Friday, October 28, 2005
Wait and Watch....
I just returned from our latest visit with Dr. Leming and we have decided, at least through the holidays, to take a 'wait and watch' approach. At this point there is no advantage to jumping in to a treatment mode and by waiting we should be able to learn some things about my disease by comparing where I was when I was first diagnosed with where I will be the next time they check me (probably the week of December 5.)
I continue to feel well. Its doubtful I'll have any symptoms pop up prior to the next scan. Dr. Leming said he has people who have been in the 'watch and wait' mode for several years but I don't think I want to do that. Sooner than later, I'd like to have this treated and make it go away.
So, at least for a few weeks, there probably won't be much to report. We will be looking at different treatment plans and possible clinical studies to get involved with. I also plan to talk with a few other people who have also dealt with this disease and are doing well.
Once we get in to a treatment routine, it will probably take 6 months for the treatment to run its course. Dr. Leming said it will probably go away by the 3rd month of the treatments and the rest is simply to keep blasting at it.
As always, thanks to everyone for your thoughts, prayers and concerns. Our family is doing well and a great deal of our comfort comes from our family and many friends. Thanks for being there for us! Peace and blessings to all!!
Vince
I continue to feel well. Its doubtful I'll have any symptoms pop up prior to the next scan. Dr. Leming said he has people who have been in the 'watch and wait' mode for several years but I don't think I want to do that. Sooner than later, I'd like to have this treated and make it go away.
So, at least for a few weeks, there probably won't be much to report. We will be looking at different treatment plans and possible clinical studies to get involved with. I also plan to talk with a few other people who have also dealt with this disease and are doing well.
Once we get in to a treatment routine, it will probably take 6 months for the treatment to run its course. Dr. Leming said it will probably go away by the 3rd month of the treatments and the rest is simply to keep blasting at it.
As always, thanks to everyone for your thoughts, prayers and concerns. Our family is doing well and a great deal of our comfort comes from our family and many friends. Thanks for being there for us! Peace and blessings to all!!
Vince
Monday, October 24, 2005
Bone Marrow Registration Rocks Part II....
Julie beat me to the punch! I was going to comment on the success of the Bone Marrow Registration at St. Susanna this past weekend but Julie's post covers it all. I was going to register myself but I'm sure my marrow isn't of much use to them right now!
The good news is over 60 people were able to register and who knows how many lives might be saved as a result of these wonderful acts of kindness. I know a co-worker of mine registered this past summer and he was actually contacted recently about the possibility of becoming a donor. As he told me; if I'm a match, I've gotta do it!
Not much else to report at this time. We're still thinking about what direction we should take. Hopefully we'll be at peace with a decision by Friday when we meet with Dr. Leming.
Thanks again to everyone for all your prayers and support! You continue to provide me and our family with 'relentless strength'! We'll be sure to continue the updates...
Peace and blessingsto all!
Vince
The good news is over 60 people were able to register and who knows how many lives might be saved as a result of these wonderful acts of kindness. I know a co-worker of mine registered this past summer and he was actually contacted recently about the possibility of becoming a donor. As he told me; if I'm a match, I've gotta do it!
Not much else to report at this time. We're still thinking about what direction we should take. Hopefully we'll be at peace with a decision by Friday when we meet with Dr. Leming.
Thanks again to everyone for all your prayers and support! You continue to provide me and our family with 'relentless strength'! We'll be sure to continue the updates...
Peace and blessingsto all!
Vince
Bone Marrow Registration Rocks
The Bone Marrow Registration drive was a huge success! According to Trish Powers (who, along with her amazing volunteers, made the event happen) - 62 people registered. The National Marrow Donor Program typically gets about 30 registrants for an event like this so 62 is a huge number.
Once again I was overwhelmed by the love and support of our community. It is hard to describe how it feels to see your family, your neighbors, your friends, and people you don't even know, rally around you. We are so blessed.
If you weren't able to make it Saturday, it is REALLY easy to get on the registry. Anyone age 18 - 60 who meets the health guidelines can join. Volunteers should be committed to helping any patient. To join, you complete a short health questionnaire and sign a form stating that you understand what it means to be listed on the Registry. Then, a small blood sample is taken to find your tissue type. This information is added to the Registry.
Go to www.marrow.org for details.
We meet again on Friday afternoon with Dr. Leming to discuss Vince's treatment options. We'll let you know our direction. In the meantime, keep the prayers rolling - Love, Julie
Once again I was overwhelmed by the love and support of our community. It is hard to describe how it feels to see your family, your neighbors, your friends, and people you don't even know, rally around you. We are so blessed.
If you weren't able to make it Saturday, it is REALLY easy to get on the registry. Anyone age 18 - 60 who meets the health guidelines can join. Volunteers should be committed to helping any patient. To join, you complete a short health questionnaire and sign a form stating that you understand what it means to be listed on the Registry. Then, a small blood sample is taken to find your tissue type. This information is added to the Registry.
