We felt like our trip to Mayo was meant to be, especially after we got an appointment so quickly, and now we know why. Eric's tissues were reviewed by the pathologists at Mayo and the head of the lymphoma pathology department found that Eric had been misdiagnosed. He actually has Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkins Lymphoma, which is commonly confused with the other non-Hodgkins lymphoma that he was first diagnosed with. The reason we feel so blessed is because our physician at Mayo (who is also a transplant specialist) said that he usually sees patients who have been misdiagnosed as Eric was after they have gone through months of chemo with no success and come to him for a transplant consult to save their lives. We are so grateful that we found this out now after just one round of incorrect chemo, instead of months. The chemo he did get before didn't harm him, it just wasn't the correct concoction to treat his particular kind of cancer. The upside to this diagnois is that he now has a 67% chance of going into remission with chemo (versus 50% before), and the downside is that this cancer is more likely to reoccur after remission.
We returned late last night from MN and Eric went in this morning at 8 am to start his new chemo regimen. Hopefully he gets through this round as easily as he did the last one. His hair hasn't fallen out yet, but he can pull out his whiskers with his fingers relatively easily, so it's on it's way out for sure.
On a side note, Mayo Clinic was amazing. We were so impressed with everyone we came in contact with and the efficiency of such a huge facility. If you ever have a serious medical concern, definitely consider going there, it is worth it! But it was COLD! We did get to check out the Mall of America on one of our less busy days, which was also amazing (in a different way of course). We got some Christmas shopping done and spent some quality time together, which was great. So overall, we had a good trip, especially because my mom was taking great care of our boys back in Grand Junction. Thank you, mom, we love you!
30 comments:
What good news! Thank goodness you were able to go and have a 2nd opinion. We have been so worried about all of you. We think about you every day and you are included in our prayers. We'll pray that the good news keeps coming!
Boone & Britney
What a blessing to have a correct diagnosis sooner than later! That will make a huge difference. I'm so glad you got to go out there!
WOW is all I can say. So glad Eric has the correct diagnosis - you guys were smart to follow this path. Our prayers continue to be with all of you, and kudos to your mom for giving you guys peace of mind that your kids were safe and being loved by grandmom while you were away. Keep the good news flowing!!!
I'm in tears over here across the street! What wonderful news! Hodgkins is always better than non-Hodgkins isn't it? We love Mayo, too, now!!!!!
That is so great! We are glad it went well. What a huge blessing that he got the correct diagnosis. We remember well the feeling of finally getting an accurate diagnosis after several wrong and even one fatal diagnosis for Lily. I am a big believer in getting a second opinion. It's a good feeling to know exactly what you are dealing with. He is going to beat this! You guys are so strong.
What a tremendous blessing all around. We're so happy to read good news. You're always in our thoughts and prayers. Love you so much.
I'm glad you were able to have a good trip to the Mayo clinic. Your family will continue to be in our prayers.
Keith and Cathie
I'm so happy that you guys got some good news--you deserve it! We love you!
Such fabulous news, I breathed a big sigh of relief for you! I am so glad that things are looking up!!
That is such good news! It amazing to see the blessing the Lord places upon us even during difficult trials. Have a great Christmas with those adorable babies!
So great to see you. You are faith in action. Amazing how some things fall into place. Hope next time we meet Eric will be in remission.
What a roller coaster for you! I'm glad it was good news at the Mayo clinic. What a blessing!
i'm so glad you were able to go! what a blessing. You guys are in our prayers as always. We love you!
We are so happy your trip was so good!!
Thats awesome lady. i am so glad for your progress. i think of you often and include you in my prayers. lots of love, melissa
So glad you were blessed to go to the Mayo Clinic. Sounds like it was a very positive experience and you were able to meet with such great medical experts. We love you and have you in our thoughts and prayers.
Lynn and Pam
Wow Eric my mom and dad just e-mailed me your blog. I am so sorry to hear that you are dealing with cancer. I have a brother-in-law in Salt Lake right now with a form of Lukemia and had a bone marrow transplant 19 days ago we are still waiting and praying that it worked. It sounds like you got some good news. We will add you to our prayers. If there is anything else we can do please let us know. We have learned that family love and support goes a long ways so we will do anything to help you and your family.
Lisa Barnhurst Woodland
What great news!!! I'm so glad you were able to get into the Mayo clinic- what a blessing!! We know you'll beat this!! We are praying for you guys!!
Yea!! Some good news for the holidays!! That's great.
What a great way to start the holidays...with some good news! I'm glad you were able to go to the Mayo Clinic...We are still praying for you guys! I hope you enjoy your holidays and we look forward to more updates!
So glad you received some good news! I have a Christmas card I want to send your way, but don't have your new address and I can't find your email address....what a mess I am! Can you email me with it when you get a chance(not a priority of course!)? drewandjen@gmail.com. Keep up the fight!
Megan, Eric, we're so happy to hear this. Thanks for keeping us posted!
What an amazing blessing!
So glad you got a 2nd opinion. We love MAYO indeed.
Wow! That is great news. We hope and pray that this treatment will be successful. Lots of love, Ryan and Jena Gifford
I'm glad to hear they found out exactly what he has so he will get the right treatment. We will keep you in our prayers.
My brother used to live in MN, isn't the Mall of America amazing! Glad you got some time together.
Wow, I am so glad that you had the inspiration to get an appt at the Mayo Clinic and that they could get Eric in so soon. Thank goodness for a correct diagnosis now. You are always in our thoughts and prayers. Love you guys. Greens
oh what a blessing to catch the misdiagnosis so early. Heavenly Father is watching very closely over your sweet family!
Just finally read your blog. Hope you are feeling well and looks like you just got good news. Let us know if we can do anything. You(Eric) and your family are in our prayers. As long as you do not mind heathens praying for ya.
Lason and Joleen
Dear Eric and Megan,
We're John and Annie Blatter from CA and we knew Eric well up at Ricks. We have been thinking about you Eric and your family so much and want you to know that you're in our prayers. John keeps in touch with Chris H. and Jacob B. and they let us know what's going on. Your family is beautiful and we're so grateful for the correct diagnosis and the great experience with Mayo--truly a blessing. We wish you all the best--strength, faith, comfort, peace--and more good news! We love you!
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