The diagnosis

I'm sure most people have heard the phrase "be careful what you wish for".  Today was my turn to ponder the wisdom behind that old adage.  The oncologist called late this afternoon to give me the results of the biopsy.  Not a nurse, an assistant but the doctor, Dr. Berenzon. Maybe that's normal for cancer patients but I've been impressed by his professional but personable demeanor.

So the diagnosis is non-Hodgkins lymphoma.  I'm not sure the exact sub-type now, due to the fact that I was driving (and had pulled over for the call) and Dr. B's Russian accent.  It doesn't really matter for now, what matters are the next steps.  This type of cancer is curable but I am considered stage 4 since it is in multiple locations.e

I am being referred to a lymphoma oncologist at Wake Forest who is more familiar with this type of cancer and can hopefully provide better outcomes.  And I need more tests - this one a PET-CT scan that will look for any additional cancer cells that have metastasized throughout my body.

We wanted an answer and we've got one.  Be careful what you wish for.