Go to www.marrow.org for details.
We meet again on Friday afternoon with Dr. Leming to discuss Vince's treatment options. We'll let you know our direction. In the meantime, keep the prayers rolling - Love, Julie
Friday, October 21, 2005
Appointment with Dr. Leming...
Well, I tried to post yesterday from home but for some reason it didn't work out. I blame it on the fact that we have three kids at home who have our computers so screwed up that you never know what you're going to get, fortunately they don't have access to my computer at work.
As Jeanne posted on Wednesday, our meeting with Dr. Leming went very well. To date I have had no treatments for the lymphoma but the 'treatments' this doctor has administered for our 'peace of mind' has been far more important. We know we can beat what I have and we know we could not be in better hands.
We brought our kids with us to the appointment and Dr. Leming did a wonderful job of explaining my situation to them. He emphasized that their dad was not going to be 'keeling over' and that he (their dad) was going to be around for a long, long time. Being their dad, I was quite pleased to hear that!!
The appointment was a follow-up to learn the results of my bone marrow and PET scans. The tests revealed that there probably are some lymphoma cells in the bone marrow...Dr. Leming said that would be normal for my diagnosis. There are also some lymph nodes in my abdomen but nothing to the point where I would have any symptoms. He said I am in no immediate danger, for all intent and purposes I am healthy.
Dr. Leming is leaning toward recommending we take a 'wait and see' approach. He thinks it could be worthwhile to take a couple months and then look at how my situation has progressed by redoing the bone marrow and PET scans. At that time he could compare the first tests with the second tests and determine how quickly (or slowy) things are moving. Of course the big question is, am I comfortable taking this approach? If not, Dr. Leming said we could start looking at potential treatments and studys and move into that mode sooner than later. He was very confident in stressing that it would make no difference whether we start now or later and that symptoms would not start popping up if we do take the wait and see approach. So we are going to take a week to absorb all this, talk to some other people who have also dealt with follicular lymphoma, look for guidance through prayer and then make a decision on how to proceed. I'm sure everyone probably has an opinion. Our kids think I should do treatments now. Julie feels the wait and see approach makes sense. I think I could be comfortable waiting but I don't want to worry the kids. So we'll see what kind of wisdom comes our way over the next week.
We know there are many people out there lifting our family up in prayer. We want you to know that we feel this love and support and truly do believe these prayers are being heard and answered. Thank you all for being there for us. Please continue to pray for our friends; the Murawskis', the Pitocco's, the Koepfles' and the Holdens' who are also battling a cancer situation within their respective families. I have also learned that several co-workers have family members who are battling a type of lymphoma. Please pray for them, as well. And lets all pray that the wonderful and talented doctors and scientists worldwide will be able to find the answers to curing all forms of cancers.
Peace, Love and Blessings to all!
Vince
As Jeanne posted on Wednesday, our meeting with Dr. Leming went very well. To date I have had no treatments for the lymphoma but the 'treatments' this doctor has administered for our 'peace of mind' has been far more important. We know we can beat what I have and we know we could not be in better hands.
We brought our kids with us to the appointment and Dr. Leming did a wonderful job of explaining my situation to them. He emphasized that their dad was not going to be 'keeling over' and that he (their dad) was going to be around for a long, long time. Being their dad, I was quite pleased to hear that!!
The appointment was a follow-up to learn the results of my bone marrow and PET scans. The tests revealed that there probably are some lymphoma cells in the bone marrow...Dr. Leming said that would be normal for my diagnosis. There are also some lymph nodes in my abdomen but nothing to the point where I would have any symptoms. He said I am in no immediate danger, for all intent and purposes I am healthy.
Dr. Leming is leaning toward recommending we take a 'wait and see' approach. He thinks it could be worthwhile to take a couple months and then look at how my situation has progressed by redoing the bone marrow and PET scans. At that time he could compare the first tests with the second tests and determine how quickly (or slowy) things are moving. Of course the big question is, am I comfortable taking this approach? If not, Dr. Leming said we could start looking at potential treatments and studys and move into that mode sooner than later. He was very confident in stressing that it would make no difference whether we start now or later and that symptoms would not start popping up if we do take the wait and see approach. So we are going to take a week to absorb all this, talk to some other people who have also dealt with follicular lymphoma, look for guidance through prayer and then make a decision on how to proceed. I'm sure everyone probably has an opinion. Our kids think I should do treatments now. Julie feels the wait and see approach makes sense. I think I could be comfortable waiting but I don't want to worry the kids. So we'll see what kind of wisdom comes our way over the next week.
