Thanks to my friends for caring. I'll keep a diary here including pretty much everything that I'm going through. Hopefully it can serve to keep my friends informed and maybe help others who have to go through similar tests and treatments.
The process of reaching a diagnosis was random. I've had bouts of being tired in the afternoon with lower back pain and a low grade fever off and on for a couple of months. A drink or focused activity seemed to exacerbate the problem (I just thought I was getting old). I am 39. After one bout of fatigue in Cincinnati, I woke up with swollen nodes above my left collar bone. The Internet is like a horror flick when you plug that symptom into Google.
My primary care physician ordered a chest Xray and, based on the result, ordered a CT. They found a small mass in my Media Stenum (mid chest) in addition to the left collar bone nodes. After a visit to an Oncologist and another CT of my abdomen, we found 2 more spots. So 4 swollen lymph nodes.
We had a surgeon biopsy the easily accessible node in my collar bone and the finding was nodular schlerosing hodgkins lymphoma. I am getting a PET scan and ECHO and a Portocatheter on 2/4 and Chemo starts 2/5. Side effects vary, but I'm just happy to get this going. The PET is the best indicator of where the lymphoma is an how active it is so we use the results of the PET to determine effectiveness. The ECHO is a test to ensure my heart is strong enough to handle the rather powerful drugs. Most likely this will come back positive. The Portocatheter is pretty frankenstein if you ask me. It's a port in my chest where they can put in medications without having to stick me in the arm all the time. I hear that it's a smart thing to do. Needless to say, I'm not looking forward to the....er installation.
The chemo will last 6 months and I receive 12 treatments (1 every other week). Doc says I will lose my hair. We already know what that looks like houseboat crew! Talk about life imitating art...the good news is that I should be done with this by the time August rolls around.
Feel free to post comments and questions here.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
Great blog, Bill, I'll be following along.
ReplyDeleteHair is too cumbersome anyway, you're going to be a true stud with your shiny dome. You'll be taking 5 minute showers, and eschewing blow dryers and that final brush and pat on the way into a meeting.
You'll beat this thing like a sassy, red-headed stepchild. Hang in there.
Jeff
Thanks for the update Bill. I know that your strong, positive spirit is the best remedy for your healing. You can count on me to meditate daily for good days filled with progress, strength, positive energy and recovery! I love you and I know you will live every day looking ahead to being free of this! Keep the blogs coming! Thos.
ReplyDeleteGood luck amigo - a positive attitude can do wonders for the body.
ReplyDeleteOk, Iron Man, it's time to kick some butt. You know I love you and will sit by your side while they are pumping you up or hold your head over the commode if that's the way it comes out. We'll get through this thing together! Lisa
ReplyDeleteAll I have to do to show how much I care is to actually post something on a blog. It took me 3 times. Love you and will be thinking about you and Karen. If you need anything, call me.
ReplyDeleteHH
LIFE is always about trials of one sort or another... you, my friend, have created an amazing family of friends to get you thru this one... you are constantly in our thoughts
ReplyDeletetp
I read with interest your new story, and look forward to hearing how you are overcoming the lymphoma. I know that your positive attitude in combination with the love of your family and friends will be instrumental. Best wishes for success. Keep in mind that Obama is counting on you, and so are the rest of us.
ReplyDeleteGerry Hausman
Hi Bill,
ReplyDeleteLisa forwarded the blog link on to us and thanks for that. We love and care about you and Karen and have you in our thoughts and prayers. Your can do, let's get this thing kicked, attitude is going to get rid of it. Be strong. We'll keep reading your living saga. Love Pete and Julie
Hey Bill & Karen
ReplyDeleteYour in my thoughts and prayers each day. Trusting the Lord to bring you through stronger and loving each other even more deeply!
love
Denise
Bill, Karen, and Family
ReplyDeleteI am sending good vibes your way! I am confident you will kick-the-shit out of Hodgkins. Bill, you have an excellent support system around you and when/if you are flagging, they will be the ones to bolster you. I promise to be there for them when they need the bolstering. If you need anything, you know we'll be there in a flash! Lots of love!
Pam
(Todd and the boys send their well wishes too)
"Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight."
Benjamin Franklin
KEEP IN THE SUNLIGHT
Bill, I'm shocked, surprised, and sad to learn of the news. I hope the URL is right. FUHL!
ReplyDeleteHi Bill,So sorry to hear about all this. WE will pray for you and hope it all goes well.
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs, Claudia and Ron
Hey Bill-
ReplyDeleteI was shocked to hear this news, but if there is anyone who can beat this it will surely be you! You have such a positive attitude and a wonderfully large group of family and friends who will be thinking about you and praying for you guys. You will look super hot with your shiny dome!
Nicole Bailey
I just saw this on Tim's Twitter status. I'm glad you caught it early and you're in the right place for some excellent treatment. I'll be thinking of you.
ReplyDelete