First, let me start by saying that we got EXCELLENT news today!
The results came back from Zach's PET scan and we found out that cancer cells were only detected in the known mass in his chest and in one adjacent lymph node. That means that it has not metastasized to other parts of the body, which makes it easier to treat and also gives a good prognosis. So as I have long predicted, Zach remains stuck with me for many years to come. :)
He underwent a bone marrow biopsy today where bone marrow tissue was taken from his hip, and while he enjoyed the morphine he is less than thrilled that it has worn off. He also did not appreciate being asked if he would like an inflatable doughnut pillow to sit on in the car. My bad. Doughnut pillows aside, the procedure went well and we should have results back next week. After we get the results from the bone marrow biopsy they will be able to tell us how he is staged, but we are expecting good news as his blood work remains clear (praise the Lord!).
The nurse practitioner gave great instruction on how to tweak Zach's diet, and little tips to help make the side effects of chemo less prohibitive. We continue to be astounded at the quality of the staff at the hospital we're using. We've got a great team!
Zach's first round of chemo was scheduled for next Friday, and he will have his next appointment 21 days later. We were surprised at this news because we were expecting more frequent visits, but every 21 days works for us! Because they're so spread out I'm thankful to say that I'll be able to be by his side at every one of them! Once again God is looking out for us!
***Other info to note:
***Those of you who are friends with us on Facebook, Zach (respectfully) asks that you please do not post anything to our Facebook pages that references what is going on right now. He'd prefer not to share this with the world of Facebook at this point since we're still adjusting to it ourselves. Thank you, we appreciate it! :)
***We officially have the grocery list of 70-year-olds. Tonight: Ensure drinks, house slippers, medications, and a heated blanket. Oh, and let's not forget the powdered buttermilk. We're a couple of crazy kids, let me tell ya!
***Things should remain pretty much the same for the next week or so until chemo starts...so don't worry if we don't post anything until then since there won't be too much going on. If something new develops we will, of course, fill you guys in.
Once again, thanks for your love, concern, and prayers. :)
Monetary gifts, balloons, and brownies are also accepted. (Just kidding...Zach doesn't even like brownies.) Haha!
-Kristin
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Playing Catch-Up
Welcome to Zach's Lymphoma-A-Long!
This page will be updated frequently with the latest on Zach's recently diagnosed B-cell lymphoma. To get you caught up, here is what has happened so far:
12/19- Zach was taken to the ER for a pretty nasty cough that was causing some nausea, weakness, etc. A mass showed up on his CT scan that needed further attention.
12/23- Went in to see Zach's oncologist (great guy, by the way!) who gave Zach a thorough exam and then promptly called in favors to get him a biopsy that very afternoon. A process that should have taken a week was over in a few hours- thanks Doc! Before we had pulled into our driveway after leaving the hospital we got a call from Zach's doctor telling us that the biopsy results were back and the mass had been determined to be B-cell Lymphoma.
12/29- Zach underwent a PET scan, a type of scan that utilizes radioactive sugar to show whether or not cancer cells have spread to other areas of the body. (Still waiting on results from this...I will update once we have more information.)
12/30- A port was placed in Zach's chest to allow for chemotherapy treatments. (A port is a small removable device that allows IV's to be easily administered...this way he won't have to get poked and prodded all the time.) The surgery went very well and we were once again pleasantly surprised at the great attitude of the staff at the hospital we're using.
***Other Info to Note:
***Zach will be undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments, although at this point we're not sure how much of either he'll receive. Tomorrow he is having a bone marrow biopsy performed, but we're not too worried...all of the blood work that he has had done has come back clean and clear.
***So far Zach isn't feeling pain or soreness associated with his lymphoma. Tiredness, lack of appetite, and the cough are the only symptoms he is presenting with at this time.
***The doctor and staff that are treating Zach are A.W.E.S.O.M.E. We have full faith that they will take great care of him and have him back to normal in no time at all. (If Zach could ever REALLY be called normal, anyway.)
***Please refrain from jokes about losing his hair. He's already mourning the potential loss of his blonde locks. For real. Please and thank you. :)
***Sox is being more attentive than usual...Wrigley is oblivious as ever. We're not surprised by this development.
THANK YOU for all of your love, concern, and prayers. We're so thankful to have so many friends and family members by our side supporting us through this. And yes, we promise, if we need something...we'll call. ;)
WE LOVE YOU ALL!
-Zach and Kristin
This page will be updated frequently with the latest on Zach's recently diagnosed B-cell lymphoma. To get you caught up, here is what has happened so far:
12/19- Zach was taken to the ER for a pretty nasty cough that was causing some nausea, weakness, etc. A mass showed up on his CT scan that needed further attention.
12/23- Went in to see Zach's oncologist (great guy, by the way!) who gave Zach a thorough exam and then promptly called in favors to get him a biopsy that very afternoon. A process that should have taken a week was over in a few hours- thanks Doc! Before we had pulled into our driveway after leaving the hospital we got a call from Zach's doctor telling us that the biopsy results were back and the mass had been determined to be B-cell Lymphoma.
12/29- Zach underwent a PET scan, a type of scan that utilizes radioactive sugar to show whether or not cancer cells have spread to other areas of the body. (Still waiting on results from this...I will update once we have more information.)
12/30- A port was placed in Zach's chest to allow for chemotherapy treatments. (A port is a small removable device that allows IV's to be easily administered...this way he won't have to get poked and prodded all the time.) The surgery went very well and we were once again pleasantly surprised at the great attitude of the staff at the hospital we're using.
***Other Info to Note:
***Zach will be undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments, although at this point we're not sure how much of either he'll receive. Tomorrow he is having a bone marrow biopsy performed, but we're not too worried...all of the blood work that he has had done has come back clean and clear.
***So far Zach isn't feeling pain or soreness associated with his lymphoma. Tiredness, lack of appetite, and the cough are the only symptoms he is presenting with at this time.
***The doctor and staff that are treating Zach are A.W.E.S.O.M.E. We have full faith that they will take great care of him and have him back to normal in no time at all. (If Zach could ever REALLY be called normal, anyway.)
***Please refrain from jokes about losing his hair. He's already mourning the potential loss of his blonde locks. For real. Please and thank you. :)
***Sox is being more attentive than usual...Wrigley is oblivious as ever. We're not surprised by this development.
THANK YOU for all of your love, concern, and prayers. We're so thankful to have so many friends and family members by our side supporting us through this. And yes, we promise, if we need something...we'll call. ;)
WE LOVE YOU ALL!
-Zach and Kristin
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