijzonder, really you don’t realise how bijzonder. Very zen like, I think the dalai lama would call this enlightenment.
Ok ok I will stop with the spiritual references…
Love, B
Hi Maarten & Lori,
Mostly good news, right! Now more waiting (suck). But first a holiday (yeay!!).
Lori, just a little tip: when P. had his PET scans they always gave him lots of valium so he was veeeeeeery relaxed. That is THE moment to make big decisions (new interior, vacation, other car, etc. etc.) since Maarten is probably gonna respond very chill to all suggestions. So use the PET scan wise!!
)
x Michelle
…and now – after several rounds and a series of well placed blows to the body of the beast – Theo is aimlessly crawling around the ring, trying to get back on its feet.
The crowds’ cheering increases seeing that this nervewrecking fight is moving into its final phase and everyonehopes for that decisive move that will send Theo out of the conest…
Maarten moves in… (to be continued in two months).
……………
OK, not only great news, but still fantastic progress. keep up your amazing spirit and enjoy the next couple o’ months!
Hi guys,
To us it seems that Theo is giving up. There’s no way back for him. It’s just a matter of time. Big Hurray for the positive vibes!
Regards/EeM
PS: What is Pebbles a cute kiddiecatty
Hi Dears,
found internet connection; it is great that Theo shrunk, but I can imagine the resentment and disappointment at the periferal damage news and chemo effects, it seems you are being put to the test now more than ever.
Keep the joy for the small things and every day victories, great idea to plan a vacation!
lots of love
Marta
Dear Maarten and Lori
It occurs to me that that, Maarten, you are an unconventional man, who has led an unconventional life — this journey, and your method for dealing with it, just one more example. Why would your check up be the first conventional thing to c ome? Take the good news – that Theo is on the way out and the treatment worked – as the good news. take energy from that, and move on to the next pieces.
I put this in terms of your business — you have effectively dealt the crippling blow to a competitor. There are some other messy pieces as a result of that, but one by one, you’ll find the energy and sources that allow you to turn your energies to each peripheral bit and correct those as well. I expect nothing less than total world – and body – domination from you!
Sure sure, diminished lung capacity is not a good thing, but seriously, I’ve heard you shouting or laughing at the top of your lungs and we all know how loud that can be – i doubt for you does anything more than put you in normal range!!!
You have a new cat Pebbels, but, Lori, you are a rock.
Ellen
Good news and some bad news, mostly good though. Reading through the comments, there is not much I can add except that I am very happy and relieved that you are on your way to recovery. I’ll come with the kiddies to check out the kitties soon! x darina
Hang in there, it’s been a taxing ride, but so far you guys have been excellent with the bumps and potholes!
Keep de-stressing with Pebbles and Fattie cattie and looking forward to your holiday must feel good.
xx OA
Piece by piece Theo is getting out. I can imagine you feel a bit disappointed, but always take a look at the bright side of life… Enjoy your holiday!
All the best from us @ RapidSugar
Great to hear Theo shrunk! Good for you guys you go on vacation, enjoy it!
Dear Maarten & Lori,
Happy to hear that theo shrunk! Keeping good thoughts that whatever avenue is taken next to finish him off is quick and easy for you.
Keep taking good care of each other. Have a relaxing vacation.
Love & Hugs,
Shilrey & David
I have spent countless hours over countless days in this waiting room, to be honest. OLGV oncology, internal medicine. It’s one of the most difficult places to pass time. One looks around, wonder what everyone else is doing there. What balie are they waiting for, what do they suffer? Surely it’s worse than me. In fact, I have it worse than they do of course. Or was it, what, was that my number or name called?
(For the record, I do not have cancer, so my story pales. I have Type 1 diabetes and a few follow-on conditions like blood pressure problems, kidney failure and associated anxiety and personality disorders which just cauterize the problem I suppose.)
Sometimes I think, when sitting in that place, that people who are there have all the time in the world, they are using the OLVG for it’s powers as a healing centre, or abusing them.* But then I think that maybe they are worse off than me, that there is something more serious than what I am going through. In the end, it’s not clear of course, and what you can assume is that you are in the bell curve. Or rather, that your condition, whatever it may be, is as serious as it is statically.
I am in this place, and I am pure panic. Whether it’s to just get my vasectomy or to figure out if I need to start dialysis. I want to leave, I want to sprint through the Oosterpark. I am sure that on the other side, I will find the folds of the dress of someone who will be ok. That it was maybe a dream, or a bad reaction. How difficult to walk into such a place. I find that walking in, confident, knowing the process, understanding the programme – is one thing. And sometimes walking out, I also know where I am standing. Is it just OLVG confidence, that is oozing through my veins? Or is the uncomfortable part waiting.
Waiting.
The numbers peep away, it’s my turn to give blood.
I am sure I am next, so that woman will call my name.
Surely.
* Note. I think OLVG is fantastic, by the way. Really top people and programmes.