Scan Results and Update

Hi there!  Thought I'd post an update for anyone curious, since I haven't posted in months.  I had a PET scan done earlier this week and saw my doctor so we can figure out what the plan is going forward.  The scan showed that the mediastinal mass I have is still growing... now up to 4.5 cm.  I also have some activity in a hilar node, which is a new spot (still in the same general area).  I've been having more "twinges" in the same spot for a couple of weeks now, so I can't say that I'm surprised at the scan results.  The next step is for me to start Nivolumab (Opdivo) which is one of the immunotherapy drugs available for my current situation.  It's a 30 minute infusion every other week.  After I have four treatments, I'll get a CT scan done so we can see if I'm responding the way I should.  If things go well, there's a possibility that this drug can put me in to remission.  If I get to remission, I'll most likely get the infusions for a year, unless I develop side effects that prevent me from continuing.  I'm optimistic that this will work, and I'm hoping that the fact that I've been postponing it to let my body recover from everything it's been through will be an advantage.  According to my blood work, my numbers are pretty much back to a normal range, with the exception of my iron levels, which are a bit low.  And we've also discovered that it looks like I now have alopecia due to all the stress my body has been under.  I'm hoping that someday my hair will start to grow back, but it's not looking like it's going to happen anytime soon, if at all.  I'm now just waiting for insurance approval for the Nivo, and then we will get everything rolling.  Once again, thanks to everyone for your kind thoughts, words and prayers.  I really appreciate it!  XOXO