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Will’s Story

Site created on May 25, 2023

In February of 2023, Will started to notice more pressure and discomfort with his sinuses. Will has had sinus issues for the past 10 years and has needed sinus surgery in the past to remove polyps, so we assumed it was his sinus issues getting progressively worse again. He did make sure to get into his primary doctor right away and they did a CT scan which showed a lot of blockage in his sinuses as well as swelling in his left cheek. They decided to put him on antibiotics with the assumption that the swelling was an abscess (infection). Over the next month, he did not notice any improvement in his sinuses, and the swelling in his cheek quickly grew into a large lump. It was at that point that they referred him to ENT in Rochester.

On April 13th, 2023, we went to Rochester to get the lump on Will's cheek checked out. We were still very optimistic, assuming it was, in fact, an abscess. However, when the doctor tried to drain it, they discovered that it was solid and likely a tumor. From there, the next few weeks were a flurry of biopsies, tests, and appointments. There was a lot of uncertainty and stress while waiting on various test results, but we finally have a good grasp on Will's diagnosis and treatment plan.

Will was diagnosed with Follicular Lymphoma. So far, we know that it is primarily contained in the tumor in his cheek/sinus. We are still waiting on the final results from his bone marrow biopsy, but the initial results look like it is in his bone marrow. His doctor said that whether it is in the bone marrow or not, we will still treat it the same way, so although we do not have complete answers there, we can still move forward with treating the cancer. We do however know for sure that it is not in his Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF). That is a huge piece of positive news because it would be much more difficult to treat if it had been in his CSF. There is also one questionable spot around the frontal lobe of his brain that showed up on his first MRI scan but not on his second MRI or PET scans. The doctor said we cannot be certain at this point if the cancer is in the brain or in the bone marrow in that spot of his skull. It is more likely that it is not in his brain, because his CSF came back normal.

For treatment, Will is doing 6 rounds of RCHOP chemotherapy. He will have 1 round every 21 days. The goal for these 6 rounds is for the tumor to be reduced (hopefully completely) and for the cancer in his cheek/sinus and bone marrow to be put into remission. He will then have 3 rounds of intensive chemotherapy in Rochester for which he may need to stay overnight in the hospital. These final rounds will cross the blood-brain barrier (unlike his first 6 rounds) so that it can kill any cancer that may be in his brain, or at least help to prevent it from spreading to the brain. Since the tumor is so close to his orbital nerves, the concern is that there is an easy pathway there for the cancer to travel along and into his brain.

Follicular Lymphoma usually responds well to chemotherapy; however, it is very likely to return. Some studies and resources we have looked into say that it is very difficult to cure and some say that it is not curable. Our doctor said that the goal of course is to cure it, but it will be very difficult. Typically the goal is to put it into remission for as many years as possible and treat it with chemotherapy again when/if it comes back.

We like to say that we are realistic but also optimistic. We are facing an uncertain future with many possible outcomes. Through our prayers and Bible studies, we are reminded often that God is in control and has a perfect plan for our future. Though it's difficult not to fear and worry over tomorrow, next week, next year, and beyond, we know that the fear will do us no good. So, we rely on God and His loving promises. There are a couple of encouragements that have been running through our minds often...

"In times of uncertainty, we can choose joy in the present instead of fear over the future."

"Take it one day at a time, and don't borrow trouble from tomorrow."

"Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?" Matthew 6:26-27

We'd like to thank you all for the love and support that we have already received and know we will continue to receive as we navigate this difficult time. I know there are so many wonderful people who love Will and want to stay up to date on his treatment and prognosis, so our hope is for this site to be a good central location to share updates with you all. Thank you for joining us on this journey. -Love, Steph

Newest Update

Journal entry by Will Roettger — Mar 13, 2024

Dear friends and family,

Today marks a significant milestone in my cancer journey. It has been six months since my last round of R-CHOP chemotherapy, and I wanted to share some positive news with all of you.

Health Update:

Blood Draws: Regular blood tests have shown no abnormalities, and my blood counts are within the normal range.
PET Scan: I recently underwent a PET scan, and I’m thrilled to report that it came back clear! No signs of cancer were detected.
Brain MRI: Similarly, my brain MRI results were normal, providing further reassurance that I am on the right path toward recovery.

I am filled with gratitude for the unwavering support and encouragement I’ve received from each of you throughout this challenging journey. Your love and prayers have been encouraging and have given me peace.

Birthday Trip to Cancun:

Last September, as a gift for finishing Chemo and for my birthday, Steph gave me the gift of a vacation. Last week, we were able to take that trip. This trip was incredible and allowed us a chance to connect as a couple outside of cancer. What struck me most was the transformation. Six months ago, I was in the throes of chemotherapy, grappling with uncertainty. Today, I stand here— grateful and amazed at how far we’ve come. Our lives have improved in ways we couldn’t have imagined.

Next Steps:

As many of you know, prior to this, we were working through the international adoption process. We were unsure as to if we would be able to continue this after my diagnosis. We are very excited to let you know that we have accepted a referral of a little girl in India. We are feverishly working through adoption paperwork and hoping to be able to travel to India to pick her up this summer or early fall! We will update you with more information as we get closer!

Read More of the journal titled "Six Month Check-In and Life Updates"

Cancun 2024

September 2023 Birthday Party

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