At the beginning of this year, Libby and I had noticed a random "bump" in her abdomin. Didn't think much of it since it didn't hurt or was causing any other problems. We noticed, however, it would somewhat pulsate with her regular bloodflow. We both had yearly physicals scheduled for February 26th, so we figured she would just ask her PCP then about it.
When her PCP felt the bump, her first impression was that it was possibly an enlarged artery and was really nothing medically that can be done about it. To be sure, the following Tuesday, March 1st, Libby had an ultrasound done. The next day, the radiologist called her to let her know they did indeed see a large mass (15cm x 10cm x 4cm to be exact) and that her spleen was slightly enlarged. Based on those conditions, he felt there might be a possibility that this could be non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Libby's PCP ordered a MRI to be done the next day to confirm.
On March 4th her PCP recommended we see and oncologist to go over the results of the MRI and to see what actions should be taken. So, Tuesday March 8th, Libby and I met with the oncologist. After reviewing the results of both the MRI and ultrasound, he felt that we were definitely working with lyphoma. He said she would need to have a biopsy done on the mass to confirm. Wednesday, March 23rd Libby had her biopsy. On Friday, March 25, we got a call to that afternoon to meet with our oncologist. He told us straight forward that his suspicion was right, Libby does indeed have lymphoma. She has Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma to be exact. He said that it's a "good bad cancer" meaning if she were to get cancer, this is the one to have since it is treatable and beatable.
On Tuesday, March 29th, Libby had a PET scan and echocardiogram done to help determine staging. On Wednesday, April 6th, she had a chemo port installed and also bone marrow biopsy taken. Yesterday, April 14, we went to a chemo class (didn't know there was such a thing) where they discussed all the side effects of all the drugs she will be taking.
This brings us to today. Right now Libby and I are at the oncologist all day having her first of 8 chemo sessions. All is well so far, but very overwhelming. As I write this, the first dose of chemo is being inserted. Her mood is as good and can be expected with what is going on. We ask that you would please keep us in your prayers through this process. One thing we know for sure is our God has this... We ask that you do pray Ephesians 1:17-19 over us praying for wisdom and understanding.
"17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe."
Ephesians 1:17-19
