Thursday, November 20, 2008

Finally...Good News!

OK, this is about to get even more confusing...

It APPEARS (key word here) that the lymphoma is gone from Tricia's body! The last few biopsies have shown no lymphoma, and the x-rays from yesterday show the spots in her lungs and the spot in her chest to be shrinking. The last biopsy of her chest DOES SHOW an infection, which Tricia has been receiving antibiotics for since last week.

The doctors believe that the spot in Tricia's chest (outside of the lungs) that showed up for the first time a month ago never was lymphoma. They also believe that the spots in Tricia's lungs (where the lymphoma had been) are now infection spots as well. It is ASSUMED that the chemo did indeed do it's job, and that the infection is presenting itself in some of the same spots as the lymphoma.

Trust me, after having been told over a month ago that the cancer was still present in her lungs, we were also confused...we have spent the last month assuming that was true, when, in fact, that was only what was assumed to be true by the doctors (see This Post).

To better help us understand, we asked the oncologist to draw out the time-line of events...

June 16 - Tricia is diagnosed with PTLD (Lymphoma) when a biopsy comes back positive.

June 18 - Tricia receives the first of four rounds of Rituximab.

July 22 - Via a CT Scan, it is determined that the Rituximab did not do anything to the lymphoma.

July 23 - Tricia receives the first of six planned rounds of R + CHOP, a more aggressive form of chemotherapy.

October 15 - After four rounds of R + CHOP, a scan shows that some of the spots in Tricia's lungs are gone, while others have grown. A new spot around a lymph node in Tricia's chest outside of the lungs has developed. It is assumed that the spots in her lungs are still the lymphoma, and that the spot in her chest is either lymphoma or an infection. The remaining two rounds of chemo are terminated. A successful biopsy of the area in the chest is performed.

November 10 - We finally learn that the results of the chest biopsy shows that this spot is an infection and not lymphoma. We are still told that the spots in her lungs are assumed to be lymphoma.

November 19 - We are told by the oncologist that, in fact, they now believe the lymphoma was gone by October 15. It is now assumed, due to the biopsies showing no cancer and the x-rays showing a reduction in size of the spots that an infection has taken over some of the spots where the cancer was.

The oncologist explained to us that they can't be positive about knowing if Tricia's body is cancer free until either a more invasive, successful biopsy is performed or until the scans and x-rays show no more spots...he explained, at this point, there are three immediate options:

1) Start an even more aggressive regimen of chemo leading up to a bone marrow transplant.

2) Perform an invasive, surgical biopsy (which includes deflating a lung and inserting a chest tube) to get some samples from the remaining spots of the lungs to determine if the lymphoma is still present.

3) Wait until the end of Tricia's current 30 day anti-biotic treatment (for the infection) and rescan to determine if the spots continue to shrink.

Because the first option would be incredibly risky, especially due to the fact that the doctors now assume the cancer is gone, and the second option might also prove worthless, the obvious choice (of the docs and Tricia) is to wait. It's been too long since her last chemo treatment to restart the remaining two treatments (not completing all six of the chemo rounds could prove to be detrimental in the future), so we'll return to Duke in about a month, hoping for some more good news.

Anyway, I hope all of this info helps to make the turn of events more clear for you. The bottom line is that the doctors are very optimistic that Tricia is now cancer free. It was surprising news to us, and I think it might take longer for this good to set in, especially considering that we will continue to be cautiously optimistic until we know for certain that the lymphoma is gone.

Thank you for your encouragement and prayer, and Thank God for providing some good news! We look forward to enjoying Tricia's health as we prepare to move into the new house and spend lots of time with family over the upcoming holidays!

Nate

BTW, I now have a cold and fever (and have been quarantined), which is why I haven't had a good chance to collect my thoughts and post until now. Thanks for your patience.

301 comments:

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Anonymous said...

That is such wonderful news!! What an incredible blessing. I will continue to pray that all you receive is good news from here on out!

Emelie said...

OMG......WHAT WONDERFUL NEWS!! I got goose bumps on this one. Which for me is always a good sign (weird I know). God is so watching over you all! This makes Holidays even better.

Hope that you feel better soon too.

((((((HUGS))))))

Em
Massachusetts

tricia said...

I'm continuing to pray that this good news continues

Larissa said...

Praise God - I'll be praying that the lymphoma really has gone, and that the infection is gone soon soon soon!

Anothermadhousewife said...

Praise God. . .Will continue to pray. Erika

Kellita said...

