November 2, 2004
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The Verdict is ...
Stage 1
We went to visit Dr. B about the tests on Delia's lymphoma. I was able to get some clarification on the CT scan results: the fact that the original tumor didn't show up means it has shrunk to under 5 mm from its original 18 mm, normal behavior for this kind of tumor. Lymph nodes in the lungs showed in the scan but appeared normal (in case of doubt, we could get a PET scan for confirmation).
The big test, the bone marrow biopsy, was negative.
That means the tumor is probably harmless except for the nerve pressure it causes when it expands, which it will tend to do now and then. Two treatment options are reasonable. The cheapest is to do nothing except watch and make sure it remains harmless, which involves check-ups three times a year. The other option is to zap it 20 times with radiation from the linear accellerator, which should cause it to vanish forever. Our insurance should cover almost all of the $28,000 ($1,400 per session).
Delia, of course, cried with relief when she heard the news. She cried again each time she passed the good news to family members and friends. It has been an emotional evening.
And I have absolutely no idea how the election has been going.
Comments (3)
I'm glad your wife is okay - it brings back memories of my mother...treatment is sure different over here. The election was the same result as 2000 - if you get my meaning, only it was much more securely orchestrated. I fear that democracy is all but dead over here, unless we can reverse all of this damage. We are all pawns - even the right-wing supporters. It is all one big game of power and corruption.
You were right about my assessment - "it may not go the way you envision" - but I still say I was right, and that Kerry did win. It may never be proved - but corruption DID occur. The republicans will eventually shoot themselves in the foot. I still say never underestimate the spirit of the American people - they are not fools...neither are they bigots (which we are being led to believe).
I cannot believe my eyes - your son actually prefers warm British beer! He should have stuck to the real ale - that has plenty of taste...and it can still be savoured at the temperature it is supposed to be drunk at - which is not room temperature. (I guess he needs to stick to red wine.) There is so much variety to choose from over there - it is something that I sadly miss living in the States.
By the way...I was approved on November 5th - it was a little way back on my blog, so you might have missed it. I should be getting my green card within the next few weeks - at least, that is my assessment...as they are still saying it might take twelve months.
Haven't been here for awile, so did not know what is going on with Delia. I'm happy to hear that she got a good report. Is she going to go ahead with radiation or is she going to wait and see?