Saturday, February 20, 2010

New Diagnosis

Dad went for his appointment yesterday with the surgeon that did his biopsy. We were all ready to hear more about Hodgkin lymphoma and treatment options, but that is not what happened.
We found out that the first diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma was wrong. Dad actually has non-Hodgkin lymphoma. More specifically he has T-cell Rich Large B Cell lymphoma. To say we were all a little rattled is an understatement. We all immediately started researching this new diagnosis to much disappointment. There is not a whole lot of information on the Internet about this type of lymphoma. The information that is there is very old information. So, Dad called the office of his new oncologist to see if anyone could give us some information. Late afternoon on a Friday, we really did not think that he would get any answers, but he did! The doctor himself got on the phone to explain things to us and calm some of our fears.

So, here is what we do know about T-cell Rich Large B Cell lymphoma
  • It is an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (aggressive lymphomas actually have a better cure rate than non aggressive)
  • This type of lymphoma is often mistaken for Hodgkin lymphoma.
  • It is a rare sub type of Large B Cell lymphoma.
  • It can be treated with chemotherapy.
Dad is going for some more tests on Monday and Tuesday to confirm this new diagnosis and come up with a treatment plan. We will keep you updated as we find out more information. Thanks for taking this journey with us.

5 comments:

  1. Isn't that just like how the enemy works? Trying to mix in un-truths in with the already existing confusion. On the bright side, the bigger the battle, the bigger the plan God has once His victory manifests here on earth. Are there any plans corporatly to fast and pray for God's will to be done over Rick?

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  2. It was so good that you preached yesterday. At Middle School retreat, several of the students were expecting they would not see you Sunday morning, or any time soon. For them, everything is so immediate, learning God's timing is difficult. You gave them peace. Our family is praying in support of your family through this. God is good and his grace is sufficient to run this race.

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  3. When you made the decision to give your life to God as a pastor, you made the choice to sacrifice many, many things that we as church members cannot truly understand, including time that took you away from your family. My prayer is that God will be glorified and that your family will feel joy and peace from the many lives that you have touched. You have certainly touched me and my family. May God bless you and your family through this journey. We are all praying!

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  4. Yesterday's service was so powerful Rick. Thank you for sharing this journey with us. I admire your desire to keep God as our focus on Sundays. The beatiful thing is that you did that, even yesterday. As I sat listening to your recount of the week's events, I came away knowing that, although we all don't have cancer, we all have other opportunities to give God the glory. Watching you do that in your journey inspires me to look for ways I can give God the glory He deserves in my life too. Please know that soooo many people are praying for you. Praying and just waiting to bring you those meals you are anxious to enjoy. ;)

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  5. Rick, I could not believe it when Krista called me tonight to tell me about your diagnosis. You and Patti have been on my mind for the last 10 or 12 days. I even tried to contact Patti on facebook a few days ago. I know you, and your family, and your church are wondering what our Father is up to here. It seems like just when we think we are getting it all together, and things are running smoothly, God takes us on a learning trip that we would never have chosen to go on. I have been on a few of my own, and I can honestly say I have learned so much about the Lord that I couldn't have learned any other way. I love jesus more than ever, and I am so much more aware of His priorities, His peace and His blessings. You'll see. I just returned from My cancer journey in October. (Invasive lobular carcinoma stage II- a type of breast cancer that had spread to my lymph nodes} God is good --REALLY. I know you will hear from so many others who have the same testimony.
    Rick, I have so many sweet memories of your family. I love you all and will return to remembering you in my prayers.

    Beverly (Pierce) Duncan

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