What We Know and What We Don't Know

We learned today from the surgeon who did my biopsy last Friday that I do in fact have Hodgkins lymphoma. He mentioned that his office would probably be contacting me again to arrange for placement of a catheter in my chest for chemotherapy treatments. The oncologist also tried to call me but with my teaching schedule and their staff meeting I have yet to talk to him. So the details on treatment are slim right now but hopefully I will have more information in the next few days. From our earlier conversations with the doctor, there are a few tests to run before things really get started. How do I feel? Well, we were fully expecting this news so it was not a great shock. We've had a few weeks to prepare and I've been able to get ahead on my semester plans so the impact on work will be minimal. Financially we're in a good spot, especially with a supplemental cancer insurance policy kicking in so I don't have to worry about teaching this summer. Sophie is so very active and it will be hard for me to not be able to play with her as usual. I hope her little mind can understand and she will still know how much I love her. We have wonderful friends that take good care of her so Tara can come to the doctor's with me. Tara's mother is coming out in a week and will stay three weeks while I start treatment and that will also be a great blessing. So you see, the Lord has blessed us with everything we need to face this trial. His tender mercies are everywhere and I am so grateful for it. All I have to do is rest and make it through the treatments. The prognosis is good for this well-researched cancer so we are very hopeful. Thank you all for your support. It means the world to us! Jon (and Tara)