Was on a Special Issuance for Follicular Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. Had been on remission after radiation for the last 2 years. Failed my CAT then PET scans recently. Needle Biopsy came back as a slow growing Follicular Lymphoma. Doctor says I should get no treatment and do a "watch and wait". My AME is saying that is a no-go with the FAA (not sure I trust him 100% because he has been wrong before on other stuff). I am going to get a 2nd opinion from another oncologist and then send my stuff to the Regional Aerospace Medicine Office.

I was wondering if there is anyone on this board who has been down this road before. Anyone with slow growing Non Hodgkins Lymphoma and was/is not getting any treatment. Wondering how OKC looked at this? I did call OKC and they were no help but I am going to send my stuff to my Regional Office and they said they can give me an answer.

Thanks in advance

 

I assume you have but, if not, have you been in contact with AMAS?

 

No but thanks for the suggestion. I just looked at their website.

 

Pm'd you.

Filler

 

I am not a pilot but am seeking some insight. A pilot friend of mine is facing this same condition (follicular lymphoma). Can anyone elaborate on what happens in a "watch-and-wait" situation? If a doctor thinks it's not the appropriate time for treatment, would my friend still be able to fly?

And once treatment starts, then what? Under what general conditions would a special issuance eventually become possible? Remission for a certain period of time? Drug-free for a certain period? I'd appreciate any insight.

Thanks!

 

I'm interested in this as well. Anybody have some insight?

 

It says the OP, sherpster, got banned, but hopefully he comes back with another username, as I would like to find out how everything worked out.

 

I was in the same exact situation. Got a second opinion from the OSU James Cancer hospital and that Dr said "watch and wait" is stupid. I got 6 months of chemo. What sherpster did is hard to tell. A second opinion could save your life.