I know this caring bridge is for Chris and I will give a quick update on him, but with permission from Chris and James, I’m going to give an explanation/update on James also. 

Chris first. Not much has changed since my last update. Chris’ pulmonary function test that we were waiting for did come back and it was slightly worse than his original test prior to any treatment, but just ever so slightly. The decision has been made to go back to a pulmonologist at Mayo and begin discussing treatment plans and diagnosis again. We go up at the end of May. This decision was actually made 6 weeks ago, but Chris couldn’t bring himself to begin again. He is now willing to at least discuss his options with the pulmonologist if they can give him a definite diagnosis, if they are still unsure of what is causing his continued lung damage, he may make the decision to hold off on treatment and see where this leads. In all fairness, he has been through a lot with little results, so we will cross that bridge once we get there. He is enjoying the weather, he has been outside pretty much every warm moment that has happened so far this spring! 

So, about James, those of you that know and love Chris, most likely love and know James and we felt a quick update and explanation after my last post was appropriate since we now know what is happening with James. James has been diagnosed with stage 4  Hodgkins Lymphoma. He has it predominantly in his left lung, right lung, abdomen, kidney, right armpit lymph nodes, and left bronchial tube. Bad news, well obviously he has cancer and that’s scary, frustrating, and honestly a bit overwhelming for the family, but especially for James, he has to go through all 6 cycles of chemo, he will have to be very diligent about infection precautions, will lose his hair, and to be honest worry about things that a 25yo shouldn’t have to worry about at this stage in his life.  Good news, this is very treatable, and 85% curable for his age and stage, high likelihood after 5 years in remission, he will not need to worry about reoccurrence. Also good news, he is taking it like a champ, as always, this guy, keeps moving forward, keeps his chin up, and just does what needs to be done. He has just completed his first round of chemo (which is two treatments in 15 days) and he is doing great. Although it is hard on him physically for the first few days after treatment, he does ok after that. He has a really great support system, including his girlfriend, family, and friends! I won’t say things like he will be stronger after all this, because he has proven himself to be strong despite these obstacles in his path and not because of them, we are all completely bummed that this happening, but just like James we will push through, he needs us and God knows we need him. So for all of you that prayed, send good vibes, or thoughts on his behalf since that last post, we want to say thank you. He has a long road ahead, but hopefully he will

Continue tolerate and respond to the chemo. 

Much love to you, Dawn ❤️