We know there are many people out there lifting our family up in prayer. We want you to know that we feel this love and support and truly do believe these prayers are being heard and answered. Thank you all for being there for us. Please continue to pray for our friends; the Murawskis', the Pitocco's, the Koepfles' and the Holdens' who are also battling a cancer situation within their respective families. I have also learned that several co-workers have family members who are battling a type of lymphoma. Please pray for them, as well. And lets all pray that the wonderful and talented doctors and scientists worldwide will be able to find the answers to curing all forms of cancers.
Peace, Love and Blessings to all!
Vince
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Bone Marrow Registration
First of all, Vinnie is all bummed because I guess he wrote a note for the blog and our computer botched it. So I don't know what he had to say, but I'm sure it was good stuff. He is doing such a great job handling all of this. I'll let him give more details on the doc appt but overall, we left feeling like there was absolutely no way this thing was going to beat us. Thank you all for the prayers. It truly means so much.
I wanted to remind or inform you of an event this Saturday that will help many people who suffer from Lymphoma and Leukemia. A Bone Marrow Registration drive is being held in honor of Vince as well as Ken Murawski, a wonderful friend and neighbor who is defeating Leukemia, and Kellie Pitocco, a classmate and friend of our daughter Abbey, who is in the 7th grade at St. Susanna and kicking the crap out of Hodgkins Lymphoma. Please join us if you can. Details follow. As always, our love and gratitude. Julie
St. Susanna Bone Marrow Registration Drive
Held in honor of Ken Murawski, Kellie Pitocco, Vince Hopkins and all those battling similar diseases
Sat. Oct. 22nd, from 10am-5pm
in the Meyer Center at St. Susanna (the old church)
No prior registration is required
The committee is actively trying to secure funds from sponsors so that anyone who comes to the drive can be registered for free in lieu of a personal donation of $65. If you or any company you know would be interested in sponsoring this event, please contact the Parish office, 398-3821, or Tricia Powers, 573-1553, for a corporate sponsor letter that provides information for tax-deductible purposes. Please understand that patients in need generally find a match within their own ethnicity therefore the need for minority donors is especially great. Please visit the information desk in the narthex for a flyer with further information. Other questions concerning the donor process may be found by visiting www.marrow.org Thank you.
I wanted to remind or inform you of an event this Saturday that will help many people who suffer from Lymphoma and Leukemia. A Bone Marrow Registration drive is being held in honor of Vince as well as Ken Murawski, a wonderful friend and neighbor who is defeating Leukemia, and Kellie Pitocco, a classmate and friend of our daughter Abbey, who is in the 7th grade at St. Susanna and kicking the crap out of Hodgkins Lymphoma. Please join us if you can. Details follow. As always, our love and gratitude. Julie
St. Susanna Bone Marrow Registration Drive
Held in honor of Ken Murawski, Kellie Pitocco, Vince Hopkins and all those battling similar diseases
Sat. Oct. 22nd, from 10am-5pm
in the Meyer Center at St. Susanna (the old church)
No prior registration is required
The committee is actively trying to secure funds from sponsors so that anyone who comes to the drive can be registered for free in lieu of a personal donation of $65. If you or any company you know would be interested in sponsoring this event, please contact the Parish office, 398-3821, or Tricia Powers, 573-1553, for a corporate sponsor letter that provides information for tax-deductible purposes. Please understand that patients in need generally find a match within their own ethnicity therefore the need for minority donors is especially great. Please visit the information desk in the narthex for a flyer with further information. Other questions concerning the donor process may be found by visiting www.marrow.org Thank you.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Vince update via Jeanne
Julie just called and asked that I post a quick blog as they are off to dinner with the kids and down to visit Mom and Dad.
They felt very good after meeting with Dr. Leming today. He explained that Vince does have some lymph nodes affected in the abdomen. Also, tests weren't necessarily revealing it, but he suspects that there is some cancer in the bone marrow, but only a slight amount. Bottomline, he said that immediate treatment is not required. It is their decision whether they want to begin treatment soon, or take a "wait and see" approach. They will meet with him again next week to make that decision, and in the meantime, Dr. Leming will more closely explore the clinical studies that he has been discussing with them.
Vince will give a more detailed blog tomorrow, but they wanted to get this out this evening.
love,
Jeanne
They felt very good after meeting with Dr. Leming today. He explained that Vince does have some lymph nodes affected in the abdomen. Also, tests weren't necessarily revealing it, but he suspects that there is some cancer in the bone marrow, but only a slight amount. Bottomline, he said that immediate treatment is not required. It is their decision whether they want to begin treatment soon, or take a "wait and see" approach. They will meet with him again next week to make that decision, and in the meantime, Dr. Leming will more closely explore the clinical studies that he has been discussing with them.
Vince will give a more detailed blog tomorrow, but they wanted to get this out this evening.
love,
Jeanne
Mass at Xavier
Thanks to everyone who attended the Mass for me at Xavier University on Tuesday. It was a wonderful celebration and it meant a great deal to Julie and me that so many of you took time out of your busy days to attend.
