Written by my adoring and wonderful husband Danny:
Friends and family,
Today marked the beginning of our fight against Naomi's cancer. We met with the oncologist, who began outlining his plans to cure Naomi. At this point, what we know:
- There is a tumor in Naomi's tibia, and it is Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
- We have a bilateral (meaning two-site) bone marrow biopsy tomorrow to see if the lymphoma is elsewhere in the marrow
- A PET-Scan sometime (to see if the lymphoma is elsewhere in the body)
- We will have a port placed next Tuesday (4/17) which will be used for Naomi's chemotherapy
- We are expecting six months of aggressive chemotherapy, because the oncologist is not just aiming for comfort or life extension, but FOR A CURE. Naomi's cancer has a 80-90% treatability rate, and within those who respond to chemo there is a 60% cure rate. The Dr. said that is good in a fight against cancer. We also learned that this form of lymphoma is VERY responsive to chemo and radiation. So we are going to kick its ass (sorry, church friends, for the language...but that is what we are going to do).
What we do NOT know, unfortunately, is the stage of the cancer. We *WILL* know that in the coming week or two, after all these tests, biopsies, and scans.
There may be more but honestly, it's been a long day so I'm kind of useless for anything except taking a nap. The important thing is that we are moving forward: we know where we are headed, and we are moving in that direction. It feels good to no longer be sitting in that in-between period of knowing Naomi has cancer, but not knowing where to go next. It feels good to be picking up momentum and moving in the direction of the cure.
For anyone who has called, texted, emailed, and/or visited - we thank you and love you. Keep praying and hoping with and for us. It's going to be a long, hard fight...but we know we are not alone.
Grace, peace and strong coffee,
Danny & Naomi
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