Welcome to our CaringBridge website. The intent is to use this to our keep family and friends as updated as possible and to do that in one simple location.
We know that sending a text, email or a call seems more personal, however, it is overwhelming to answer questions and respond to everyone this way. We don’t want to offend anyone so please understand that this will help us to keep our emotions together by updating responding to everyone in one place.
Let us start out by saying thank you so much for the calls, texts, emails, etc. that we have and continue to receive. Your thoughts, prayers, support and words of hope and encouragement are greatly appreciated.
Thank you for visiting.
Several months ago, Jim began to have pain on the left side of his abdomen. It was initially thought he had a mild case of diverticulitis (sores in his upper intestines) that would just mellow out and go away. Jim had several “flare-ups” over the next several months with given what we thought was his diagnosis, certain foods increased the pain but it was treated with antibiotics. The flare-ups would come and go.
Jim would be fine for months and then something can cause it to flare up. Again, still thinking this is diverticulitis. After having COVID and the having a stint in the hospital in February for reasons we have yet found out, at the end of April he had another flare-up and was prescribed his usual medication. Each day, the pain became more intense and the antibiotics were just not helping.
On May 2nd , Jim saw his family practitioner again, and she thought maybe he a kidney stone that would need to be passed. As such, she sent him to get a CT Scan on May 3rd to determine if that was the cause of pain. On May 4th, (May the 4th be with you) he was still in pain but we were able to celebrate his 49th birthday by going to see the WILD play and win! What a fun night. That evening he became quite sick to his stomach, worse than we’d seen with diverticulosis. It was clear, something was not right.
Thursday he heard from the GI doctor, who advised him it would be best to get in for a biopsy and directed him to immediately go to Abbott Northwest Hospital to have more scans. He drove himself to Alina around 3pm and they admitted him immediately for pain management. They were able to get the pain under control and was feeling much better. They scheduled his ultrasonic upper endoscopy scan and biopsy for first thing Friday morning. By 2pm, Friday, we received the news from the doctor that he has lymphoma cancer.
After finding out the diagnosis, the doctors advised he see an oncologist for proper diagnosis further testing and for treatment options. We know he has several lymph nodes that are necrotic (started dying) and the the largest is a baseball size mast in the lymph nodes on the backside of his stomach. As such, it is inoperable. They have advised they can only keep him medically pain free (with significant oxycodone) until he begins his chemo so he is unable to drive but at least they are managing the pain.
After meeting with the oncologist on Monday, Jim was diagnosed with diffuse large B cell lymphoma cancer.
This past week has been a whirlwind. Between the calls and meetings with doctors appointments and getting further tests (PET scan, Bone marrow biopsy and then Port placement) to determine the stage he has.
Jim begins chemotherapy on May 23rd for what we believe will be a seven-hour infusion. Sorry if we get these terms wrong as this is all new to use. Please understand.
As we learn more we will share what we feel we are able to handle.
We have been advised this is a personal and often emotional journey and the days and months ahead will certainly be difficult. We are hopeful that his cancer will be cured as our four children - Nate 18 (senior in high school) Noah 20, Jake 22, and Ellie 25 will need him around a bit longer.
Please be patient if we’re not always able to immediately update this site. Again, thank you all for your time, and thank you for your thoughts and prayers. We welcome and appreciate them all at this time.
Cutting to the chase, the GREAT news is that I have been advised that I am in remission!
I want to thank everyone for your support and prayers. People have been so kind to Kim and I and the kids and so incredibly helpful during these last 9 months. Thank you so very much for your kindness!!
Again, thank you all so very much for your prayers and support. I truly appreciate it.
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