Fr. Bischoff's words were simple and beautiful. You all hold a special place in our hearts and in our glory. You enlighten our lives in many ways. Thank you so much for lifting our family up during this time of need.
We will continue to keep you updated on this 'journey'. Peace, love and blessings to all!
Fr. Bischoff's words were simple and beautiful. You all hold a special place in our hearts and in our glory. You enlighten our lives in many ways. Thank you so much for lifting our family up during this time of need.
We will continue to keep you updated on this 'journey'. Peace, love and blessings to all!
Monday, October 17, 2005
Weekend recap/Mass at Xavier University....
As I mentioned in the last post, my next doctor appointment will be Wednesday with Dr. Leming. At that time we should learn a great deal more about what we are dealing with. My appointment is at 4:40 pm so if you think about it, lift up a prayer for us around that time on Wednesday.
We had a very nice weekend. On Friday we went to some friends' house, Mark and Lisa Marrs for dinner and on Saturday we did an overnight at the Embassy Suites in Northern Kentucky with Jeanne and Steve Bruce. They were celebrating their 22nd wedding anniversary; we watched Notre Dame lose, went to dinner at Dee Felice and had a nightcap at the hotel. It was relaxing to get away, even if it was just one night.
My football team took it on the chin yesterday at St. Columban, 22-14, but the boys played a great game. We have one game left before the tournament and hopefully we'll have a chance to get revenge on those Bobcats. It was nice to see the Buckeyes and Bengals rebound with a win over the weekend. I predicted the Bengals would make it to the Super Bowl this season and at 5-1 they are well on their way!
Tomorrow (October 18) there will be a Mass for me at Xavier's Bellarmine Chapel. The Mass is at noon and open to anyone who would like to attend. The celebrant will be Fr. Albert Bischoff. I'm very touched by the support I've been receiving from my colleagues at Xavier. Everyone has been wonderful. I received a very nice note from our president, Fr. Mike Graham, offering his prayers and support. Fr. Graham says at the end of his note that he has absolutely no doubt that I will make it through this challenging time 'a stronger and more grace-filled man' because of it. In my heart, I feel the same way.
Thanks again to all for your prayers and support. You are all a blessing to us, we will continue to keep you updated on our journey. Peace, Love and Blessings.
We had a very nice weekend. On Friday we went to some friends' house, Mark and Lisa Marrs for dinner and on Saturday we did an overnight at the Embassy Suites in Northern Kentucky with Jeanne and Steve Bruce. They were celebrating their 22nd wedding anniversary; we watched Notre Dame lose, went to dinner at Dee Felice and had a nightcap at the hotel. It was relaxing to get away, even if it was just one night.
My football team took it on the chin yesterday at St. Columban, 22-14, but the boys played a great game. We have one game left before the tournament and hopefully we'll have a chance to get revenge on those Bobcats. It was nice to see the Buckeyes and Bengals rebound with a win over the weekend. I predicted the Bengals would make it to the Super Bowl this season and at 5-1 they are well on their way!
Tomorrow (October 18) there will be a Mass for me at Xavier's Bellarmine Chapel. The Mass is at noon and open to anyone who would like to attend. The celebrant will be Fr. Albert Bischoff. I'm very touched by the support I've been receiving from my colleagues at Xavier. Everyone has been wonderful. I received a very nice note from our president, Fr. Mike Graham, offering his prayers and support. Fr. Graham says at the end of his note that he has absolutely no doubt that I will make it through this challenging time 'a stronger and more grace-filled man' because of it. In my heart, I feel the same way.
Thanks again to all for your prayers and support. You are all a blessing to us, we will continue to keep you updated on our journey. Peace, Love and Blessings.
Friday, October 14, 2005
PET/CT Scan...
Well now I've had the wonderful experience of a PET/CT scan. It really wasn't all that bad. I could see if someone was claustrophobic how it might be a little unsettling but I made it through with no problem. The toughest part is having to lay motionless for 20 minutes. That might not seem hard to do but about halfway through you start having little itches pop up and of course when you can't scratch them, they become that much more annoying.
So now I've had the bone marrow scan and the PET/CT scan. These tests will show where I have trouble spots and then we should be able to move on to a treatment. I have to admit, I'm very anxious to get moving! I have an appointment with Dr. Leming next Wednesday to go over the results. So in the meantime we'll continue to go ahead with 'our normal lives' if that's possible!
I've heard from so many friends and family since hearing the news about my lymphoma. Thank you all for your thoughts, concerns and prayers. Julie will tell you that I don't really enjoy talking on the phone but I've loved hearing from everyone who's taken the time to call. Keep the calls coming! Its been great catching up with everyone and we'll have to be sure to keep in touch.
