Hi! Connie here! Phil invited me to write an entry today since there is tons of new medical information and some of you might be interested in those details.....for those of you who are not, well......sorry:)
Yesterday Phil received a birthday present: a PORT. It was necessary since chemo will begin next week and he will be ready. We are anxious to begin this fight against cancer. It was an unforgettable birthday for him for many reasons. He's probably never felt so loved by everyone and he's probably never needed that more than now.
We also met with Dr. Campbell before the port placement yesterday to hear more details of this diagnosis and prognosis. We knew it was non-Hodgkins lymphoma but were waiting on some pathology from U of M. The official diagnosis is anaplastic large cell lymphoma ALK negative. There is a greater chance of recurrence with this type of lymphoma so Phil might be looking at a stem cell transplant when chemo is done. That will be determined later and as we all know now, we live A DAY AT A TIME, SWEET JESUS!! This type of lymphoma is rare - I believe it is only 2 to 3% of all lymphomas. But they know exactly what to do with it. For those of you who have medical knowledge or like to google things, they use the CHOP protocol for chemotherapy. I hope that is enough but not too much information.
It is now Friday evening and a delicious meal has just been delivered and we are ready for a relaxing weekend. We are so thankful. Seriously, this kind of thing helps us all to remember how blessed we are and how each day is a gift. Please just pray that Phil will have good pain relief from all the swollen lymph nodes and will be able to sleep well. Pray that we all have peace about this prognosis. Pray that the younger kids won't be fearful. We can leave this in God's hands, trusting that he has a good plan for our lives.
If you are reading this, then you are probably one of those people who has been loving us and praying for us and caring for us and we absolutely could not do it without you. God bless you.
I wish there was a "like" button or a "praying for you button". We really really appreciate your updates and are praying for a quiet, comfortable, peace filled weekend
ReplyDeletePhil, you are on our hearts and our minds as you progress through this bumpy journey. Connie, you are on my heart as a wife who is supporting Phil and your children, for that is the role I have played three times. I know how hard and terrifying it is, and the pull to be strong when you feel anything but strong. Please ask for what you need, for your sake and theirs. Your family has many who are willing to serve you if you only ask, us included. Praying for you and your family!
ReplyDeletePhil and Connie, what j.brouwer and Proppes said...thank you for your updates and many prayers coming your way from so many, including others like us who have walked a similar road. Love from your childhood neighbor (Phil) and one of the many who sat chairs behind you in orchestra (Connie)
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