Good Old Maize and Blue

I don't think Justin or I ever thought we would be glad to travel to the University of Michigan. It seems a bit ironic, I think, that we are grateful for the maize and blue. I cringe to say that and wonder what all of you sad U of M fans are going to comment...on to the good news anyway!!!

Justin and I met with Dr. Junck at U of M today for a check up and to make sure he was responding well while decreasing his steroids. Going there we knew there wouldn't be any surprises or shocking news. Justin has been feeling increasingly better with each treatment. Dr. Junck and his assistant were very happy to hear that he was not experiencing any headaches and that any symptoms he has been experiencing improve everyday. They are even more convinced now that he has/had vasculitis as a result of his Hodgkin's. I like that they feel confident. And obviously Justin and I can tell that he is feeling better. On June 2nd, Justin will have another MRI to see if the inflammation has improved. We hope it is completely clear:)

May 24th will be Justin's very last day taking his steroids. We have already noticed a decrease in his appetite and the swelling in his face and neck has reduced. We also noticed today at his appointment that he isn't as weak [strength wise] as he has been in the past. The fatigue has seemed to improve a bit since he is able to sleep better at night. His dry cough still seems to be lingering, but Dr. Fata has Justin on antibiotics until the steroids are done. Hopefully this will keep any infections from getting worse.

Tomorrow is treatment day. It marks the halfway point of Justin's treatment, only 3 more cycles or 6 treatments to go. Thank goodness this is going by fast! We wish Justin was feeling better, but are soooo thankful he feels as good as he does. It has been a long road these past few months and we are really beginning to look forward to the end of his treatment.

Wednesday Justin goes in for a PET scan. This is a test that can tell if Justin is cancer free. We are keeping our fingers crossed ever so tightly that that will be the news we hear. He will still have to receive the rest of his treatment, but it would be such a relief to know the cancer is gone. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We will update you as soon as we hear the news!!!