As many of you already know, I was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
I'll explain further what we have found.... After further testing, it was staged at III-B. The results of the bone marrow biopsy were negative (a good thing, the cancer was not found in my bone marrow)! Additional tests were done to make sure my lungs and heart were strong enough to handle the chemo drugs, and all results were yes, my lungs and heart were more than strong enough to handle the drugs. A PET CT scan was also done to determine the spread of the cancer, thus confirming the oncologist's original prediction of stage III-B. The cancer had not spread to any other organs, it was in lymph nodes on both sides of my body above my diaphragm and also in lymph nodes below my diaphragm.
Monday was a big day for us, I had surgery to place a port-a-cath in my upper chest wall to make delivering chemo easier and more comfortable. We followed that with a trip to the oncologist's office for the first dose of chemo. A very long day! We arrived at the hospital at 6:15 am and left about 3:30. The first dose of chemo took over 4 hours! They run the first dose slow to make sure there are no allergic reactions. The anti nausea medication they gave me is working so far, as I am feeling o.k., just very fatigued. Most days I take a nap with the kids - Jared says I now have the sleeping schedule of an infant.
We have a long hard road ahead of us, but we are confident that we can beat this thing. We have fantastic friends and neighbors that our keeping track of our kids, fixing us dinners, and generally keeping us in line. We have my parents and Jared's mom providing all kinds of help and support as well. We feel really good about everything and notice our Heavenly Father's hand in everything. He really is watching out for us.
We will post updates and changes to our situation here on the blog, in addition to to the everyday goings on in our family. Life is good and we love you all!
If you have questions or just want to give us a call, don't hesitate. We are fine talking about it and aren't shy (anymore) about the details.
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4 comments:
We have been thinking of you and your family during this difficult time...you are in our thoughts and prayers. That is VERY good news about the bone marrow, such a relief! Please keep us updated and if there is anything we can do to help. You are an inspiration to all of us.
I am so glad you are posting updates on your blog this should help me from getting telephone ear. Haha! But on a more serious note I am sorry this has happened to you but I know you will get through it. I am amazed at your strength and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you because I know you would do the same to me. Lots of love.
What a great way to update. You are inspiring and such a strong WOMAN! It seems that sometimes the most amazing, good people in life have unfortunate situations that happen upon them, but I am reminded that someone has to pave the way for the rest of us by showing strength, class and perseverence.
We love you and your family so much!
Jessica
I hope you know how amazing you are for sharing this part of your life on your blog. We're all praying for you and your family and I hope you know just how many of us are happy and willing to help you and your family as you need it! I love your new hair cut, I wanted to tell you that at church but didn't get the chance. Keep the faith and remember that we are all routing for you! :)
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