A song by Greenday has been bouncing around in my head ever since I heard the news about my diagnosis...I think it fits in well with the situation we're going through. You've probably heard it many times....I'll end for now with the lyrics from the song. Peace, love and blessings to all!
Good Riddance (Time of your life)...
Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road.
Time takes you by the wrist, directs you where to go.
So make the best of this test and don't ask 'why'.
Its not a question but an answer learned in time.
Its something unpredictable but in the end is right.
I hope you have the time of your life.
So now I've had the bone marrow scan and the PET/CT scan. These tests will show where I have trouble spots and then we should be able to move on to a treatment. I have to admit, I'm very anxious to get moving! I have an appointment with Dr. Leming next Wednesday to go over the results. So in the meantime we'll continue to go ahead with 'our normal lives' if that's possible!
I've heard from so many friends and family since hearing the news about my lymphoma. Thank you all for your thoughts, concerns and prayers. Julie will tell you that I don't really enjoy talking on the phone but I've loved hearing from everyone who's taken the time to call. Keep the calls coming! Its been great catching up with everyone and we'll have to be sure to keep in touch.
A song by Greenday has been bouncing around in my head ever since I heard the news about my diagnosis...I think it fits in well with the situation we're going through. You've probably heard it many times....I'll end for now with the lyrics from the song. Peace, love and blessings to all!
Good Riddance (Time of your life)...
Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road.
Time takes you by the wrist, directs you where to go.
So make the best of this test and don't ask 'why'.
Its not a question but an answer learned in time.
Its something unpredictable but in the end is right.
I hope you have the time of your life.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
The Bone Marrow Exam
Yesterday I had my bone marrow exam. It really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. They gave me several drugs which put me in a fairly relaxed state, numbed up the areas where they went in to get the specimen (they went in on both sides of my hips)and then drilled in and got the marrow specimen. The actual procedure took less than 10 minutes. Today, I feel fine. It's a little sore where they went in to get the marrow but not bad enough to keep me from going on my lunchtime run.
On Friday, I go in for a PET scan. This is to look at my organs to determine if any of the lymphoma has spread to these parts. Once all these tests are completed they'll be able to 'stage' where I am and start to map out a strategy for treatment. I have to admit I'm a little anxious to get into the treatment mode but Dr. Leming continues to assure me that we have plenty of time and everything will work out.
We have an appointment scheduled for next Wednesday (10/19/05) at 4:40 PM to go over the test results. We'll be praying that this appointment goes well and we'll then know how we're going to proceed. We plan to bring our kids with us on that appointment. Dr. Leming encouraged us to do this, he said it should help ease any anxieties the kids may have.
Again, we thank you all for your loving support. Next Tuesday (10/18/05) the Xavier community will be holding a Mass for me at noon in the Bellarmine Chapel. If you would like to attend please feel free to do so. Fr. Albert Bischoff, SJ will be the presider.
On Monday I talked with a friend from Mason, Tom Holden, who has been fighting leukemia for over a year. Tom is doing well and he said to give him a call whenever I have questions or simply feel like talking. He said he still has 11 months left in his treatments so please remember Tom in your prayers, as well.
I would like to ask that you also remember several others in your prayers. There are several St. Susanna Parishioners who are also dealing with a form of cancer; our neighbor, Ken Murawski, was diagnosed with leukemia in late July and a little girl in Abbey's class, Kelly Pittocco, was diagnosed with non Hodgkins lymphoma just a week or so before me. In addition, a mother of classmates of our boys, Marcia Koepfle, is currently being treated for breast cancer. Please keep Ken, Kelly, Marcia, Tom and their families in your prayers.
We'll continue to provide you with updates as often as possible. Peace, love and blessings to all.
On Friday, I go in for a PET scan. This is to look at my organs to determine if any of the lymphoma has spread to these parts. Once all these tests are completed they'll be able to 'stage' where I am and start to map out a strategy for treatment. I have to admit I'm a little anxious to get into the treatment mode but Dr. Leming continues to assure me that we have plenty of time and everything will work out.
We have an appointment scheduled for next Wednesday (10/19/05) at 4:40 PM to go over the test results. We'll be praying that this appointment goes well and we'll then know how we're going to proceed. We plan to bring our kids with us on that appointment. Dr. Leming encouraged us to do this, he said it should help ease any anxieties the kids may have.
Again, we thank you all for your loving support. Next Tuesday (10/18/05) the Xavier community will be holding a Mass for me at noon in the Bellarmine Chapel. If you would like to attend please feel free to do so. Fr. Albert Bischoff, SJ will be the presider.
On Monday I talked with a friend from Mason, Tom Holden, who has been fighting leukemia for over a year. Tom is doing well and he said to give him a call whenever I have questions or simply feel like talking. He said he still has 11 months left in his treatments so please remember Tom in your prayers, as well.
