Tests

Here's the latest in our journey with Ian,

We have a big test day tomorrow, the 18th. Ian can't have anything to eat after 8:30 since the scans require fasting. He'll have an EKG and echocardiogram (for a baseline heart evaluation), then CT scan (the higher resolution of the scans), then, at 5 p.m., the PET CT scan (with reactive dyes to ID areas of possible spreading). THEN he can eat!

We may also meet with the radiation oncologist. Next week we will have a Pulminary Function Test (a baseline for the lungs), meet with Drs. to discuss treatment and he will have a PICC line placed in his arm (NOT something he's looking forward to!) for the chemotherapy injections, which we expect to begin the following week.

The Dr. we spoke to today said she expects Ian is in a limited stage (though scans will confirm) and will undergo 8 weeks of chemo, then do a re-evaluation. If it's gone, there will be no follow-up radiation. Obviously, this is not a sure thing at all, but I was concerned we would have to go all summer with treatments and that may not be the case. Thank goodness!

We are very fortunate to have access to the leading facility for Hodgkins this close to us and to have such a curable cancer to deal with.

Our community has truly gathered around us. I am overwhelmed with all the weeds growing and work needing to be done in our yard. We put out the word and will have a crowd of people here on Saturday to help us get the yard in shape! One couple says they will help with some upkeep, too! The pottery class Ian and I have attended took up a collection to pay for 4 weeks of housecleaning for us! Wow. And so many people are there for us in so many ways. We are truly blessed.

Thank you all for being there for us, too, including all of you who will receive this note 2nd and 3rd hand! We are so grateful.

Love and blessings, Natalie