Diagnosis Day

 Who knew a week could feel so long!? 

After a few calls to London and a couple trips to our local ER.  it was finally Monday.  The day of answers.  Our appointment was at 9am so it was a very early start to the day.  It was in clinic that we heard confirmation that Kaleb has Hodgkin Lymphoma.  There was nothing we did to cause it and they don't know why kids get it.  What they do know is how to treat it and successfully.  They kept reminding us it is treatable and curable.  

Hodgkin Lymphoma is a blood cancer. It travels where ever the blood can go, but it has not traveled into his bones. (that is a very good thing).  We need more testing to find out how far spread the cancer has traveled and what stage it is at.  We know it is in his neck but they suspect it has traveled into his chest area.  This cancer responds to Chemotherapy but radiation may be needed as well.  

Chemotherapy- will kill the good and bad (cancer) blood cells.  it will make Kaleb's immunity compromised.  Side effects very but expect nausea, vomiting, pain, low energy, weight loss and hair loss.  Kaleb will have a minimum of 2 rounds/cycles of Chemo.  

Fevers are considered a medical emergency and he will be hospitalized if he has one.  

At this time they have said Kaleb will be able to attend in person learning at school so long as he feels up to going that day.

What our next steps will be:

PET CT Scan- this is where they will inject a serum (isotope) into his vein to locate all of the cancer cells.  It will help determine treatment and for how long

Echocardiogram (Echo) - this is to gain a baseline for Kaleb's heart health. This is something they will check on through out this journey and after he is cancer free.

Have a PICC line put in. - it is a long tube that goes from his arm up and over to his heart.  this is how he will receive some of his chemo treatment, blood transfusions if needed and any blood work that hey have to do.  We do have to watch for infection and possible blood clots.  We have also been told no Swimming, water sports, lifting weights when the line is in.  

Thanks again for your love and support!

We will update you again soon




Comments

  1. Wayne WillsonSeptember 1, 2021 at 2:50 PM

    We are here to support you and are praying for Kaleb’s complete recovery. Love, Nana and Grandad

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownSeptember 1, 2021 at 3:00 PM

    This is a great way to let people know what is going on without the exhaustion of having to update people individually. Your community is around you Willsons!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. saaraahSeptember 1, 2021 at 3:04 PM

    You have a huge amount of people supporting you. Kaleb, you'll get through this scary time. Thank you for the updates, Katt. Our hearts are with you all.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Adele S September 1, 2021 at 3:26 PM

    Sending you guys love and support.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dawn SmithSeptember 1, 2021 at 7:34 PM

    💜 You are in our hearts every step of the way. All of you! And, we are happy to help in anyway that a living life that feels undone can be made more comfortable.
    We Love You All,
    The Smith family

    ReplyDelete

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