Chemo Day One

In order to keep all of us current on Dad's cancer treatments and condition, I've started this blog. I'll try to update it at least weekly.

As most of you know, Dad was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma at the end of May. Specifically, it was diagnosed as indolent B-cell lymphoma that originated in his bone marrow. It transformed into an aggressive form of B-cell and follicular lymphoma once it travelled to his lymph nodes and other body organs. Other than being winded during his 6 to 8-mile runs, he has been healthy and strong. He felt a lump in his neck back in February, but waited to see if it would dissipate. When it didn't, and after getting an intense case of laryngitis, he called the doctor. That was in April. They couldn't fit him in until May, and that's when they discovered other lumps in his body, performed an x-ray, and found it in his chest cavity.

The next several weeks consisted of biopsies and tests to determine the specific cancer and extent of spread.

Dad started his first chemotherapy treatment today. He will be in the chemo chair for 6 hours while they administer rituximab. He'll go in tomorrow to receive the 4 other chemotherapy drugs. After this treatment, he'll travel to MD Andersen Cancer Center in Houston to get a second opinion. Based on their advice, he'll either stay on the same regimen or alter it based on new information from MD Andersen. Until we hear otherwise, he'll receive chemotherapy treatments every 3 weeks for 24 weeks.

Mom and Dad are grateful for all of the support and are also grateful to have each other. Mom can truly sympathize with every single thing that Dad is going through. Hang in there and be strong. We love you!