John ’s Story

Site created on April 24, 2023

Hi Everyone, welcome to our CaringBridge website. 
On Friday, April 7th, Dad went to the hospital with abdominal pain and shortness of breath. He was given a full workup which included a CT scan. The CT scan showed masses all throughout his abdomen. Some of these masses are the size of softballs and a few of them are pressing on vital organs including the right lung and the aorta. His blood work showed some elevated levels of white blood cells and a few other markers that can indicate lymphoma. 
He was subsequently seen by several cancer specialists at Penn's Abramson Cancer Center who all agree that we are dealing with some type of lymphoma. He has several appointments coming up and surgery scheduled for this week to get a mass out and biopsy it to see exactly what we are dealing with and what stage we are in. Dad will also be getting a PET scan to determine exactly the extent of the masses and will more than likely need to get lots of other tests to see if this has spread to other body systems or his marrow.
I will be using this page to keep everyone updated as we navigate through these unknown waters. 
We are all trusting the Lord and know that He is in control and I know that Dad would want to honor Him through all this. 
Please pray by our sides as we fight whatever battle comes from this.
 


Newest Update

Journal entry by Wendy Burghart

Hello Everyone, 

I apologize for the lack of updates. Thank you to those of you who reached out to see how things were going with Dad and for your constant support and prayers for him as he deals with this cancer diagnosis. 

It has officially been one year since Dad's diagnosis. He has battled all year long with this cancer. It has been a very long year of ups and downs, scans, chemo, ER visits, various pills and supplements and lots and lots of prayer and patience. 

Earlier this week Dad had his end of year scans. He has now completed all 12 cycles of chemo and his treatments. He met with his oncologist yesterday and received the very good news that his cancer is officially in remission! Praise the Lord! 

With the type of cancer that Dad has, he will likely never be completely cancer free. This is something that may come back in the future but we have beat it back enough this past year that he is able to go off the chemo and other drugs for a while. All the lymphatic tumors have shrunk back to normal size and his bloodwork and vitals look good. 

He will continue to have periodic scans to monitor any new cancer growth and will continue to be followed by his oncology team, BUT for now, we are rejoicing that he is getting a break from all this and his cancer is in a good remission!

Thank you all who have donated, who have prayed, who have provided meals, who have helped with lawn care and various other needs around their house, and all the many many cards and well wishes. We would not have been able to get through this without all of you and your help.

Should anything else arise I will be sure to update!

Love you all 

Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help John Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like John 's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Comments Hide comments

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top