YAYYYY!!!!! and an added blessing is that Tricia didn't have to go through those 2 extra rounds of chemo and feel so terribly! Praying that the "cancer" remains away and she stays healthy!

purejoy said...

many comments have said it better than me, but i wondered to myself why i was surprised at your report, even though it is what i've prayed for. i find i am not as expectant of His power and goodness and that makes me sad.
never underestimate the power of Jesus!! they don't call him the great physician for nothin!!
cautiously rejoicing with you and continuing to pray for this miraculous healing.
how much nicer it is to renovate a home when you have more hope in your heart. let the sunshine in!!

Extreme News Team said...

It's not confusing... GOD IS GOOD!!!

We're gonna keep on prayin' :o)

Shannon said...

I am so happy to hear the good news! I know you all are very excited! I hope you and Gwyneth feel better soon.

The Lunoff Adventures said...

I read your blog daily and rarely comment, but felt compeled to comment today in light of such wonderful news! The power of prayer, faith, and a great support network (real and virtual) really works! God Bless you and will He continue to watch over you and your family.

Elizabeth said...

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!! Prayers for confirmation of good news so that you can really believe it in a month.

Feel better, Nate. Is Gwyneth still sick or is she well?

bdodge said...

Our God is so good!

Shari said...

God is good ALL the time! This sounds very encouraging. I have found over the years a pattern I believe to be true--maybe I am crazy. The bad news usually comes quickly after tests, but good news takes a time to receive. Hope you feel better soon--I have been fighting this thing off too with my lousy immune system. Hope Gwyneth is feeling better!!
Dear God, thank you for all the blessing you send to us. In Jesus name we say this..Amen

Shari NC

Kara said...

Good news, Good LORD!!! Praising and continuing to pray!

Laura said...

Praise God!!!! That is awesome news!!!

Dana (*danavee*) said...

While your guarded optimism is probably smart, I am so thrilled to hear this fabulous news.

Warm thoughts to you coming from Delaware, where it's currently snowing. In November.

Manda Brooke said...

Praise Jesus for miracles and good reports! So happy for you guys!

Mary said...

What an awesome God we serve. Thankful for good news.

God Bless you all.

mary
Florida

Becky in VA said...

Oh, how awesome. We all have so very much to be thankful for at this Thanksgiving!!! You and Tricia have had way too much to deal with during the past year, but you've been strong and you've passed through the difficult times. Our prayers continue to go out to you and the doctors who care for Tricia and Gwyneth. Now, you rest and get over your cold.

Thank the Lord for this wonderful news.

Love to all.

Cheri said...

Nate...Perhaps the doctors have witnessed a miracle in Tricia's healing! Thank God for good news! What a blessing to be thankful for right here before Thanksgiving! Cheri in MO

Unknown said...

I really hope and pray that this means christmas has come early for you guys! :) xxx.

mom nana nelson said...

OH MY GOSH...
I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU GUYS
WHAT WONDERFUL NEWS
AND JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
A VERY THANKFUL THANKSGIVING AND JOYFUL
CHRISTMAS FOR YOU ALL
TONS OF HOPE & WISH'S FOR A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR

mommywithtwoboys said...

Praise God!!!!God is good all the time.Thats wounderful news.You guys are still in our prayers.

Aggiema (Michelle) said...

great news about Tricia! So sorry you are sick. Get well soon, so you can get back to work on your house. So you and Tricia and Gwyneth can live happily ever after! AMEN?

Jen said...

SO happy for you guys that you FINALLY got to hear some encouraging, positive news! You will remain in my prayers!

Anonymous said...

This is such encouraging news to read today! I trust that you have a wonderful and blessed holiday season with your family!

christi said...

praising the Lord with you and your family! our God is good!

blessings ~

Julie Miles said...

Yea! Glad to hear you finally have some good news! I know that is such a relief. Praise God for being a God of Miracles! Have a happy Thanksgiving with all your family!

Amanda Hoyt said...

Praise the Lord for some good news!
Hugs and prayers,
Amanda

The Liberto Family said...

PTL!!! We will continue to pray for the healing of Tricia's body!

Lost My Mind said...

God is wonderful and still does miracles.

Sandy P said...

Wow-God really is good.

A said...

Wonderful news! So happy for you!
Lots to be thankful for!
Praying still,
Amelia

Susan from Barrie said...

Praise God! That is so amazing ... Merry Christmas

Genevieve said...

PRAISE GOD....for such great news!

Ellen said...

That's awesome! Thanks for sharing your story!

