Item 1: FINDINGS FROM THE TESTS

In the week of Feb. 16 2009 tests were performed at MDA to develop a comprehensive picture of Marilyn’s condition. In general there were clearly visible enlargements in the lymph nodes of the chest and abdominal areas and of the spleen. This confirmed previous exams by Dr. Berneker’s office. One of the key goals of this MDA examination was to determine the exact type of lymphoma she had; that type turned out to be Follicular Lymphoma Grade 1. Why was this important to know? First let’s look at the term “Grade 1.” Let’s compare it to painting. When you paint with a spray can, if you hold the can close to the target, you get dense coverage; far away, and you get sparse coverage. Similarly, when you look at this tissue in a microscope, these lymphoma cells are very sparse or scattered. This type of lymphoma is known to be slow-growing and often inactive and grows very slowly. When it is in this inactive state it is basically harmless. (Interestingly, the doctor said that this could have been sitting dormant in her body for many months or even years.) Only when it begins to increase in density is it dangerous. Thus, after it is treated the lymphoma will return to a dormant stage and she will be in remission. When in remission she’ll be her old healthy self ready to lead a normal life; but the lymphoma will always be present though harmless for perhaps years. After that, regular checkups will be able to find any recurrence which can be fixed quickly and without drastic measures. The chemical that treat this condition have a very good track record; remission can be reached after about four months of treatment.