I would like to ask that you also remember several others in your prayers. There are several St. Susanna Parishioners who are also dealing with a form of cancer; our neighbor, Ken Murawski, was diagnosed with leukemia in late July and a little girl in Abbey's class, Kelly Pittocco, was diagnosed with non Hodgkins lymphoma just a week or so before me. In addition, a mother of classmates of our boys, Marcia Koepfle, is currently being treated for breast cancer. Please keep Ken, Kelly, Marcia, Tom and their families in your prayers.
We'll continue to provide you with updates as often as possible. Peace, love and blessings to all.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Thoughts after the Weekend...
Today is the 7th day since being told the news the I have follicular lymphoma. Since receiving this news, our family has been showered with an incredible amount of love and support...it is truly overwhelming.
Since I have nothing medically scheduled until tomorrow (they'll be doing a scan of bone marrow - I'm sure looking forward to that!!!) we tried to go about our lives as normally as possible this past weekend.
On Friday we golfed with Dan and Janet Geeding in the Our Daily Bread golf outing. Dan was wearing a wind jacket with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society logo which I found ironic since I had not told him of my news. When I did, he told me that his step-daughter (Janet's daughter) had non-Hodgkin Lymphoma 10 years ago and has been clean ever since.
During our round of golf, I received a call from a man by the name of Chuck Scheper. I have never met Chuck, but he got my name from a prayer chain and he simply wanted to call and let me know he had the same lymphoma as me 13 years ago and he has been clean ever since. He said he'd be happy to talk with me anytime and assured me that I can beat what I have. Since I was about to tee off on the 13th hole, I asked him if he could call me back on Saturday. He did, we had a great conversation, and he told me he that he hopes his story can be an inspiration to me as I work through my treatment. The ironic thing is I had actually heard Chuck's story before. He was a speaker at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Journey of Hope Ball this past May and as I told Chuck when we spoke Saturday, I've told his story many times throughout the summer...it truly IS inspiring. Chuck has told me to call him at anytime. Hopefully I'll be able to meet him in the near future.
I also talked with Jenny Bradley, a fellow parishioner from St. Susanna who was treated for follicular lymphoma about 5 years ago. She is doing well and has offered her support in any way. She did extensive research on clinical studies when she was deciding how to be treated and has kept up on the latest in lymphoma treatments. She also told me I can beat what I have and has offered her support in any way.
I was hoping my football teams, the Buckeyes and the Bengals, could provide us with a little good news this weekend but they both took it on the chin. The funny thing is, it didn't seem to matter as much. As they say in sports, there's always next week. The 5th grade football team that I coach DID win a hard fought battle with All Saints, 8-0. We returned the opening kick for a TD an held on to win with two goal-line stands. I've asked the boys to adopt the motto, "Be Relentless", (which is the motto of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) and they certainly were relentless on defense yesterday.
Finally, last night we got together with our small faith group, a group of married couples who we have grown very close to over the past 5 years. Due to everyone's hectic schedules, we had not gotten together since last spring so it was great seeing everyone. I was hopeful that the evening wouldn't turn into an emotional struggle and it didn't...we were able to keep things in balance. We did agree to make sure we get together more often and I think that will help as we go through the next few months of adjusting to dealing with this disease.
As I said, tomorrow they're going to draw some bone marrow - this will help to determine the 'level' I am at this point. All I know right now is that I'm Grade 1 which means its a low-grade, non-aggressive lymphoma. Keep the prayers coming...you are all providing our family with the strength to make it through this. I'll let you know the results of the bone marrow test as soon as I know something.
Peace, Love and Blessings to all!
Vince
Since I have nothing medically scheduled until tomorrow (they'll be doing a scan of bone marrow - I'm sure looking forward to that!!!) we tried to go about our lives as normally as possible this past weekend.
On Friday we golfed with Dan and Janet Geeding in the Our Daily Bread golf outing. Dan was wearing a wind jacket with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society logo which I found ironic since I had not told him of my news. When I did, he told me that his step-daughter (Janet's daughter) had non-Hodgkin Lymphoma 10 years ago and has been clean ever since.
During our round of golf, I received a call from a man by the name of Chuck Scheper. I have never met Chuck, but he got my name from a prayer chain and he simply wanted to call and let me know he had the same lymphoma as me 13 years ago and he has been clean ever since. He said he'd be happy to talk with me anytime and assured me that I can beat what I have. Since I was about to tee off on the 13th hole, I asked him if he could call me back on Saturday. He did, we had a great conversation, and he told me he that he hopes his story can be an inspiration to me as I work through my treatment. The ironic thing is I had actually heard Chuck's story before. He was a speaker at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Journey of Hope Ball this past May and as I told Chuck when we spoke Saturday, I've told his story many times throughout the summer...it truly IS inspiring. Chuck has told me to call him at anytime. Hopefully I'll be able to meet him in the near future.
