I didn't intend on starting a blog, but this seems to be the best way to keep EVERYONE updated and "in the loop." In the last two weeks we've had an outpouring of support from across the country and it's only fair to include everyone that loves us informed about Ken's treatment and remission!
So here's how it started:
In late August Ken began noticing a few swollen lymph nodes around his head and neck. He quickly went to his doctor and was eventually referred to an ENT. The next day, September 30th, he had an immediate biopsy and that afternoon the ENT called and said he had Lymphoma. We soon learned the type...Non-Hodgkin's Follicular Lymphoma grade 1, stage 4. This slow growing Lymphoma is often diagnosed at a late stage because there aren't any early symptoms. By the time you begin seeing swollen lymph nodes, most lymph nodes are involved along with bone marrow and other organs.
With the help of Ken's dad, we scrambled to get two oncology appointments and a treatment plan. Ken will have a bone marrow biopsy on Monday the 17th and on the 24th treatment will begin. Treatment is chemotherapy along with a drug called Rituxan (RCHOP). He will get treatment at Mission Hospital, about 15 minutes from our house. He'll have chemo once every three weeks, lasting for six cycles, a total of about four months.
Our focus has to be eliminating the cancer and keeping Ken in remission for a LONG, LONG time! Ken has a strong and healthy mind, body, and spirit. He is handling this mess beautifully. He is keeping me strong too. We are going to be ok.
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