Well, we got the best news we could possibly get short of "Psych, you don't have cancer".
The pathology report indicates that I have Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL). According to Dr. Calhoun it's the most common Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and VERY treatable. In fact, he expected I would see a reduction in symptoms as early as the day after my first treatment, which just so happens to be TOMORROW!!!!!.
It took what seems like forever to find an open spot with an oncologist in the next few days and the staff, including the wonderful lady who helped my initial referral through all the various hoops, was finally able to get me an appointment with one of the fellows tomorrow afternoon. Then, not long after getting home we got a call from the nurse who has been working with us since the beginning. She had talked to the head fellow and they decided we could get started with treatment as soon as the appointment is over. So I guess I'll be enjoying my first "chemo cocktail" at this time tomorrow. However, I have to say that my favorite hospital food was not on Bill's list. About the only thing I enjoyed were the lemon icees.
I am humbled by the "A-team's" enthusiasm and by all my friends and family who have already stepped up to support them. You all are amazing. Watch out and I may just be down there to join in the walk!
love,
Abbey
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YAY!
ReplyDelete(I don't know if this is an appropriate response, but we're excited your results are so promising.)
Good luck tomorrow!
love, Mat & Hillary
Abbey,
ReplyDeleteI am so thrilled to finally hear some good news today (relatively speaking)! Only ~100 more weeks until the next Alpha Chi Sigma Conclave, so get well and do what your told. Even if that means those wonderful breathing exercises.
YITDB,
Hobbs
I wish it could have been the "psych...no cancer" option but in lieu of that I'm delighted it is something they sound so positive about. And I'm especially pleased there's no more waiting around for you. I know you're not the waiting type. Good luck for tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteLet's kick some Cancer Butt!! Great news, I know you will do fine. Keep up the reports.
ReplyDeleteLove to all, Grandpa Chuck
I am so happy for you that this is the best possible news given the circumstances. My thoughts have been with you since hearing the news, and I will definitely be sending you good karma tomorrow as you start your treatment.
ReplyDeletePlease do not hesitate to call, any time of day, if you, Bill or Trent need anything.
much love, Melissa (Chris, Nathaniel & Bella too...)
Abbey:
ReplyDeleteGreat news! This is definitely an answer to prayer. Please know we will do whatever we can to help you through your treatments and recovery. If you want someone with you during your treatments and Bill is not available, you can call me....anytime! :>)
Love, Thelma
Whew! Dodged a bullet there (short of not having cancer...). You'll do great :)
ReplyDelete(and a word from the hospital epidemiologist in me: everyone must wash their hands! Hospital staff, too! If there are complaints, send them my way....I'll take care of them :P )
Best of luck,
Melissa
Tony & I have been thinking & praying about you alot. So glad to hear the good news! Hang in there; sounds like Bill & Trent are great helpers & "cheerleaders"
ReplyDeletelove, Laura & Tony
Dear Abbey,
ReplyDeleteEchoing the comments of others, we are really happy (under the circumstances) that you have a "very treatable" form of cancer! Soon you will be C-free!
Hope to see you three in Crater Lake in late-September.
Love,
Gautam, June, and Daisy
Abbey (&Bill),
ReplyDeleteGreat news, considering the circumstance, but even better that you get to start treatment tomorrow. Wow! Keep us posted how you do w/ the treatments.
Love,
Tina & Martin
tmAbbey (&Bill),
ReplyDeleteGreat news, considering the circumstance, but even better that you get to start treatment tomorrow. Wow! Keep us posted how you do w/ the treatments.
Love,
Tina & Martin
Abbey --
ReplyDeleteI'm thrilled to hear you got some good news finally! It sounds like you have a great team working with you. You'll have this beat in no time.
Steph
we are relieved to hear that it is very treatable! We know you are strong and a fighter and will kick this things ass! We hope you feel even better the day after the chemo treatment as the doctor said might happen. Our love to you, Bill and Trent!
ReplyDeleteTom, Josie, Sophia and Ian
I am so relieved and excited you're starting treatment ASAP. Damiano and I are looking forward to seeing you in person in a few weeks and helping out in any way we can while we're there...we can cook, help make lots of toasts to killing that cancer--you know, helpful stuff like that ;)
ReplyDeleteLove,
Jenny & Damiano
Hi Abbey & Bill,
ReplyDeleteWe are very happy to hear the good news!!
It is weird I suppose but these are really
the good news we were all hoping for.
Best,
Vera & David
yahoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHey Abbey
ReplyDeleteWell I was so happy to read your entry on the blog, relatively speaking as everyone else has said. I think of you everyday and have been reading religiously to keep track, so I was glad to hear the report. I am hoping that treatment is not too rough on you. If you and Bill need anything, please ask anytime.
Bonnie, Ray , Ben
Abbey,
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful, much deserved GOOD news. We send our best wishes as the chemo treatments proceed.
Best,
Harvey & Ellen Leff
=====
PS. Abbey, you'll likely say, "who?" I (Harvey) was Bill's senior project advisor at Cal Poly Pomona, and we've seen one another (Ellen too) at national meetings of the American Association of Physics Teachers. The nickname "Styx" comes from my 'other life' as a drummer.
Abbey, Bill, and Trent
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see you three on the 29th and drink a toast to "kicking cancer's ass!" I may travel to SoCal for the Lymphomathon also, if not as a part of the team, at least to cheer them (and you) on.
Calvin