We got the result from Tim's biopsies this week. They weren't exactly what we had hoped for. There were a small amount of cancer cells in the lymph node that was removed under his arm. The good news, according to the surgeon, is that the cancer was microscopic and that Tim is young and healthy. The bad news is obvious....
This makes his melanoma a stage three. There will be another surgery at the end of the month. This time they will remove all the lymph nodes in the area under his arm. For that we will be going back to North Carolina.
There will be treatment after the surgery. Interferon treatment is the normal treatment course at stage three. Basically Tim will receive large doses of a synthetic copy of a natural protein. It boosts the immune system while making the cancer cells weak. It is not without side effects though. These treatments will be done here in Huntington. We meet with the oncologist next week, but treatment likely will be weekly.
I'm really not sure what else to say. I think I'm still in a little shock that this is really happening. I feel numb. Tim, in typical man style, is mostly worried about the things he isn't going to get done around the farm. It is likely that we will have to slow the farm down again, and put some plans for the farm on hold. The truth is we really don't know what is going to happen after this month.
Thanks for the update. I've been thinking of you all and continue to pray for Tim's recovery and the whole situation.
ReplyDeleteTake a breath and take a moment to digest. You have many people praying for you. You also have a strong support network to utilize. You are in our prayers nightly.
ReplyDeleteMy father was diagnosed with lymphoma last year. . .very rare but fortunately very treatable. It's been a wild ride through meds and chemo and hard for the "man of the house" to be out of commission. Friends and family came out of the woodwork to pitch in on my parent's farm.
ReplyDeleteThoughts and prayers to you and your family. It will undoubtedly be a rough journey but faith, patience, and perseverance will pull you through.
Praying for him, you, and your family. {{{hug}}}
ReplyDeletePraying for health and healing. Let others lift all of you up in prayer, there is greatness in the prayers of many.
ReplyDeleteTake one thing at a time and don't hesitate to cut back as needed. My prayers are with you.
ReplyDeletepraying peace and health. i'm so sorry you guys have to walk through this.
ReplyDeletePraying for your family, Stephanie!
ReplyDeletestephanie... prayers go out to tim, you and the family. i don't think you follow my blog, but my partner also has melanoma - 6 months ago had lymph nodes removed in neck and two weeks ago had gallbladder removed as melanoma spread there making it stage 4. whether stage 3 or 4 or whatever, i hope you focus on the side of the statistics that speak of hope and years and years of survival. in the meantime, i hope you guys can celebrate every day as a joy and blessing! praying for the best.
ReplyDeleteContinued prayers for Tim.
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry to hear of this. I'm sending out my prayers and good wishes to Tim, you and the rest of your family.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear this! I am praying for you and your husband.
ReplyDeleteStephanie, so sorry that you didn't get the news you were hoping for. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family, that Tim's treatment is easy on you all, that you have what you need in this time of extra expenses and worries, and that you don't lose hope. Bless you all sweetie. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteDuke is the best place to go for melanoma. I have a friend that had a stage 4 fifteen years ago. She was treated at Duke and has never had it reoccur. Prayers and blessings to your family.
ReplyDeletePrayers to you and your family and for Tim's quick and full recovery...
ReplyDeleteJust wanted you to know Tim, and your family, are in my prayers.
ReplyDelete