Friday, June 8, 2012

A Diagnosis

We are TIRED friends. Emotionally and physically and spiritually tired. But it is with GLAD hearts that we can tell you that we have a definitive diagnosis. Chris has been diagnosed with Hodgkins type Lymphoma, which is a relatively uncommon variation of lymphoma. The good news is that its a very curable form of lymphoma. The bad news is that Chris will require 6 months of chemotherapy, occurring every 2 weeks. He is scheduled to have a medication port placed in his chest next week, as well as a few more tests (they never seem to end) and then chemo is tentatively going to start the week of June 18th. We still don't know the stage or severity of the cancer but should know soon.

Its all so surreal. Having cancer is like you unwillingly joined a club that no one wants to be a part of. You are required to attend meetings that you don't want to go to and pay thousands of dollars for the pleasure of doing so!

Our oncologist, Dr. B has been a force to be reckoned with for us- he has gotten us in to see doctors who didn't have appointments available when we called and pushed all Chris' tests through at the hospital with amazing speed.  Chris' primary doctor, Dr Desai is a believer and an elder at our old church, and has asked the elders there to be praying for us. Our church prayed for us at Elder Led Prayer on Wednesday with hundreds of our church body.  Family and friends near, far and wide have sent us words of comfort and hope lifting our spirits during this hard, hard time.  It has all literally kept us going this past week. All I can say is thank you. I've included a link to information on Hodgkins below if you are interested.

Hodgkin's lymphoma information site

"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will never leave you or forsake you." Deut. 31:6

2 comments:

Diane Pegues said...

Andra, I'm sorry to hear the news about Chris's illnes and will be praying for Chris and all your family.

Melissa McCone said...

I'm glad you guys have some answers. Wouldn't it be so nice if there a book entitled "What to expect when you're expecting cancer!!"... (even though we are not expecting it at this age in our life) You are so right....the club that NO ONE wants to be a part of and most have no clue what this club is like and I pray they will never have to find out. It is hard... physically, emotionaly and spiritualy!! We are still sending you lots of prayers. Again, I am so sorry your family is having to endure this....from someone that knows.
Melissa