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
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Dear Z
ReplyDeleteYou have been in my thoughts and prayer non stop since we got the news. Today I went out and bought livestrong bands for our entire family. I will be putting them in the mail tomorrow for everyone. I want you and K. to know we love you very much and if the time comes you need us we are here. Greg even said he could take you to have treatment. Us older folks have alot the ability to get away o work pretty easy so please asks if you need us. Our prayers are with you.
Love you, Dar
Hey there, having been thru something similar I recommend a good nest...mine was on the couch, watching the fire in the fireplace...Karen waiting on me hand & foot, feeding me tapioca for six months (doctor amazed -- I actually gained weight!)...a stack of mystery novels and magazines next to me....
ReplyDeleteKris
Thanks Zach and Kristin for setting up the blog. You know we've got you covered out here on the west coast and we've got great vibes from out here to send you -- even sunshine and warmth in the middle of the winter some days. And medical marijuana too if things get too rough ;-) As I said before, R & R in California may need to be in the doc's prescription!
ReplyDeleteLove, Karen
We too are excited for the blog. What a great idea. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both. Maybe a July 4th Beach Bash could be in the mix. Beach, Buffett and Margaritas anyone?
ReplyDeleteMuch Love LD
Z&A,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the time we had with you recently. This really is not fair you know. You guys are going to have lots of time to work on your catch phrase skills. We are praying for you both. Zach, get the new Hog polished up, I am coming for you in the spring. We are going to ride and jump from a perfectly good airplane.
Marty
Do you not know?
ReplyDeleteHave you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who HOPE in the Lord
will renew their strength,
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isiah 40:28-31
You know who sent this,"The anchor holds"!
As I awoke this morning my every thought and prayer was with you and Kristin. Let me just start by saying how proud I am of you both. I know that the Lord has already healed you, but Life isn;t fair and you must go thru this journey. Dad and I will be with you both each step of the way. I marvel of how your love for one another is now stronger than ever, and I feel so blessed that the Lord put you two together. I wish as your Mother I could go thru this for you. Please remember you are still my baby boy. hugs and kissed to you both. Mom
ReplyDeleteGood Morning you two. I awoke several times last night and each time I did you were on my mind. The Lord was asking me for another prayer and that is just what I did. Good Luck wth today's news. I believe you already know in your heart that today comes the good news. I will lift you up in prayer again today.
ReplyDeleteLove you both
hugs dar
Dear Zach & Kristin,
ReplyDeleteIn His Hands you will be healed. Your smile heals the rest of us. We love you!
The Mental One
Z and K
ReplyDeleteJust wanted you both to know you are in our prayers, we have put you on our prayer list at church, the Lord will give you the grace to go through this valley and it won't be long you will be back on the mountain top! it is through the valley we grow closier to Him.
D.Coll-Justin's mom and dad
You guys have been on our hearts constantly this past week. We are so proud of you both and in awe of the love you have for each other. Kristin, you are one incredible wife and I have always admired how supportive you are of Zach. I know that he will be getting the best care he can possibly get from you.
ReplyDeleteWe are praying fiercely for you both!
Todd and Marianne
K and Z,
ReplyDeleteYou know that you have our love and support. If you need anything, let us know and we'll be there! We love you both so much and are in awe of the love you have for one another. Your love and your faith are what will carry you through this.
Hugs and Kisses from the Frozen Tundra,
T and C
to Zack, kristen and all your family my best wishes and prayers. thanks for making so much info available it makes it easier for me to understand. however i advise you to forget the hog and go metric......keep us updated E..Pete
ReplyDeleteZach
ReplyDeleteJust heard the good news. We've thought about you all day today. Keep your head up. Lots of love from the Carolinas. Gregg & LD
Kristin and Zach,
ReplyDeleteDad and I are so proud of you both. Your strength, faith and love for each other and your heavenly father will carry you through. Know that you have our thoughts and prayers, as well as our hearts. It was so much fun playing catch phrase with you both over the holidays. Love to you both...mom and dad
Have I not commanded you?Be strong and courageous.Do not be terrified;do not be discouraged,for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
ReplyDeleteJoshua 1:9
The anchor still holds!
