Nolan’s Story

Site created on January 25, 2019

Welcome to Nolan's CaringBridge website. We are so fortunate to have so many people who care and are concerned about Nolan's status, so we thought we would create this site to keep everyone updated! I read him every text and email that I receive, so thank you for all for your support and words of hope and encouragement!

Monday evening, January 21st Nolan went to the emergency room in Abilene with difficulty breathing. A chest x-ray followed by a CT scan confirmed testicular cancer that has metastasized to his liver and lungs. We brought him home from Abilene and to his first appointment at UT Southwestern in Dallas on Tuesday, January 22nd and they admitted Nolan that day and assembled his team of doctors. He had a biopsy Thursday from the lesions on his lungs and we are awaiting those results. He had an MRI on his brain and received the fantastic news that there are no signs of cancer there. He was originally scheduled to start chemo on Monday, January 28th but just received another round of great news… that they will begin chemo today, January 25th. We are so happy to get going a couple of days early! Nolan’s condition mirrors lance Armstrong, with the exception of being cancer free on Nolan’s brain. Therefore, the treatment plan they picked for Nolan is the same one they followed for Lance, which has proven to be a success! This first round of chemo will be inpatient for the next 5 straight days and they will reevaluate afterwards for next steps.

His team of doctors have been incredible and extremely optimistic, and we are so fortunate that God has placed them with us. From the minute we arrived at UT Southwestern, every nurse and doctor has given us their undivided attention and made Nolan feel as if he is their only patient. They have reminded us that testicular cancer is curable and to stay strong and positive. All of the prayers and encouraging words that we have received from our friends and family have gotten us through this week and we can’t thank all of you enough for this!Nolan is staying positive, as well, and is so appreciative of the outpouring of love he has already gotten from everyone. He has also enjoyed the flowers sent and many visitors he has had so far!  Visitors are encouraged and welcome to keep his spirits up, however, after today, since he will be moving to the oncology floor, they will no longer allow flowers.

We will keep you updated along the way! Keep Nolan and his team of doctors in your prayers! Nolan wants to remind everyone of Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.


All of our Love,
Tony and Beth

Newest Update

Journal entry by Gina DiGiacomo

Today was a big day!  Tests have shown that Nolan has had a favorable and successful response to chemo, but it was also confirmed when the surgeons got a first hand look during surgery.  Nolan had the primary tumor as well as the left lateral lobe of his liver removed today.  Both had obvious signs of dead tissue ....which is great!  All will be sent off to pathology for final testing but we are relieved with the initial findings.  The response to this chemotherapy is almost unheard of so we are feeling super blessed!  The last challenge will be to confirm Nolan's lungs are 100% clear, as well.  Scans have shown the tumors have definitely shrunk in his lungs and possibly eliminated - but we will have some following up to do here.  We will keep you posted on this.

In the meantime, our focus is pain management and positive energy!  If all goes as planned, we should be able to go home this weekend for much rest and recovery!  Nolan has already begged to get up and walk around, of course, so now we are trying to tame the lion!  He is still so strong and just ready to be back on the go - so keep the prayers coming for this!

Once we get settled at home, we are sure he will be ready for some visitors to break up the monotony of hospital and house walls.  So, we will keep you updated!  As always, thank you for all of the prayers, texts, emails and positive energy.  We couldn't make it without each one of you.
Love...Tony & Beth 
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