I also talked with Jenny Bradley, a fellow parishioner from St. Susanna who was treated for follicular lymphoma about 5 years ago. She is doing well and has offered her support in any way. She did extensive research on clinical studies when she was deciding how to be treated and has kept up on the latest in lymphoma treatments. She also told me I can beat what I have and has offered her support in any way.
I was hoping my football teams, the Buckeyes and the Bengals, could provide us with a little good news this weekend but they both took it on the chin. The funny thing is, it didn't seem to matter as much. As they say in sports, there's always next week. The 5th grade football team that I coach DID win a hard fought battle with All Saints, 8-0. We returned the opening kick for a TD an held on to win with two goal-line stands. I've asked the boys to adopt the motto, "Be Relentless", (which is the motto of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) and they certainly were relentless on defense yesterday.
Finally, last night we got together with our small faith group, a group of married couples who we have grown very close to over the past 5 years. Due to everyone's hectic schedules, we had not gotten together since last spring so it was great seeing everyone. I was hopeful that the evening wouldn't turn into an emotional struggle and it didn't...we were able to keep things in balance. We did agree to make sure we get together more often and I think that will help as we go through the next few months of adjusting to dealing with this disease.
As I said, tomorrow they're going to draw some bone marrow - this will help to determine the 'level' I am at this point. All I know right now is that I'm Grade 1 which means its a low-grade, non-aggressive lymphoma. Keep the prayers coming...you are all providing our family with the strength to make it through this. I'll let you know the results of the bone marrow test as soon as I know something.
Peace, Love and Blessings to all!
Vince
Saturday, October 08, 2005
More prayers
Thank you for lifting your prayers up for Vince and our family. Please add the medical professionals around the world who are working so hard to find a cure. God Bless - Julie
Friday, October 07, 2005
Thanks to all!!!!
Hi everyone. This is my first official post to my blog site. We have been overwhelmed by the love and support we've felt since finding out I have Follicular Lymphoma; everyone has been wonderful.
There really is not much to update at this time. I have the weekend off before my next doctors' visit on Tuesday so I'm going to play a little golf today and watch some football over the weekend. Tuesday they'll be drawing some bone marrow and blood so they can continue to build my 'profile' and determine the best way to approach my disease. (A PET scan is also something I'll be doing in the near future.) I have a wonderful doctor and feel he will get us through this 'journey'.
I want you all to know I feel fine. I'm in the very early stage of this disease and it is a non-aggressive, slow moving disease. In fact, if I was in my 60's they probably wouldn't treat me at all...they'd just take a wait and see approach.
Keep the prayers coming - we feel each and everyone one of them. Again, thanks to everyone for your love and support!
Peace, Love and Blessings to all!
Vince
There really is not much to update at this time. I have the weekend off before my next doctors' visit on Tuesday so I'm going to play a little golf today and watch some football over the weekend. Tuesday they'll be drawing some bone marrow and blood so they can continue to build my 'profile' and determine the best way to approach my disease. (A PET scan is also something I'll be doing in the near future.) I have a wonderful doctor and feel he will get us through this 'journey'.
I want you all to know I feel fine. I'm in the very early stage of this disease and it is a non-aggressive, slow moving disease. In fact, if I was in my 60's they probably wouldn't treat me at all...they'd just take a wait and see approach.
Keep the prayers coming - we feel each and everyone one of them. Again, thanks to everyone for your love and support!
Peace, Love and Blessings to all!
Vince
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Thanks
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for all your support, prayers and simply for being there for our family. As Julie says, we ended the day on a very good note. Dr. Lemming was wonderful and very reassuring that we're going to get through this and I'll be fine.
I got the following e-mail this morning from a colleague here at work. In our regard, it certainly applies to all of you. I find myself tearing up quite a bit these days and its not because I'm feeling sorry for myself...its because I'm so overwhelmed by the show of support everyone is heaping upon our family. I've never felt so loved in all my life...thank you all for being there for us....
Peace, love and blessings,
Vince>
True Friend
>
>A girl asked a guy if he thought she was pretty,
>
>He said...no.
>
>She asked him if he would want to be with her forever....
>
>and he said no.
>
>She then asked him if she were to leave would he cry,
>
>and once again he replied with a no.
>
>She had heard enough. As she walked away, tears streaming down
>her face the boy grabbed her arm and said....
>
>You're not pretty you're beautiful.
>
>I don't want to be with you forever, I NEED to be with you forever.
>
>And I wouldn't cry if you walked away...I'd die...
I got the following e-mail this morning from a colleague here at work. In our regard, it certainly applies to all of you. I find myself tearing up quite a bit these days and its not because I'm feeling sorry for myself...its because I'm so overwhelmed by the show of support everyone is heaping upon our family. I've never felt so loved in all my life...thank you all for being there for us....
