Alan Finkelstein

Hello, Alan's Army! (borrowed from Susan Heck)
What stated out as an asthma attack on a Friday led to bronchitis. This led to two rounds of antibiotics and prednisone; which finally led to a incessant cough. This now led to a chest X-ray and a chest and neck CT scan which resulted in a diagnosis of Lymphoma. That's the bad news. Here is the good news: after many more tests, Alan's diagnosis is Stage II-III Bulky Hodgkin's Lymphoma. What is bulky you ask? It means on top of many lymph nodes our Alan has, there is a nasty golf ball sized lymph node on his chest between his lungs irritating a nerve right next to his windpipe; hence the incessant cough. Where's the good news? The good news is this is one of the most favorable diagnosis, most treatable and more importantly most curable type of Lymphoma. Alan's spirits are pretty good; however he is very worn down already. Now comes the treatment (thank God). Alan will have 6 rounds of chemotherapy; each round is every 2 weeks for 12 infusions over a period of six months. This should wipe out the lymphoma completely; however Alan is going to continue to be quite run down. The other good news is Alan is probably going to be able to work. Here is what we need: we need every good thought and prayer to come his way because this is Alan's biggest battle of his life. What else we need (if you are able to help) is to bring us some dinners because Alan needs to stay out of public places because of his upcoming wiped out immune system. Don't worry, his immune system will come back and so will Alan. We have a meal calendar for three days a week; Mon, Wed & Fri.  (Go click on the planner icon) If you are able to sign up and bring a couple dinners that help will go a long way. I will keep everyone updated with these posts as often as needed to keep you all in the loop. Any and all help is much appreciated. Next post will come soon after his chemo treatment this Friday. To sign up to bring dinner, please click on the planner. Even if you sign up to bring dinner, please call or text me to confirm since this site is not the most intuitive. 818-430-0808. Also, all donations are optional and only go to caring bridge to maintain this site...not to us.