General Update

 

From Paul:

Cycle 6 Week 1

Even though we go through the same routine for each visit to the Cancer Institute at St. Luke’s this week was different because Doris’ doctor had ordered a CT (Computed Tomography), which she had on Tuesday. Then on Wednesday she received the report with some very welcome indications that the treatment is being very effective in reducing the size of her lymph nodes back to normal and that the adenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) is completely resolved. It was the CT scan on May 5, 2025 that triggered the additional test of the lymph node biopsy later that week, then the bone marrow biopsy the next week. These tests led to the diagnosis of the aggressive form of Mantel Cell Lymphoma (MCL). Now, about six months into this journey, we are seeing effective treatment results.

While it seems unlikely that the treatments will be discontinued before the full 24 cycles that we understand will be necessary, it is very encouraging that they are finding success. I asked the Nurse Practitioner on Thursday if the results of the treatments as indicated in the CT and the labs are what we should have expected, and she said that Doris was right on track. But now we continue to work through managing the joint pain and gastrointestinal side effects of the treatment. Still, it feels like we can continue this course because it is working!

One of the things we know is that we need to keep moving. That is a good thing for both of us, and it gives us time together that we have looked forward to for years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was working from home, but we were taking walks pretty much anytime it would fit in. I took some meetings on my phone as we walked, and we dreamed of the time that we could have daily walks in the green space of our subdivision. There are miles of trails, and we have really enjoyed the colors of the autumn season. During the spring of 2020, we enjoyed watching the new growth, blossoms and colors of that season as well. To have this time together is a blessing. To be able to continue in these daily walks is a blessing that comes of my work situation – being retired, and Doris’ need to keep moving. But knowing her, we would be walking anyway.

For the here and now we will celebrate that we have this time together, that her treatments are working and there are many more years to come of the same.

I am also grateful that we were able to stay a little longer in our sacrament meeting today.

From Doris: 

Witnessing miracles 

Shortly after my cancer diagnosis, Paul and I attended a temple session with our son Tom. During the session I felt prompted to seek for the miracle of healing. This past week I have had multiple experiences to indicate that Heavenly Father is healing my body. 

I learned that I do not have any genetic mutations for cancer. I learned from my CT scan that I no longer have swollen lymph nodes. On Thursday I learned that my white blood cell count continues to stay in normal ranges. I have been able to reduce the amount of Tylenol I take for pain. I have more days in a row without GI issues. I feel stronger. I am able to go on 25-minute walks.

Just one of the above list would be considered a miracle to me. To be the recipient of so many miracles is humbling. I know that I am being blessed by the prayers of many people. 

How can I adequately express my thanks to God? I don’t know how. But I will praise Him forever and continue with every fiber of my being to honor and obey Him. I love Him.