Chris Rauch

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My story began in early June of 2017 when I noticed a small lump under my right armpit.  I didn't think much about it as I had just gotten over a cold.  The lump did not go away after a few weeks and I decided it was time to visit a doctor.  My first doctor appointment was in mid-July.  The doctor had no idea what this lump was so he ordered a CT-scan of the area.  The CT-scan was done in early August and came back as abnormal.  I was referred to a surgeon who decided to remove the now larger mass.  My surgery went well but the biopsy of the mass was diagnosed as a Lymphoma.  I was referred to a cancer doctor and received the news I was dreading that I have a cancer called Mantle Cell Lymphoma.  This particular cancer is a rare and more aggressive Lymphoma.  It affects only 3-5% of patients with a Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and the median age is 70.  This cancer is treatable but there currently is no cure.  My path to recovery will be long and difficult.  Because of my age and current overall good health the doctors can treat this very aggressively.  Chemotherapy and an autologous stem cell transplant is my best hope for recovery and a long term remission.  I am so moved by all the love and support my family and I have received since this diagnosis.  I really appreciate all the cards, texts, prayers, and good thoughts as it keeps me positive and ready to fight.  Thank you for following my progress and I look forward to eventually being cancer free!!  #effcancer  #teamrauch