Meghan Tornell

Round Two; February 2019:  Hi all I am updating my old Caring bridge site to keep family and friends updated during this reoccurrence of Non-Hadgkin Lymphoma.   After seeing my regular Dr. for a sinus infection, she ordered an MRI of my head.  She and I were keeping an eye on a lump that was developing on the left side of my face (near my parotid gland).   She and I both thought the lump had increased in size recently.  On Feb 18, 2019 my Dr called with bad news, she mentioned that the  most recent MRI showed suspicion of Lymphoma tissue.  I had a regular 6 month check up at the oncologist scheduled for later that week.  But ,since I was so sick with the sinus infection and now flu like symptoms too,  I agreed to see my oncologist as soon as I could once I was well.  I rescheduled my oncology check up for the next week, Feb 28, 2019.  At my oncologist meeting we went over a lot of things.  Could it really be back already? How will we treat it this time? Is radiation to my head a second time safe? Are there any other treatments?  Will I need surgery again?  Will I need chemo? Will I lose my hair?  My oncologist spent a ton of time with me that day.  I was so appreciative.  We left it that my oncologist wanted to do a little more research: talk with the radiologist about the MRI, talk with colleagues about treatments, talk with a lymphoma expert at the U of MN; etc.  She said she would call me later that day.   
That is how this 2nd journey started. . . 


March/April 2017:  I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (MALT) on March 30, 2017.  The diagnosis was quite a surprise. I learned about it after having surgery on my parotid gland to remove a small lump from my right cheek in late March. The good news is we understand from the oncologist it is slow growing, very treatable and expect a full recovery! We are reviewing treatment options and may even be done by this summer.  

Dave and the girls have been very supportive during this time. We decided to set up this site to let family and friends know about my progress. It gets hard to keep everyone updated at the same time through texts these days. We appreciate your prayers and words of encouragement.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me - Philippians 4:13