Peace, love and blessings,
Vince>
True Friend
>
>A girl asked a guy if he thought she was pretty,
>
>He said...no.
>
>She asked him if he would want to be with her forever....
>
>and he said no.
>
>She then asked him if she were to leave would he cry,
>
>and once again he replied with a no.
>
>She had heard enough. As she walked away, tears streaming down
>her face the boy grabbed her arm and said....
>
>You're not pretty you're beautiful.
>
>I don't want to be with you forever, I NEED to be with you forever.
>
>And I wouldn't cry if you walked away...I'd die...
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
The diagnosis
Wow. What an emotional couple of days. Thanks to everyone for all of your love and support. We are so blessed. For some of you who have not heard, Vince was diagnosed yesterday with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He had a lymph node removed from his neck last week and we got the pathology results yesterday.
Today we got in to see two exceptional doctors, Bill Barrett of the Barrett Cancer Center at University and Dr. Leming, oncologist. We will both sleep a little better tonight now that we know what we are facing. Here is the best tidbit without getting into the medical side yet: Dr. Leming said to go home and tell our kids that Vince has a good kind of Lymphoma (if there is such a thing) meaning that it is slow-growing and can be treated.
Here’s the medical scoop. He has Follicular lymphoma – a disorder of the immune system. It is a low-grade or indolent form. His is a grade 1 which is the lowest level of malignancy. It is treatable though not curable (yet.) He said he could treat Vince immediately with some different types of drugs and it would wipe him clean for awhile but it would come back. So instead, over the next few weeks he will go through a bunch of testing – pet scan, bone marrow, blood work – and the doc will stage him or get a baseline on everything. He said this might be a 3 week methodical process. He ensured us there is absolutely no reason to rush. Then he wants to look into getting Vince into a clinical study for a new treatment for follicular lymphoma. He was very excited about some of the research going on and felt that we should take advantage of the newest thinking which revolves around creating a vaccine (We were a little foggy on this but I’m sure we’ll learn more.) He mentioned studies at OSU under John Byrd and at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD. He is going to have a very enthusiastic patient with the same lymphoma that participated in one of the studies at the National Cancer Institute call Vince which should help us understand more.
Vince is healthy and strong, showing no symptoms of the disease. Dr. Leming said the research groups will be clamoring to get him into their studies. Even said we could probably sell him on the Internet (I’m looking into it.) Overall, we feel somewhat relieved knowing we aren’t in an emergency situation and we feel like we are in excellent hands with Dr. Leming and his staff.
If you want to learn more, go to www.plwc.org for “accurate, reliable, and oncologist-approved information.”
Again, we feel so much love and support. We tried to include as many emails as possible but please pass this along. Vince might write a blog to keep you up-to-date as we progress through this.
God Bless,
Julie and Vince
Today we got in to see two exceptional doctors, Bill Barrett of the Barrett Cancer Center at University and Dr. Leming, oncologist. We will both sleep a little better tonight now that we know what we are facing. Here is the best tidbit without getting into the medical side yet: Dr. Leming said to go home and tell our kids that Vince has a good kind of Lymphoma (if there is such a thing) meaning that it is slow-growing and can be treated.
Here’s the medical scoop. He has Follicular lymphoma – a disorder of the immune system. It is a low-grade or indolent form. His is a grade 1 which is the lowest level of malignancy. It is treatable though not curable (yet.) He said he could treat Vince immediately with some different types of drugs and it would wipe him clean for awhile but it would come back. So instead, over the next few weeks he will go through a bunch of testing – pet scan, bone marrow, blood work – and the doc will stage him or get a baseline on everything. He said this might be a 3 week methodical process. He ensured us there is absolutely no reason to rush. Then he wants to look into getting Vince into a clinical study for a new treatment for follicular lymphoma. He was very excited about some of the research going on and felt that we should take advantage of the newest thinking which revolves around creating a vaccine (We were a little foggy on this but I’m sure we’ll learn more.) He mentioned studies at OSU under John Byrd and at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD. He is going to have a very enthusiastic patient with the same lymphoma that participated in one of the studies at the National Cancer Institute call Vince which should help us understand more.
Vince is healthy and strong, showing no symptoms of the disease. Dr. Leming said the research groups will be clamoring to get him into their studies. Even said we could probably sell him on the Internet (I’m looking into it.) Overall, we feel somewhat relieved knowing we aren’t in an emergency situation and we feel like we are in excellent hands with Dr. Leming and his staff.
If you want to learn more, go to www.plwc.org for “accurate, reliable, and oncologist-approved information.”
Again, we feel so much love and support. We tried to include as many emails as possible but please pass this along. Vince might write a blog to keep you up-to-date as we progress through this.
God Bless,
Julie and Vince
