May 31, 2001|

In Flux*

True we are still “in flux” after today’s latest appointment, but the real truth (hence the *) is the Hodgkin’s Disease has returned. The super-sensitive PET Scan showed abnormal increased cell activity (cancer cells multiplying) in the right side of my neck (where that node is), in myhips and in my right leg (hence all of the pain there). The “in flux” part is that my health has been improving, compared to a month ago, and that I don’t exhibit any symptoms of it being back. We have to wait and see what happens in terms of next steps. We can’t start the process of identifying treatment options till we have all of the information on what we are dealing with. It might not be Hodgkin’s anymore, so that will require a biopsy in a few weeks. Also I will find out the possibility of finding a match for a bone marrow transplant in a few more weeks. There are many many factors involved that just require more time.

I have had a gut feeling for awhile that it has returned. Remission is still an option, but more realistically living with cancer the rest of life (how long, I don’t know) is the more sound of the options. So for now we are “in flux*”.

That’s all I can really write now. When I get a chance and get more information, I will pass it along. For now though, rest assure that I am feel fine, am doing fine and will continue on my daily routine until more information is available about my options. Please keep in touch and in prayer about making sound and wise decisions. Thanks.

NOTE: I also, somehow, lost my cell phone today. So if you are trying to call it and are getting my voicemail, I apologize. The best way to reach me is to e-mail me at art@artcanning.com. Hopefully we will find it soon or get another phone up and running.