I guess it's time for an update. The nature of this sort of blog, for me anyway, is that it draws me back to report bad news. So, let's go with the bad news first.
A couple of months ago I noticed a painless lump on the left side of my neck. While it wasn't very large, I called Dr. Mehta's office for an appointment. They got me in right away. Dr. Mehta ordered an ultrasound and the tech discovered, not one, but two lumps. Next stop, an ENT surgeon. I wasn't crazy about her so I won't mention her name here. She told me the lumps were small and it was unlikely there was a problem. We discussed a biopsy but she expressed doubt about being able to locate them. This concerned me because they are very superficial and Dr. Rau found masses of a similar size in my abdomen, no problem. She suggested a PET/CT and I was agreeable.
The results of the scan didn't make me any happier. Both masses had SUVs, higher than the ones that led to my follicular lymphoma diagnosis. Great. Now I have to go back to the ENT to make an appointment for her to biopsy the very same lumps she said she might not be able to locate. I'll let you know how that goes.
Now for the good news. I have retired, effective June 30, 2017. Whew, 30 years! It's been great and I will miss it, of that I am sure. I am excited though and hope my health doesn't rob me of this opportunity to enjoy this new chapter in my life.
