PROGRESS!!

I saw my oncologist this morning and we went over the results of the scan done a few days ago. I definitely have less volume of tumors overall and the ones they were tracking measurements on are smaller. They feel I am 57% improved after two cycles. They consider me having a partial response at this point. My doctor and the nurses actually thought this was very good progress after only 2 cycles. Theoretically if I keep improving at the same rate, then after 2 more cycles I could possibly have a complete response. The difference being that the next 2 cycles will be the chemo pill alone and not the Rituxin infusions, but they said the Rituxin is still working in me, it doesn't just stop after the infusions stop. They will do a new scan after cycle 4 and at that point if I am still having a partial response they may have me do 4 more Rituxin infusions. He showed me a comparison of the computer image I had at the end of May and the new one. You may recall that I had a lot of very black areas representing the cancerous swollena and inflamed tumors. My neck no longer has the thick black areas down the sides. The black areas in my chest, back, underarm and groin are definitely smaller. The large black area in my midsection is no longer one solid black area but now broken up by lighter areas. My spleen is smaller and not nearly as dark, but more of a light gray. One of the larger lymph nodes near my liver went from 5.7 to 1.3 which is significant. Another one they were tracking in my right upper back area and my right groin area are definitely smaller but not as dramatic of an improvement as the one near my liver. There are no new lesions or tumors. This is all really good news and my doctor is pleased. Of course, I would prefer they all be gone, but that isn't realistic at this point. So it will be a battle the next 2 months and I will keep doing everything possible to assist my body in a complete response by the end of cycle 4 which will be early October. My family is happy and my spirit is renewed for the continued battle. Thank you Team Vicki. Thank you for all of the encouragement, support, prayers and love. I visited my office yesterday and left there after so many hugs and so much love I am still walking on air. How blessed I am to have such great family and such great friends. Keep me in your prayers! Now I am off for a dose of the best medicine ever - to see my beautiful little grandsons, Austin, Brody and Caleb. They are 7 months old now and cuter than ever, always full of smiles and giggles! Just too precious!! Love you all, Vicki