Parker called today with the news...although I haven't been a part of your lives for many years I still have a great deal of love for all of you and the boys and I are all holding you up in prayer. Our hearts and thoughts are with you Zach, Kristin, Char, Dave and family~
ReplyDelete"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jer 29:11
Much Love-
Tami, Stuart, Ryan and Parker
God Morning to my wonderful children.
ReplyDeleteThis morning I woke to praising our Father for the wonderful news we got yesterday. Thank You Jesus!!!!!!! I also want to thank all of you who are supporting Zach and Kristin on this journey. I feel overwhelmed to know all the love and support they have during this time. Thank you all as this also means so much to me.
Happy New Year to you both. Hugs and Kisses Mom
Thank you Lord for the great news!We praise you!
ReplyDeleteBut there is a greater victory coming I believe,one that will find Zach "cancer free",I say this with great confidence as we serve a mighty God.A God who answered prayer and brought Mike Allen back from the brink,one who has answered many a prayer for Marty Allen and his health,and yes one who saved a wretch like me.
How can I have such confidence?look at what my Master says;
Jesus replied," I tell you the truth,if you have faith and do not doubt,not only can you do what was done to the fig tree,but also you can say to this mountain,'go,throw yourself into the sea,'and it will be done.If you believe,you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.'
Matthew 21:21-22
Father God,I have faith.I believe that you still answer prayers,and I believe that you are still in the miracle business.I believe that you are the creator who simply spoke,and all creation became reality and I believe you rose from the grave as you said you would.Now I ask lord that you remove all the cancer from Zach's body,and I praise you in advance for this miracle.Amen
Happy New Year Z and K. So happy to hear your good news yesterday. I knew the Lord was hearing our prayers and today he showed you he will walk with you and caring you when you need him too. We are so proud of the courage you and Kristin have already shown. You two are very mighty and together with your faith, family, and all the love you will conquer this journey. I love you both so very much, you are just like my children. Your mother actually looked and sounded better today. have a great weekend and don't push yourself. Kristin thank you for all the care you have already provided this young man we all love so dearly. May the Lord continue to give you strenght and watch your love grow stronger each and every day.
ReplyDeleteLove,greg and dar
Zach & Kristin,
ReplyDeleteZach, I told you once that the family was so proud of what you had accomplished. And I know that you will make us proud again as you win this battle. I know the good Lord has better plans for you to help others with your knowledge and skills and he will bring you through this. Your will and determination to achieve your goals and the healing hand of God will conquer all. Z&K, we are just up the road a little ways, if there is any thing we can do to help, please call us.
Our Love and Prayers,
Howard & Marilyn
Zach & Kristin,
ReplyDeleteI have alot of folks praying for you at Butler.
I hope you know how deep our love is for the two of you. Today a professor told me about a cookbook out by Betty Crocker for cancer patients going through chemo. I know how Kristin likes to cook. It might be worth looking for. Let me know if you would be interested and I can look for it. Also just wanted to send you both hugs and well wishes. Love you both so VERY much.
love, dar
Zach,
ReplyDeleteSending you healing vibes as you wrestle with this first round of chemo. Stay strong.
love....Gregg & LeaDawn
Zach,
ReplyDeleteBeen thinking and praying for you all week. Sending you hugs and well wishes. You are you my thoughts as you under go the first round of chemo. I'll be down to see you soon.
Love you, Dar
Well Zach & Kristin, I guess that treatment room is going to be pretty crowded tomorrow with all of our spirits there with you! At least there's no way you can fall because there'll always be someone there to catch you, or that you'll fall on ;-) but same difference! We've got big shoulders to help bear the burden.
ReplyDeleteLove, Karen & Kris
Z&K
ReplyDeleteOn my way home this evening from work I marvelled at how beautiful the snow really is and how awesome God is. Today at work my worries seem a bit much for me as I think about you going thru cemo. My heart is with you both, as I wish it was Dad and I doing this for you two. Our phone has rang off the hook as the town of Kokomo is finding out about this wonderful guy. Just know you are completely covered in prayer from all over this world. Can't wait to see ya both this weekend. Love Mom
Zach and Kristin,
ReplyDeleteZach, I hope your first bout of chemo went well. Thinking of you both every day. My family send their love and prayers.
Love,
Abby Kern and Pam, Phil, and Andrew Butts
zach this is english pete hope to see you in ohio in july. do you have enough oil for the harley to make it there!!!
ReplyDelete