Well, as some of you have heard already- Clay's dad, Paul- has Non-Hodgkin, low-grade, B-Cell Lymphoma Cancer. We found out about a week ago. We don't know too much yet, except for what I've basically told you. The good news is, B-Cell Lymphoma is a highly curable cancer, and has a very high survival rate. The hard thing is, when people hear low-grade, as opposed to high-grade, they think- oh phew. Simply because high, sounds worse than low. However, it would be a lot better to have high-grade. When you have low-grade, if it is past stage one, it isn't curable. Yet, the doctor says that though it's not curable, it is still manageable. What does manageable mean? That's what I asked. Well, it means that he could kill of the cancer with Chemo but it would keep coming back throughout his life. Meaning, he could end up having to have many years of chemo ahead of him. The low-grade part makes it so that the process is really slow and it takes a long time to see any symptoms of the cancer. I guess this is how it is manageable. Right now we are just waiting to find out what stage he is in. He will get the test done on Tuesday (week from today) and find out that next Thursday the results. So far we have no idea if it is in multiple places, or what stage, so we really don't know what is going to happen. If he is in stage one, he will do radiation and the cancer will be gone very quickly, with no chance of it coming back. So of course, we are hoping for stage one. If it is further than that, we will see from there... Anyway, I know most of you don't know Clay's dad- but he is one of the best people I've ever known. He has never ending love and service for everyone and anyone that needs it, is so completely humble, and just the kindest person ever. Things like this really remind me of why life truly isn't fair sometimes. I know that no one should have to go through cancer- but you know the saying- bad things happen to good people? Well in this case, we are seeing that bad things happen to the best people. If you could keep Paul, and the entire family, in your hearts and prayers, we would all greatly appreciate it! Obviously these things are hard on more than just the patient.
Just to show some good things that are obviously blessings...this shows that though bad things can happen to good people, if you are a good person, Heavenly Father watches out for you. I just thought this was so amazing. Patty told us that just last year, they purchased Cancer insurance for Paul. I don't know how much that covers, but I'm guessing that's good. Next, Paul has like...over 6 months of paid sick leave stored up at work. Isn't that amazing? Obviously it isn't good that they will have to use these things...but the point is, it would be so much more stressful if those things weren't there.
Well, tomorrow school starts. I am taking 14 credits of online classes (including my 3 credits for the internship) and probably starting work on Monday. Yikes! Hopefully I survive. I'm trying to finish one of my classes by tomorrow. It's a music theory class that covers things that I learned when I was like...6. I can finish all my classes early, so I'm going to try really hard to crank them out before the tax season gets too busy...and before I start dreaming about tax returns (yes, that happened last tax season when I was stressed). Clay will be going to school too- he's taking a full load. He isn't excited at all.
I love you all! I hope you are all happy.
8 comments:
I am so sorry to hear that. I totally agree that life isn't fair and that bad things happen to good people. I've learned these past couple of weeks that life sometimes just down right stinks. I will keep you in my prayers. These things are also so hard on the family as a whole. Cancer is such a crazy thing. There are so many kinds within each kind. So mind boggling. I hope you guys find out more information soon. It always helps to be more knowledgable and prepared as time goes on. Hang in there!
Danielle, I am so very sorry and will pray for all concerned. It is so hard when something like that happens to such a wonderful person. Trust in the Lord and he will bring you peace, and we never know why these things happen to the best of us or when. I love you and Clay stay strong for PATTY and for Clay. You will make it and be stronger for the journey. Hugs and Kisses grandma
Wow, I'm really sorry. We will pray for him, and you and Clay. You have a heavy load for school! And work!!! That theory class should be easy though. Love you!
Thanks for the comments on your block concerning Paul. He truly is one of the nicest, hard working, caring people that I have ever met in my life. But we decided that we would turn this over to the Lord and that he would take care of us. love you. bye now.
We have been praying for Paul and Patty and the rest of the family the past 2 nights, and we will continue to do that. I don't know him, but because I know Clay and know that Paul is such a good person, I just really feel for this situation, and really feel for Clay and his family. We are praying and will continue to do so, we love you.
Hi Danielle, you probably don't remember me, but I worked with your mom in Young Womens when Megan was in MiaMaids. My now 7 year old, then 4 year old, was diagnosed with T-cell Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, high grade in 2006. She has been off her two years of chemo for almost 6 months now. They have done amazing things with chemo and they are constantly doing new things. We have had wonderful things happen in our family because Maddy (Fiona on my blog) got sick. Let them know that the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society is great and they have programs that help pay for things, no matter how much you make. I hope that things go well with him and he responds amazingly to the treatment.
thanks for posting all that. I know we already talked about it, but its good to know all the facts in writing. I included you all in my fast. And you will all be in our prayers. I am so grateful he has the insurance and time off. Like you said it will help with the stress level! Love you!!!
oh danielle, I'm so sorry. that is so sad. I will absolutely keep you all in my prayers. I can't believe it's already time for a new semester. let's get together before things get too crazy.
Post a Comment