Michael discovered a lump in his neck right under his chin on June 6, 2022. He had been in process of getting a physical lined up and this expedited the process. He got in the next day and the doctor wasn't too concerned but wanted to have an ultrasound done to make sure everything was ok. He had an ultrasound done on June 8 and the results came back as enlarged lymph nodes on both sides of his neck. We were referred to an ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) doctor who was wonderful. We had an appointment with them on June 14 where she did a fine needle biopsy on the lumps. This came back as suspicious for lymphoma. They then needed to actually remove one of the enlarged lymph nodes to do a full biopsy on it. This took place on June 23. We had our follow appointment with ENT on June 29 where they told us Michael has Large Diffuse B-Cell Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma. We were then referred to a cancer center. We chose to go to UNMC (University of Nebraska Medicine) where the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is located in Omaha. We saw the Lord at work as we called on July 5th to see how the process was going and they told us they would call us back by the end of the day with an appointment. They called mid afternoon and said they had an appointment for the next day July 6th at 1 pm with one of the two doctors we wanted. Praise God. Our doctor is the chief of hematology and oncology and we are very grateful to be under her care. We did a bone marrow biopsy, PET CT Scan, blood work and a few other things over the next week to prepare for a full diagnosis and treatment plan. On July 13, we met with Dr. Vose and learned that Michael's cancer likely started as Follicular Lymphoma, which is a very slow growing type, and transformed into Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (Non Hodgkin's). DLBCL for short! He is a stage IV with much of it being in his abdomen and some in his spleen and some in his neck and armpits and bone marrow. Even with that, it is still very treatable and can have a very good outcome.
Good evening! We had a great trip to Omaha today - even able to catch a quick date lunch in between appointments! Our appointment with Dr Vose went well. No concerns at all with symptoms, bloodwork or lymph node regions. We will continue the plan to meet again in three months - late June. Thankful for good news and the time we had with our doctor. We will check in again soon with all of you but wanted to get a quick update out tonight! Thankful for your love, care and prayers!
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