TheOilHippie said...

So incredibly happy to hear this fantastice news from you :)

Jenny said...

Oh Nate that is AMAZING news!!! We have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, don't we? :)

I'm continuing to cover Tricia in prayer that she is and will stay cancer-free and I'm praying for your quick healing also.

Love & Hugs!

Marc and Charity said...

Praise the Lord, what great news. We will continue praying!

Megan said...

That is the best news I have heard this week!
Praying for all three of you, enjoy your new house and lives together.

Alison said...

PRAISING GOD!!!!!

AllTheKingsBlessings said...

So very happy for you all!! What a wonderful and blessed holiday season for your little family of 3!

zenmasterlars said...

I am soooo excited to read this post! We have been thinking about you guys!!! It sounds like your Thanksgiving will totally be one to be thankful for----I am sorry about your being sick...drink lots of water and warm tea :):):) we never stop the thoughts and prayers----

Jen said...

I kid you not, as I was reading this post, I was listening to 33 Miles and the chorus came on...

"There is a God, This is the proof, that all around the evidence is speaking the truth.."

Praise God for this wonderful news!

Andrea said...

CONGRATS!!! God has really worked some miracles with your family & that is so wonderful!!! I'll be in prayer that you get the desired results after the antibiotics are done with!!

sharon said...

The power of prayer!

HJW said...

To God be the Glory!

suzncasey said...

I just found your blog recently!

What a wonderful testament your family is! Great news!! Praise Christ Jesus!

Suzanne Weissenberg

Kathryn said...

That is just the best news ever!!!!!!!!!!! I am so happy for all of you and your family!!!!!!

bome62 said...

What GREAT NEWS & such a PRAISE from our DEAR LORD at this holiday season.
Praying in Missouri
Bonnie

Janet said...

Praise God !!

Pamela @ Frugal Vet Tech said...

That is fantastic! Just what we were praying for :)

Amy said...

I'm a new commentor but just couldn't refrain from saying... Wow! Praise the Lord! My daughter is 9 days postop from a kidney transplant and we're already dealing with an infection. I continue to hold you, Tricia and your family in prayer.

Erin said...

God truly is the Great Physician! What wonderful news! Praise God! =)

Allyson said...

Wonderful news! Thank you God! Have a great Thanksgiving! What a special one it will be for your entire family!

Denise said...

A little bit of an early Christmas miracle.

Jamie said...

Oh my goodness, PRAISE THE LORD! I am crying tears of joy for the great news. We will continue to pray for the next scan after the antibiotics!! Until then we are thrilled for you three!!! Have a great weekend. Thanks for sharing the news. Feel better soon.

MadMaude53 said...

What a Thanksgiving you will have!! A PET scan isn't the be all and end all... mine have been negative but I have some "worrisome" spots on my spine that appear in the CT and NOT the PET--sort of backwards, but I've never done anything normally in my life. Go with the good news. Not sure how valid tumor markers are in Tricia's case, but I'm sure her doctor team at Duke is at the top of their game, and what they're not certain of, you can be sure that they've consulted everyone they know to consult! Prayer is a powerful tool. I will share your joy with the people of the Yeagertown (PA) United Methodist Church. Your family has been on our prayer list for many months now. Not a Sunday goes by that somebody doesn't ask, "How's the 'little girl' with the baby at Pete's church doing?" (Don't tell him I told you he was "Pete" for 20 years before he became "Les"... :-) I am so very thrilled for your news. With much love and relief--Marty Davis (Les Petrie's sister)

MadMaude53 said...

What a Thanksgiving you will have!! A PET scan isn't the be all and end all... mine have been negative but I have some "worrisome" spots on my spine that appear in the CT and NOT the PET--sort of backwards, but I've never done anything normally in my life. Go with the good news. Not sure how valid tumor markers are in Tricia's case, but I'm sure her doctor team at Duke is at the top of their game, and what they're not certain of, you can be sure that they've consulted everyone they know to consult! Prayer is a powerful tool. I will share your joy with the people of the Yeagertown (PA) United Methodist Church. Your family has been on our prayer list for many months now. Not a Sunday goes by that somebody doesn't ask, "How's the 'little girl' with the baby at Pete's church doing?" (Don't tell him I told you he was "Pete" for 20 years before he became "Les"... :-) I am so very thrilled for your news. With much love and relief--Marty Davis (Les Petrie's sister)

Shari said...

I am so happy you have GOOD news! What a blessing. I will continue praying Tricia's body fights off what is invading it now and that she will be whole! God is so good!

