We got the diagnosis today - I have Hodgkin's lymphoma, Stage II B, E, X ( B= certain symptoms, E = extra-nodal, X= bulky disease, a.ka. monster is huge!). I am undergoing the standard chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkin's which is a combination of four drugs referred to as A,B,V,D. I had my first dose of chemotherapy today - making it quite an overwhelming day - it was kinda like drinking from a firehose - find out you have cancer, learn all about your disease and chemo and its side effects, and then, start chemo!!! But they were anxious to get going b/c of the size of monster. I'm glad we started today b/c otherwise I would have had all weekend to worry about it and now by the end of the weekend i'll be through the first few days. They gave me four different anti-nausea medicines, and i'm feeling alright so far, just fatigued and tired, and slightly drugged, lol. I will go through 4 months of having chemo treatments every 2 weeks, then be re-evaluated. I may need more chemo after that, if not, then we will proceed with radiation treatment. I will most likely be given radiation treatment no matter what when my chemo is complete, b/c of the size of the mass, to ensure the cancer does not come back. My oncologist said that she would estimate a 70-80% chance I can be completely cured ( as in it never comes back). It is encouraging to finally get a diagnosis, move forward with treatment, and have a high likelihood of a very good outcome.
The incredible thing to me is, if I did nothing, I would most likely die of this disease in less than a year. But right now(well, let's say 7 hours ago before the chemo) I'm walking around feeling pretty much like a normal person. Not like someone with a fatal disease. It's crazy.
Thank you all for your prayers and support. I can feel God's hand on me through all of this. He is truly faithful in all things!
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Dear Christie & Ryan,
We're so glad that you've finally found out and now we will pray specifically for your treatments and complete restoration and cure. We love you guys!
Uncle Steve, Aunt Andrea & Kim
My family and I were praying for you guys about the time you posted this...you have been on our and our friends hearts. I am so glad that you went in and got checked because every day really does count. I'll spread the word and will keep praying! Love you!
Dear Christie and Ryan,
Your mom gave me your blog address. I checked for the first time today to see if you had any news and found that you had. I read the entire blog with tears in my eyes and pain in my heart,but was so blessed by your courage and faith in our God and willingness to share that with us. We love you and your precious family and will be lifting you up in prayer.
Love, Ann Dean
Dear Christie and Ryan. Glad you finally got some answers, as I am sure the waiting was very difficult. Jr and I are praying for your strength and for your treatments. I'm just so thankful that you went to the doctor when you did and that they were so thorough in their evaluation. Love you both thank you so much for your blog, it makes me feel so close to you in this very difficult time.. just wish I could give you both a hug. love you xoxo meme
Hey! We are so thankful for the receipt of your diagnosis--finally! We are also thankful that your first round in the "ring" with chemo has left little side-effects :-) I read this in my morning devotion today, from Psalm 91: 14-16:
The Lord says, "Whoever loves me, I will save. I will protect those who know me. They will call to me, and I will answer them. I will be with them in trouble; I will rescue them and honor them. I will give them a long, full life, AND THEY WILL SEE HOW I CAN SAVE (emphasis added).
Go God, GO!
Love you both,
Jack and Sarah <><
Please let me know via e-mail or phone what kind of support you would like from the church. We can send out a mass e-mail to all those who have signed up for our prayer-chain; make you dinners; provide financial support, if needed, just hang out, play Settlers of Catan, etc. Just let me know. We are here to help you.
Ryan & Christie,
Ya'll are in my prayers. My roommate's son (from my last tour) had the same thing, and I heard about it from start to finish and now his son is cured and back to a normal life. I am expecting the best and praying that ultimately God would be glorified, and I now that so far He has.
God Bless
Dear christie and Ryan, oh dear! But now we can fight the monster with a name!! My prayer is one of gratitude to the Bestower of Blessings for the comfort and care you express from Him. And that He will now bless you with courage, wisdom, strength and patience for the days ahead. Thank you for this wonderful blog -- that I can access it amazes me. it is a blessing to me. Love you Gahgee
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