November 6, 2013
Hi Friends and Family,
I hope this blog is a good way for me to keep you up-to-date on my treatment and progress. Here is a little background on how I got here in the first place . . .
Back in May 2013, I started having headaches – really nothing alarming, but more frequent than usual tension headaches. In June, as I rubbed my forehead, I noticed a small knot (maybe pea-sized or smaller) underneath my right eyebrow. I thought that it was strange, but had no clue it was the start of the biggest struggle of my life. I treated these symptoms with over-the-counter pain killers and Sudafed. Finally, in July I went to a walk-in clinic with two simple complaints: frequent headaches and this small, growing knot.
Little did I know this would be the beginning of many, many visits to doctors of varying specialties, 2 surgeries to remove the knot/mass/tumor, 1 oral surgery to remove an infected tooth, multiple scans (MRIs, CTs, PET) and a bone marrow biopsy. All from July to October.
Going into the first excision of the knot, the doctors believed it was a benign cyst, however the pathology came back inconclusive but concerning for Lymphoma. As strong believers in Jesus and the power of prayer, our family immediately went into prayer mode, and hoped that those results were completely unfounded. We were relieved when the late August bloodwork and scans were clear, and we were to begin a three month waiting period before re-checking my blood and re-scanning.
We didn’t make it to late November. On a business trip to Jackson, WY with Jonathan in September, we were struck with an awful sinking feeling as I felt a new growth on my forehead. On October 15th, a facial plastic surgeon removed the fast growing mass, and the next week the pathology report showed a conclusive diagnosis. On October 23rd, I was diagnosed with Extranodal Marginal Zone (B Cell) Non-Hodgkin’s (Non-Gastric MALT) Lymphoma.
The following day I returned to my oncologist and that afternoon I began a new series of scans, bloodwork and a bone marrow biopsy. Now that we knew I had cancer, our new hope and prayer was for it to be localized and easily treated. After results came in, I visited both my oncologist and a “world expert” in Lymphoma at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
The good news is that the results showed the cancer is not in my bone marrow, not in my organs or in my peripheral blood. It does show, however, that there are possibly three locations: the right eyebrow area, the bone behind the eyebrow area and a lymph node in front of my right ear. Because there is possible bone involvement, the Lymphoma specialist staged it at 4.
In keeping with our roller coaster of emotions over the last four months, the stage 4 news shook us up. Despite the official stage news, Dr. Reddy (Lymphoma expert) is confident that her prescribed treatment of Rituxan and Bendamustine chemotherapy will put me into remission after 4 cycles (4, 28 day cycles – treatment being on days 1 & 2). We do not know with certainty how long I’ll be in remission, but we are praying that we can completely put this behind us with a complete healing.
As for a cause, Dr. Reddy (whose expertise is used to write the protocol for worldwide treatment of Lymphoma) said this is not a cancer that is passed down from my parents or will make my children more susceptible down the road. This is a cancer caused by a pathogen (virus, bacteria, etc.), and may very well be related to a tooth infection I had.
As this journey of treatment begins, I ask (and our family asks) for prayer. This is not the road we hoped to be on, but we believe God has allowed it for a reason and will use it for good (Romans 8:28). I’ve heard from others that this may be a very dark time, but that when you come out on the other side, you’d never erase it from your story. There is a blessing in having the veil of this life lifted – all of the distractions and misplaced value on unimportant things. Please pray with us specifically for my doctors’ wisdom, effective treatment, and complete trust in God as our family battles through this. Thank you for your love and support!
Love, April
April, Journey, Secret and I were just updated at church by Jonathan. I wish I could visit or help you with your day-to-day needs. Just know that we love you and miss seeing you each Sunday. You must feel so isolated. I am thinking of you and praying that this will turn around soon. Please let me know if I can help. I really, truly want so much to help. Joy Daniel
Dear April,
I feel I know you as my dear friend Cookie (Marianna to you!) has talked about you and Judith all the years I’ve known her (40+!!). What a blessing! We spent a week-end with your mom and dad last year in their beautiful home and I saw pictures and heard all about the grandchildren — we love talking about them!
Our Bible Study prays for you and your family and you are in my prayers every day! Your faith inspires everyone! Thank you for sharing your journey! You write beautifully!
May God continue to hold you in His hands!
Dear April,
We are friends of your parents since Ole Miss days and have fond memories of that time.
I have read your blogs about how your faith and spirit
have kept you going. I do believe with all my heart that
your faith at times like this mean everything. We both have personal experience of that. We wish you a long happy life together! and also the return of that long gorgeous hair I saw in your pictures. You have a wonderful husband and children and they have YOU! You are such a beautiful young woman and look so much like your mother. Warm wishes from
Sam and Liz in Mississippi
What a wonderful way to keep those who love you updated on what is going on. Marianna shared this link with me when I asked her for an update a little while back. Please know that we love you, we think of you often and you are all in our prayers .
April, you look great, amazing how much you look like your mother. Many here in Barnwell are praying for you and with you.
Your name is the one I call out nightly when I pray….all family right there too
Dear April,
Maria shared with me what has happened and I am so sorry to learn of everything you have been through. I cannot believe how many years it has been since I last saw you in France, but you seem just as strong and positive as the April I knew back then.
I look forward to following your journey to recovery, and know that both myself and my husband Martin are thinking of you every day.
Lots of love,
Maria
We just read some more updates on you both, and we will be thinking and praying for ya. 🙂 Safe travels back to Tennessee!
Love you both so much and praying for the best. Love, grandma
We just received your Christmas card. You have a beautiful family! Thank you for letting us know about your health struggles. We will not stop praying for you and your family. Your name is now on our family prayer list on the chalk board in our kitchen. April, you are an amazing witness to God’s strength and power working in your life!
April, Our prayers are with you and your family during this trying time. Stay strong and positive, as it sounds like you are!
This site is a wonderful way to let everyone know where you are and how things are progressing. As you share your journey I believe others will be strengthened and encouraged by your faith in God. We love you, April!
Hey wait a minute! I thought I was your favorite cousin.
We’re all thinking about you here in Jacksonville and keeping you in our prayers. Stay strong.
Love,
Keith
Our prayers are with you and always will be. Your favorite cousin 🙂
Dear April,
I admire your courage and stamina, and also your Faith. You have always looked
on the brighter side of things. We love you and your family. You have been a great friend to Tracey thru the years.
We will be thinking of you and praying that this struggle is over quickly.
Love, Becky & Jay Miller
Wonderful expression of where you are and God’s faithfulness. It’s the tough times that make us reevaluate what’s important. Thanks for the update! We love you and are praying for you.
I think of you all the time. You are such an Amazing, Precious, Woman.
I Love You and Your Family so much.
We are all thinking of you April, be strong.
God is using this to reach others for Him and throughout this ordeal He will guide and protect you and He will receive the glory!
For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory. Deuteronomy 20:4
You’ve got those prayers! Gorgeous site for a gorgeous girl. (Props to Johnny!) All will be well, Precious! XOXOXOXOXO!!