Friday, February 11, 2011

It's time to kick some butt

Today, I met my oncologist to get the news of the biopsy from the mass in my stomach.  I have cancer.  But it's a good cancer to get.  I have Stage IV NON-hodgkin's Lymphoma.  For those that do not know, the different stages have to do with multiple locations of the lymphoma.  For me, the pain is in my right shoulder.  I have several masses in my stomach.  I have a couple in the left armpit.  So when you have locations in both areas, it is Stage IV, it doesn't mean it is worse from I to IV.  There are many things left to decide, but next week I have a bone marrow biopsy, I am sure that is gonna hurt, in the hip area, I also have a 2-D echo, which I had to google, and it says it is like a test in which ultrasound equipment is used to examine the heart.  It says it is capable of displaying a cross-sectional "slice of the beating heart, including chambers, valves, and the major blood vessels that exit from the left and right ventricle.  Doesn't sound so hard.  And then I have my first PET scan.  Google says that is Positron Emission Tomography.  Yeah I don't know, but it is a part of Nuclear Medicine imaging.  It states it measures important body functions, such as blood flow, oxygen use, and sugar (glucose) metabolism, to evaluate how well organs and tissues are functioning.  I am sure I will understand this at a later date :)  And Friday, February 18th, I discuss where we go with my oncologist.

I mentioned a second opinion.  I have interest in the work at the James Graham Brown Cancer Center at the University of Louisville.  Go Cards.  So over the next couple days I have lots to digest, research, and decide on, but the one thing that is crystal clear to me is that I will beat this.  Feel free to following me on this journey on this blog to see how well I beat this.

iBelieve is more than just a word, I Believe I will beat this.

8 comments:

  1. Looking forward to joining you in the fight. I believe God will do amazing things through you and during this journey that will glorify Him! I will be praying constantly for wisdom for the doctors and you in decision making, peace for you in that God has a plan for your life and, that if it is His will, God will heal you from this. Love you lots

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  2. I'll have to second what Elizabeth is saying, Rob. God has mighty plans and as I said before, he's so much bigger than stomachs, armpits and shoulders! :) Interceeding for you in prayer, friend.

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  3. Ok I'll have to third Elizabeth too.
    I've reached out to my Sis in Law who is a cancer survivor, she not only kicked its butt, but 2 different kinds!!! She knows A LOT on the subject and maybe able to answer questions and make suggestions.
    I'm Sorry Buddy. any time you want or need to talk... you've got my number

    Tim

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  4. Rob, I am sorry to hear that you are having to go through this !!! I strongly agree with your motivational song though, "If you reach deep within your heart there isn't ANY obstacle that you can't overcome" !!! You are a very strong willed and strong minded man with a heart of gold !!! With that being said, I TOO BELIEVE !!! Now, go kick some major butt !!!!! I Love YOU Rob !!!

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  5. Even though the news isn't great Rob, I love your confident and positive attitude! I will continue to pray for you and a full recovery from this.

    Lisa

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  6. Of course you will beat this!!!!! Stay positive!

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  7. stay strong Garfield.

    Tom

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  8. Rob, after talking with you the past few days, one of my favorite scriptures keeps coming to mind - Philippians 4:4-7 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." You're an amazing guy Rob! Love you brother

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