Randy Timmons

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place.  


Randy was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL) in December,1999 at the age of 40 (which is young for someone to have NHL).  He has follicular NHL which is one of 60 subtypes of NHL.  This type is slow growing and treatable but there is no cure despite significant advancements.  Following radiation treatment to his neck in 2000, Randy resumed all normal activities including his important role as a stay at home dad to Meagan and Chris.  


In 2005/2006 he experienced extreme shoulder and back pain with scans revealing lesions on his bones.  After consultation with Dr. Julie Vose,  one of the world's leading NHL researchers who happens to be at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), he opted to participate in a clinical trial.  Randy received BEXXAR, a radioactive monoclonal antibody, and his pain was relieved quickly and if you know Randy, you know he resumed an active lifestyle! 


Since 2006 Randy has been on "live and wait" which means annual visits to the oncologists and monitoring himself for any signs or symptoms that the NHL has returned (swollen lymph nodes, pain, fatigue, night sweats, etc).  This summer Randy has experienced ongoing back and hip/pelvis pain.  A visit to Dr Vose and a PET scan revealed new lesions on his spine, hip, pelvis and femur as well as few other places.  


On Monday, August 16 Randy will begin treatment with a monoclonal antibody, Rituxin, that has been used to treat NHL for more than 20 years.  Rituxin is given once a week for four weeks and can be given every other months for two years as maintenance.  Our prayer is that this medication alone, is sufficient to stop the growth and relieve his nagging pain.   Treatment is administered by IV and if tolerated well can be given by injection for the 3 and 4 doses.  Should he require more treatment there are many options available to him and most can be combined with the Rituxin.  As he gets into treatment we will know the next steps in this journey.  


One of the most significant concerns we have is his diminished immune system as a result of treatment.  While this is almost always a concern for people who are undergoing treatment for cancer, the prevalence of COVID-19 and the easy spread of the Delta variant is a big worry for us.  Despite having COVID in December 2020 and receiving the vaccine, Randy will not have antibodies in his system.  If you know Randy at all, having to return to a more socially isolated existence is very, very difficult for him but health and safety first!  

Randy is supported by many family members and friends.  His wife of 31 years, Linda, as well as his young adult children (Meagan and Chris).  He would enjoy hearing form you throughout his treatment journey so please text or even call!