Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Heath's medical update

A couple weeks ago, Heath saw an oncologist for a consultation on his enlarged lymph nodes. She did some more bloodwork and then scheduled several other appointments to figure out what is going on. Because this issue has been ongoing for several months (since Oct), we have both prepared ourselves for worst-case scenario. The oncologist has a tentative diagnosis of possible Hodgkin's lymphoma. Of the two types of lymphoma, this is the more " treatable and curable" type. We aren't sure how she is able to determine which he may have....but again, this is tentative until biopsy results. If it does come back as lymphoma, then we will procede with treatment of chemo.

So, this past Friday he went and had a neck to pelvis CT scan to look for any other abnormal lymph nodes. Today he had a surgical consult to determine where they may take the biopsy. The surgeon told us that they like to take the lymph nodes from the neck because they are considered to be the "cleanest". Since Heath has a very enlarged one in his neck...this is the one they will take....the whole thing too. This is a somewhat "minor" surgery that has been scheduled for tomorrow (ok...I guess today since it is already tuesday). They will do it under a local anesthetic...and I'm sure give him some pretty good drugs (fentanyl and midazolam). His surgeon will be the same one that took out my benign boob tumor a few years back. We should know results of the biopsy by the end of the week.

If it does come back as lymphoma...we will be kicking the crap out of it! Thank God that we are both in a really good place spiritually and emotionally these days...so, we will be able to maintain positive attitudes for the whole thing. This is just part of our journey in life...and it will surely be another one of our many "teachers".

I will keep you all posted on anything new!

8 comments:

MJP said...

You, Heath and Grayson will be in our prayers. Of course you are going to kick the crap out it!!

Brian & Kara said...

My gosh. I'm sorry you're dealing with this at all. You have the backing and prayers of your friends and family. We love you and are only believing for the best case scenerio so you can leave this behind you as soon as possible!

Cailen said...

Well, when it rains, it pours! We will add you guys to our prayer list. Hope all goes well today and we're sorry you're going through this! Love you!

Brookreson Family said...

We will definitely be thinking of you all and praying for the best possible outcome. Best wishes!

tiffany jeanne said...

Wow, Jess. I don't get a whole lot of time to read blogs these days, and just ventured over here to see how you all were doing. I'll be saying prayers for the best for Heath and you guys. I'll especially keep your good spirits in my thoughts so that you can all stay positive throughout this whole process. Stay strong!

Mom to Tate and Charlie said...

Will keep you all in my prayers. Please keep us updated. Hugs.

The Fields Family said...

Sorry to hear this news. A few years back my Dad was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer which had spread to his lungs and bones. Not curable, but treatable. He is doing well and we credit that to prayers and his positive attitude. You can beat it! Keep the positivity flowing, it makes all the difference. Best wishes.

Unknown said...

You're in our prayers! We love you guys very much and we have no doubt that you will stay strong and postive through this.