We know that a cancer journey will have ups and downs. You can't really prepare mentally for the down days though. We got some hard news today. Nate has mantle cell lymphoma- it is treatable, but not curable. Most patients relapse within 2-5 years. The doctor talked about a treatment plan. He still needs to research one of the gene mutations to determine which specific chemo cocktail will be most effective. Right now the treatment plan looks like 4-6 months of chemotherapy followed by a 3 week hospital stay for a stem cell transplant.
Nate needs an echocardiogram next week so they have a baseline measurement of his heart function. I guess one of the chemo drugs can weaken the heart muscle. He will also need a colonoscopy at some point to biopsy his colon, as the intestinal issues have been the main symptom and the doctor wants a good picture of what is going on. The results of the colonoscopy will not really change the treatment plan though.
The doctor should call tomorrow or next week with the exact chemo regimen he wants to use and chemotherapy will probably begin next week.
We continue to appreciate your prayers- for healing, wisdom for doctors and us, and God's peace throughout this process.
-Stacy
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