Marine Princess said...

SO HAPPY to hear the good news...I still pray for your precious family every day...
Love the new home!!!
Wish I could live in OBX...
Miss you all!
~ Dana McLane

Alicia said...

What an awesome God we serve!!!

Our Two Blessings From Above said...

YES!!! That is awesome!
Thank you God!!!
Have a wonderful weekend and I hope you are feeling better.

Sandi said...

I had to stop by and say something. Though I do not have CF I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma 2 weeks after discovering I was pregnant with my fourth child. I have a blog about it all...but I can kind of understand what you went through. I had chemo during the whole pregnancy. I was lucky though. My little girl was born just 4 weeks early (healthy). She needed no NICU at all. She just turned one on November 17th. She's my miracle baby. I am glad your wife's lymphoma appears to be gone. I know how terrifying that diagnosis is. I worry about it coming back but hold onto hope that I am in remission for good. I have been since February.

mythreesons said...

praise God!!
you all are in our prayers!
good health to you and your
family!

Lisa Leonard said...

so, so glad to hear the good news. thanks for the timeline--vey helpful. praying for you guys.

Catherine said...

YeAh!!! What an answer to prayer:)

Courtney said...

fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
—Isaiah 41:10
I thought that was very fitting! Praise the Lord for this great News!!!!

Marge Sexton said...

Thanks for sharing the good report! To God be the Glory! Enjoy your new home, the holidays, and family and friends; God will take care of the rest. We will continue to pray. Feel better soon; your girls need you!

Jess said...

That is great about the good news! WHOO!! It's always good to have some good news. I've been waiting for some new news about this. It was a long enough wait! Hopefully, it is all clear by the time they do the next scan!

Hope you get well soon! It's not fun being in quarantine.

If you get a moment can you help me spread the word about my daughters fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Thanks.

Rich and Lauren said...

We are so happy about this news. I pray for much more good news in the future. We love you guys!

Froggymama said...

Trying not to jump the gun, but...HurrayyyyyY! Woooo Hoooo! Yaaa Hoooooo!

I know it's not a clean bill of health, but it certainly feels like good news, or at least, NOT bad news. So happy for you and we've been thinking of your family every day. Love to you. xxoxo The Froggy Fam

Aimee- said...

Praise God! What an awesome God we have!! I will keep your family in my prayers.

I have followed you guys since Jan. and I have been so blessed and touched by your sweet little family!! Thank you for sharing your life with all of us!

God Bless you!

Gila said...

Yay!

Brown Eyed Girl said...

AMEN! It is time for some good news.

Caroline Cordle said...

The power of prayer - and a great God who ANSWERS!!!

xxx

Scott said...

Wow, what an awesome report! I guess in many ways we all live with the "what ifs." So, what a great report to just enjoy today. Today is a gift to move forward with your plans, enjoy your home, your baby and your family. Enjoy it for all it is worth! Exciting news and we are praying!

Tanisha said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tanisha said...

God does all things well! I pray that He will continue to blow our minds with amazing news about Tricia's health. Hope both you and Gwyneth get well soon.

Still praying in VA,
Tanisha

Kristi said...

To God be the Glory! Thank you God! He is showing off for Tricia and all the followers of this blog that He is the Healer! And when there seems to be no way, He alone will make a way!

Kalani said...

I had spots on my lungs which they at first thought were PTLD, then they weren't sure, they they thought it was really bad CMV. The meds for CMV weren't working (smaller in some spots, bigger in others) so some of the docs (probably Steele and Palmer) wanted to open biopsy me. Zaas could see my reluctance to do this, so he hit me with what he called a shot gun - Two kinds of IV antibiotics, Tobi and Colistin, a powerful antifungal- and what do ya know? It worked! Make sure they treat ya with all they got!

Heather of Swallowing A Moose said...

That is awesome news you guys!!! Whoo-Hoo! Congrats on the house too. Sorry your down for the count Nate. Good excuse to hide out in the bed for a few.

Also:

Just a reminder from Heather (@ Swallowing A Moose) of the Giving Thanks @ Thanksgiving Bloggers Event starting tomorrow, Sunday. The dedicated site found at www.themouthbehindthemoose.blogspot.com and is ready for those of you who are participating to link up. In case you haven’t heard many of us are dedicating a post on our own blogs of our testimonies as a way of ‘Giving Thanks’ to the Lord for His work in our lives. If you missed the 1st invite just head over to the site and the instructions for how to participate are below the top post. Hope to see your testimony there!

