A light read

Hello all. My latest adventure was a trip to the pulmonologist. During my trip to Seattle a scan revealed some irregualarity in my lungs. Friday the doctor used a scope to look into my lungs. While he was at it, he drained some fluid (a liter!)he noticed had returned around my left lung. Two pounds of fluid. I don't know how it all fit in there. I was glad to have it gone. My lung was not so sure, although it's coming around. It was quite painful at first but it's getting better. I've been taking lots of deep breaths to fill it up and keep it working. Between losing the back brace (3 lbs.) and this, I feel like I'm walking on air. I haven't heard back about the other lung stuff. They think GVHD (Graft vs. Host Disease) or an infection.

In other news, I have the link for my Dad's fund raising page: http://pages.teamintraining.org/gat/rnrseatl10/tomjohnson

I hope you all are well. I can't say it enough--thank you all for your amazing support.

Happy News

Hello all. I just returned for my 2 year follow up in Seattle. My CT scan shows no signs of cancer. It's so wonderful to get yet another clean scan!

The trip to Seattle was rejuvenating and centering. I was reminded of what really matters and of all the things for which I am thankful. I gave and received lots of hugs. I saw familiar faces and am remembering new ones. The world is full of wonderful people. I have renewed energy and confidence to continue on my path to recovery. I am also taking pause to remember those who have passed on, those who are facing grim prognoses and those who are just starting their cancer journeys.

In other happy news, Dad, Liana(cousin), and John(cousin) have committed to running and fundraising with Team in Training. A friend may also run. They are training for a marathon in Seattle in June. Team in Training is an amazing program that helps people train for marathons in return for fundraising to support the mission of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I have met a lot of amazing people while volunteering with Team in Training. If you are interested in supporting them in their mission to fight blood cancers and cancer in general, please check back. I will be posting links to their websites.

Things are going well. My health is improving slowly. I will not be off intravenous fluids as quickly as I hoped and it sounds like I will be on immune suppressants for at least another year. However, I am moving forward and for this I am thankful. Thank you for following my progress.