Only The Beginning...

We wanted to start a blog so that we could keep family and friends updated of Robert's progress.
For those of you who are not aware yet, Robert was diagnosed with lymphoma just 4 days ago.. this is how it all started...

Last Thursday(02/11/10) seemed to be just like any other day. Robert and I got up and went about our lives. That night as we were getting ready for bed Robert asked me to feel his neck, so I did. I felt a lump right above his clavicle at bottom of his neck. He said that he had noticed it a few days earlier and just didn't want to say anything. I was immediately worried and decided to look online to see what it might be. I ran across some information about lymphoma. I read about how some symptoms may be due to lymphoma (night sweats, fatigue,lumps on the neck) Robert had all of these and I soon realized that this could be serious. We went into the Dr. the next day and they did blood work and an ultrasound. They could not tell us exactly what it was on the ultrasound but they knew there were two masses in his neck. They decided to order an MRI for the following Monday(02/15/10).

We waited all weekend and tried to stay positive, but after the MRI on Monday we were informed that this was indeed lymphoma. Our next step was to find out how far it had spread in his body. The Dr. sent us back to get a CT scan. They found that it had spread throughout the neck, chest and abdomen and thought there might be a spot in his spleen. We were referred to a Oncologist (Dr. Shull) and were able to see him the next day (Tuesday).

After a consult with Dr. Shull he informed us of what was to come. We were to get a PET Scan, Bone marrow biopsy,Echo cardiogram, and consult with and ear,nose and throat Dr. so that they could get a biopsy of the lymph nodes that were in his neck. These tests would be used to find out exactly what type of lymphoma as well as allow them to stage how far the cancer had spread. With this information they could determine the best course of treatment. Dr. Shull said that he was pretty sure that Robert has had this for several months and that he believes that the cancer is at least at a stage III. From the way it is presenting itself it may be Hodgkins lymphoma. He said that there is no way to be sure though until he had these tests completed.

Wednesday morning we went to see Dr. Baker (ear,nose,throat Dr.) he informed us that Robert would need surgery for his lymph node biopsy, and that we were to get it done on Thursday. After Dr. Baker's we had an appointment for an Echo Cardiogram to test Roberts heart to make sure it is in good shape to undergo chemotherapy.

On Thursday morning (today) Robert had a fun filled day ahead of him. He was to have his bone marrow biopsy (from his hip) at 8am, at 9:30 he had his PET scan, and right after that at 11:30am we needed to be at Mt. View hospital for his lymph node surgery. He sure was a trooper though! I am so proud of him! He had a positive attitude and got through everything just fine! We are home now and he is resting. It has been a long week and we are looking forward to a few days of rest.

We may have more information tomorrow (Friday 02/19/10) after some of the test results come back. We are not sure yet if those will be available but if not tomorrow we have an appointment on Monday afternoon (02/22/10) with Dr. Shull to give us the results. He should have a game plan ready for us. Robert could start treatment as early as the next day... So that is good news.

This has definitely come as a shock to everyone. Robert is young and otherwise healthy, we had no idea that he was sick. It has been a very emotional week. We have been told that lymphoma has one of the highest success rates for going into remission and not coming back . The odds are in his favor even at a stage IV. So we are obviously happy about that and confident that Robert will get through this!

We cannot express how grateful we are for everyone who has been there to support us in this very hard time. We have had so many prayers said in our behalf and we need them to keep coming! We all need to stay positive and have faith, after all this is a test right? We can and will get through this! In just this short week I cannot begin to explain the many blessings that we have received. I know that even with all the bad news Heavenly Father is looking out for us. We are so lucky to have so many amazing people in our lives.
Thank You all for everything! We love you and will keep you posted!

Love
Robert & Crystal