And she woke up....

I have lots to say, lately. But haven't been able to correctly put them into thoughts.

So, I wanted to share some good news. Very quickly, and after I process some things, share some more. As most of you know I was in a fog this last month. Not picking up the phone, not emailing, not really showing any sign of life.

My friends, endlessly came over to deliver milkshakes, and smoothies. My mothers, begging me to put on weight. My head, not in a good spot. But this weekend, I awoke.

I had a PET scan on Friday. Entering this PET, was something, of unknown territory, as this drug has made me so sick that I just, I wasn't sure what exactly I was hoping for.

The good news, was -- my drugs, were moved around. Meaning, lower dosage, more energy, other medications were added to help with side effects. It finally felt after an entire month of living among the dead, trapped in my own body, that I was able to move.

And, better news was, the PET scan revealed that most of my disease is gone. After only three weeks of being on the LBH589, the disease inside and outside of my spleen is gone. And the nodes in my upper chest that had an SUV level of 11-12 last month, have shrunk to 2's and 3's.

As most of you are probably jumping up and down -- the drug is working! The response is wonderful! Thank god! It IS all good news, do not get me wrong. I just have to be cautiously optimistic. After venturing through two FDA approved treatments so far, most likely, I will never be 'cured,' this disease will come and go, for years on end. So, although I will most likely receive a remission -- it could be for a few months or a year, and then we will have to look at another trial. But, it IS manageable. This is doable. And, a semi-normal life, is possible. With patience.

I continue to be thankful, that I respond to almost every drug that has been thrown my way. Some, others, are not so lucky. I am.

Lastly, I wanted to add, that this week, last year we lost a true Hodgkin's warrior, Anne-Marie Dunn. Last year on November 5th, AM, passed away. She had one of the those no-bullshit attitudes, and at the beginning of my journey gave me a lot of solid, clear-cut advice on life and this disease. For those of us who knew her, I just wanted to remind you to send some love, up to her, and to her family. It's important, to not forget, those who fought before us...

So kids,
Slowly, I'm opening my eyes again...
and waking up. with a rather fine PET scan in front of me.

Sending Love
to each and every one of you,

B