my friend ned

NED, or no evidence of disease - that's what my scan showed. it is good news to receive and can basically be summed up by saying according to the pictures there isn't anything in there that looks like cancer right now.

it doesn't necessarily, definitively mean there isn't any cancer. but for now, all the big spots have gone away and what's left isn't "lighting up" or doesn't resemble malignant disease.

i have some arthritis in my spine and perhaps some damage from the radiation, along with a spot on one of my ribs that is most likely just damage from my surgery last year or maybe even something i did while climbing. this stuff looks merely inflammatory and while we'll continue to watch it, right now it isn't a concern.

the plan is to continue with the avastin and alimta every three weeks, with a ct scan in nine weeks and a pet scan nine weeks after that. of course, if i notice anything out of the ordinary i'll be on top of it - but whew, nine weeks! what am i going to do with myself? plus, this round of chemo i get to wait four weeks until the next one thanks to the livestrong ride being the same week i would have had treatment. i get a week's respite so i can have lots of energy for the ride.

i am happy about the news and it made me feel really good to bring so many smiles to people's faces yesterday. all the doctors and nurses work so hard and hope for good results. i hope i can keep them smiling for a while to come.