15 July
2013
Dear Family,
I wanted to let you
know what we have learned so far from the medical appointments
today.
The
appointments were related to the lump under my left jaw that has developed over
a period of several weeks. When the small lump first appeared it was very
tender. We went to the walk in clinic and it was diagnosed as a blocked
salivary gland with infection. I was told to eat lemon drops to stimulate
secretion. Supposedly that would move the blockage and allow the saliva to
drain. An antibiotic was prescribed for the inflammation. In time
the tenderness disappeared, but the lump did not.
After a time the lump
enlarged slowly. Then over a period of 48 hours the lump mushroomed to golf
ball in size. While visiting my doctor who tracks my blood counts related to
myelofibrosis, we asked him to examine the lump. He ordered a PET scan. The
PET scan identified the enlarged tissue as a lymph node. From the follow up
with the doctor related to the PET scan, a tissue biopsy was ordered. Today's
appointment was to receive the biopsy results.
At this point the
doctors are quite certain of a diagnosis of lymphoma, cancer of the lymph
nodes. There are various types. They think this is most likely large cell
lymphoma. I will be having another PET scan with contrast dye that is attracted
to the lymphatic tissue to evaluate how pervasive or widespread the lymphoma
is. Already I can feel other lymph nodes that have begun to enlarge. The
doctors also want another CT scan to help confirm the diagnosis. Also it will be
necessary to do a bone marrow biopsy to see if the lymphoma is spread there.
These procedures will allow the doctors to stage the cancer, or in other words
determine how advanced it already is.
The usual treatment for
lymphoma is chemotherapy. However, the condition of my blood cells related to
myelofibrosis complicates this process. A treatment plan will have to be
determined that my blood cells can best tolerate.
Lymphoma is one of the
most common cancers in the elderly.
So that's pretty much
what we know medically speaking.
We feel like we were
brought to Kenosha in order that we might benefit from the amazing medical care
that is available here. We use the Aurora Medical Center. It consists of
excellent medical doctors from almost every specialty. We appreciate Dr. Gregg
Rocco, our primary care physician. My main cancer doctor is Malik Bandealy. He
and his associates are rated in the top 1% of general oncologists. One of the
good things is that referrals and procedures happen almost immediately and is
all within one system. Long delays are avoided. We feel very blessed to have
their assistance.
While it appears we may
be swimming in the deep end, we are not without hope. We know Heavenly Father's
hand is in His work. While we are instruments in his work as missionaries, we
are also part of His work. We know His hand will be over us as we move
forward. We have no plans at this time to request any changes in our
assignment. Our mission president expressed his wholehearted support in dealing
with whatever health challenges we might have when we were interviewed by him
last week. We will continue to take things one step at a time, trusting in the
Lord to take us where we need to go. It well be another learning experience for
us, for all of us.
One of the great
strengths we are blessed with is our family. We are so very grateful for each
one of you, for your love for the Savior, and your faith in Heavenly Father's
plan. We teach it to people every day. We better believe it ourselves. I know
each of you does. We certainly do believe it! We are grateful for your
continuing love and support, for your faith and prayers in our behalf. We have
swum in the deep water before and grew from it. Although we wouldn't choose to
do it again, there seems to be a divine purpose in our having the opportunity.
We accept it and will do our very best. We feel there is still work for us to
do. If there is, He will provide the way. What more can I say. If there
isn't, then we are okay with that as well.
Thank you so much for
sustaining us wherever this may take us.
Love to each of
you.
Dad Skinner / Charles
& Mom Skinner / Vicki
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