Update on that Health issue

​This a Jana update on my medical situation from last year. No worries, the news is good.

​I'm pleased to say that my health has definitely improved. I zipped through all six sessions of chemotherapy without major complications, which is truly amazing. Now I'm midway through 12 I.V. infusions of Rituxin (a monoclonal antibody) that I receive every eight weeks. I'm tolerating those treatments really well. Their purpose is to target any rogue cancer cells and kill 'em. I'm all over that.

I just had a another PET-TAC scan to determine the status of the Follicular Lymphoma and am eagerly awaiting the results. Since this exam was in August, the month when most Portuguese are on vacation, I knew it'd take some time for before those results landed in my email. Still the waiting isn't easy.

Bottom line: I'm feeling a lot better. I still get tired, but I honestly believe that's related to my age (70) than the disease. So we'll keep doing what we're doing and hope for the best. Of course, since my immune system isn't at peak efficiency we mask when we're in public and confine our dining to outdoor venues. Which isn't difficult over here. 

I am keenly aware of the privilege I have in this situation, because of our private medical insurance and that we live in Portugal. My medical treatment has been great (Hospital da Luz Coimbra) and the cost of the treatments and medications has offset by our HSA (Health Savings Account). Never figured we'd use it for cancer, but there you go. Luckily Harold decided to set that up all those years ago.

I've done some quick checks on how much this treatment would have cost in the States and it blew my mind. Universal Healthcare has its problems--adequate funding for one--but no one should face bankruptcy for cancer.  Or any disease, for that matter. Here the medical pros need much better salaries and the healthcare system really needs more money. It just has to happen.

So I'm back to working my office, about to publish a new book, and still puttering around the garden. And most important, I'm feeling very, very grateful.
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​Onward!