Blessings,
Heather Twitchell
Host of Giving Thanks @ Thanksgiving

The Burgess Family said...

PRAISE GOD!!!!!!! We all knew your story would not end just as soon as the next chapter started... babies, houses, etc!!!

Erin said...

INCREDIBLE NEWS!!!!! Continued prayers!

The Gieses said...

Praise God! I truly believe that it was HE who healed Tricia! She is an awesome living, breathing, miracle!

Denise said...

Wow, what amazing news! Rejoicing with you and asking God for his continued blessings on you and your family.

Carol said...

Wow - Wow, this is such wonderfully hopeful news. I am just getting back to this blog and so happy to read this update. What a date 11/19 was! Without going into the specifics, Tricia's good news is the third of its kind to come on that date for people I care about. I am so happy for what I hope will prove to be true. I am excited for you guys to enjoy your new home and will pray that the final scan brings you the good news you await.

Unknown said...

PRAISE GOD! I am so glad to hear this news! I have been praying for you guys since I found your blog, I suppose on the day Gwyneth was born. Won't stop, though. I will continue to pray for God's blessing on your precious family and am prepared to be amazed as He continues to pour out His abundance on all of you.

~Seth and Nancy~ said...

i have tears in my eyes! God is so good! you'll continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. thanks so much for sharing your news!

Jane said...

Glory to God!
Praising the LORD with you!
And of course, continuing to pray for you folks!
:) :) :) :)

Kristi-Anna said...

WHOOOOOOHOOO!!! God is So awesome!! It's amazing to see the work he is doing in your lives, and the testimony you are having to those around you and around the world!!

I was SO thrilled to report your excellent news to the church secretary!! Folks at our church ask after you occasionally :)

Paige Hinrichs said...

Wonderful News! I'm thrilled for your guys and will continue to pray for you all as you enjoy this wonderful time of the year with your family. God is good and faithful.

What a wonderful year...new lungs, new baby, new home.

So completely cool. Thank you for sharing some of it with us.

ScaryShari said...

Hi Tricia & Nate! :)

I tried to leave this comment 2 days ago, but I forgot my Blogger password, seeing as I abandoned my Blogspot blog for LiveJournal a few years ago. But I finally remembered to fix the password issue. *blush*

Anyhoo -- howdy! :D My name is Shari and I live in San Jose, Calif. I've been a faithful "lurker" in this blog ever since I found a link, months ago, in the blog of one of my LiveJournal friends, Eva M. Her blog there is http://65redroses.livejournal.com.

I've been meaning to comment here and introduce myself for a long time, but somehow I kept either forgetting, or not having time, or some such lame excuse. (I also have ADD, tho that's really no excuse). :(

But this is definitely as good a time as any to step up, say hello, and let you guys know that I have been thinking such GOOD thoughts for Tricia and Gwyneth all this time!! :) I'm not a religious person, so I'm not really into prayer, per se, but I *do* believe in the power of sending good thoughts/healing energies. And there's certainly no harm in doing so, which means I will continue doing it! I'm SOOOO happy to hear this latest optimistic turn of events regarding the lymphoma treatment!! You ALL deserve this type of good news! :D

I'll stop gushing now. *blush* Can you tell that I love to write? You're certainly welcome to visit my LiveJournal blog if you're ever bored (not likely, heehee). I'm at http://scaryshari.livejournal.com (You're welcome to visit my Blogspot/Blogger blog, but it's ancient). I write all sorts of things in my Live Journal; there's no one set "theme". Some entries are friends-only due to their personal nature, so if you're not on LJ you can't read them, but most are public

HUGS! :)
Shari K. in San Jose

Candace said...

Such good new!!! Keeping you in my prayers and wishing you a wonderful Holiday Season!

Danine said...

still praying and knowing that He will lead you all down the right path. Can't wait to see this blog continue into you and Tricia enjoying your grandchildren!

Kim said...

WOW. Praise God!

Sweetie said...

I was directed to your blog by Kathy. Thank you for sharing your story. Your family is in my prayers.
Sweetie

Unknown said...

what a blessing. our GOD is truly faithful in his promises. i will be praying feverishly that this good news is indeed what the dr's are thinking :) congratulations!

Adrienne said...

Praise God! I pray your THanksgiving is blessed with this great news and that you and G are on the mend!

~*Michelle*~ said...

Praise God for He is faithful....

xox
Michelle

Undomestic said...

Praise God! What wonderful news!

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