The first of June while visiting with friends, John was stung on his right cheek by a yellow fly. Shortly thereafter, his lymph node on that side of his neck swelled. We thought it was from the bite and didn't worry about it too much, but after a few days, it didn't go away.
So he went to Dr. Barrow, our family doctor. Dr. Barrow gave him a round of antibiotics with the thought that his gland was infected. Still, nothing changed, so Dr. Barrow referred him to a specialist, Dr. Lee. Dr. Lee ordered a biopsy be done on the lymph node so off we went last Tuesday to Dr. Brodish, an Ear Nose and Throat specialist. Dr. Brodish did the needle biopsy that same day and also ordered a CT scan. The scan was done Wednesday morning. After the CT scan was completed, we were instructed to get a CD copy of the scan and immediately take it to Dr. Brodish to get CT scan and biopsy results.
This is what we were told. The lymph node is swollen due to a lung adenocarcinoma, more commonly referred to as lung cancer. The cells are collecting in the swollen lymph node.
Where do we go from here? On Monday, an MRI will be done to look for any other growth. Dr. Brodish will remove the swollen lymph node next Tuesday morning at 7 a.m. on an outpatient basis at the SurgiCenter in Greenville. John had all the blood work, X-Rays, and EKG done today in preparation for the surgery. Once removed, they will be able to do a number of DNA tests on the cells to determine our next step of treatment.
On Thursday, we met with Dr Lee again, John's oncologist with Physicians East. Dr. Lee is requesting a PET scan also to make sure nothing is overlooked. Once Dr. Lee has all the results from the scans and tests on the removed lymph node, then we can plan the treatment best suited for John's particular situation. Dr. Lee said the most likely scenario will be chemotherapy to stop the growth and hopefully shrink it. Chemotherapy should start the following week.
Obviously, we are very concerned about this, but thankfully, John feels fine. The only symptom of any trouble is the swollen lymph node.
After such a stressful day, it was nice to be back home. Especially, when my dear friend and church circle partner, Gwen, brought over a cool dinner meal of fruity chicken salad, marinated vegetables, and warm blueberry cobbler. The timing and visit were perfect.
We will keep you updated as we get additional information. Please keep him in your prayers.
Got my Baby in my wagon and pulling hard!
PCQ
8 comments:
ugh! You know my motto, "LIFE may feel it's giving you too much to handle, but God will give ya what you need to get you through it." Hope you receive lots of those God Shots through all of this. Saying many prayers for the both of you!!! Hugs, Kimmie
Well SHIT
Hugs all around - to all of you, including Meredith and Lauren. jane h
God Bless, will be praying for a positive outcome.
Freda
Double whammy! You're getting bricks in your wagon. But you know what, the Lord can help you pull the wagon for His load is light.
My prayers are with both of you.
You are both strong people and I just know this will be okay!! Hold on to each other and know how many are praying for you both!!
Anonymous = Willamina
Pat and John - we had some surprising news last week, too - Steve has prostate cancer....You know better than we do that you're just going along with your life and all of sudden (it seems to us) there's a huge detour you didn't plan on...I know the Lord knew it all along as he knew about John's cancer. So, He is reminding us - lean on Me because I have you in the palm of my hand and I know the plans I have for you...all of your days are before Me....I will remember to lift you both up as I pray...Stay in His Grip...Deborah K.
I couldn't say it better than the previous posts. I am praying for you both. I can't lie, my heart hurts for you. But know that God will get you through it. Hug and kisses.
Susan Kearney
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