Bryce Lubben

Bryce was diagnosed with Stage IV Classic Hodgkin's Lymphoma in October.   He noticed some lumps on the left side of his neck and went in to get them checked out. He was also having mild night sweats but didn't think the two were related.  


At the time his primary (nurse practitioner) suspected a form of lymphoma based on his symptoms and CT scan results, but needed more testing to confirm exactly what we were dealing with.  Bryce was then referred to Sanford ENT where they suggested he have a core biopsy completed. The results came back from his core biopsy as Classic Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and they referred him to Sanford Oncology in Sioux Falls. 


We met with the Oncologist, Dr. Bleeker, on October 21st where he ordered additional testing to determine what stage Bryce's cancer was at, the course of treatment and if he was healthy enough to even start treatment.  Bryce completed his pet scan (shows where the cancer is), pulmonary functions test (breathing and lungs), echocardiogram (to see the condition of his heart), had his portacath placement (an access placed in his chest that chemo will be administered through), and additional blood work.  His pet scan revealed he was Stage lV; the cancer was already in his neck, chest, abdomen, spleen, and bones. 


Dr. Bleeker informed us the best option going forward would be 6 months chemotherapy, every two weeks on the regimen known as ABVD (Adriamycin, Bleomycin, Vinblastine, Dacarbazine). 


November 2nd he had his first round of chemo in Sioux Falls. About 10 minutes after we left the hospital, he started to have a reaction and developed rigors (bad body shakes and fever).  We went back to the infusion center and they gave him Demerol to resolve the rigors. Back home we went.


He had multiple side effects throughout the next 14  days from the chemotherapy.  A couple ER visits and they finally admitted him to the oncology inpatient unit in Sioux Falls on November 12th for neutropenic fever, pancytopenia (a condition where all 3 types of blood cells are low), hyponatremia (very low sodium/electrolyte levels) , hypotension (low blood pressure), and hypokalemia (very low levels of potassium).  


He was discharged on November 16th, which was also supposed to be when he received his second round of chemo. His absolute neutrophil count (ANC which is the body's ability to fight infection) was still to low for the chemo, so it was cancelled and rescheduled for November 19th. 


We met with Dr. Bleeker on November19th, his numbers looked good and he was able to receive his second round that day.  Dr. Bleeker explained that if Bryce does not tolerate the chemotherapy during his second round, we would have to look at other options. 


There will be an account established at Bank Midwest in Jackson and Windom to help Bryce and Dina with expenses not covered by insurance. Donations will be able to be made to that account as soon as it is ready. 


We will continue to update throughout Bryce's journey.