February 5, 2019
Today we had an EKG and an Echocardiogram performed. These test show the health of my heart and provide a baseline for comparison in the future.
Chemotherapy is hard on the organs, and we want to ensure that we aren’t jeopardizing my health further by administering medications that would result in a poor outcome.
We were able to meet with the Attending and Resident Doctors today. The PET Scan showed some activity in the bone marrow. They won’t know for sure if it is cancerous cells until the Bone Marrow Biopsy. That surgery is scheduled for Thursday.
For now, we wait.
The results of the Bone Marrow Biopsy will determine if the diagnosis will change from Lymphoma to Leukemia. Treatment for both are very similar, with Leukemia requiring chemotherapy that is a bit stronger.
With either diagnosis, fertility harvesting is still an option. We enter a grey area if the results are borderline.
The doctors provided an idea of how treatment will progress once we start. Intensive inpatient chemotherapy, possibly radiation depending on the diagnosis, for 2-4 weeks. After the first month there will be more time at home with a few overnights mixed in.
We received some great news today. They will not be admitting me after surgery this week. Thank you Lord!!!
We decided to wait to make a decision on fertility treatments until we receive the results of the biopsy. They expect those results to come in late on Friday.
We also received some shocking news today. The spinal tap, which is being done to determine in the cancer has metastasized to my brain and/or spinal fluid, will also include the first does of Chemotherapy.
This treatment is based on evidence-based medical practices. If the fluid is negative, the Chemotherapy administered has little to no impact on my health and works more like a preventive. If it is positive for cancerous cells, then this will serve as the first does/treatment, and will hopefully keep the cells from spreading further.
Thank You
Thank YOU! To all of you who have called, text, stopped by, provided dinner, have been praying, etc. we are truly grateful.
This battle is just beginning, but we are remaining hopeful.
Let There be Fight 