Not good
December 4, 2013 in Lymphoma by Reta Reed
Well gang, I’m not sure how to do this. Never had to do this and hope I never have to again. I guess I’ll just rip the band-aid off.
There’s nothing left to offer Jeff but love and compassion. He is giving it the old college try, and he’s thrown everything at this sucker, but it will ultimately take him. He came to the hospital Monday and had a CT scan. The scan showed incredible progression in the size of the tumor – the exact opposite of what we all hoped. The tumor is now bigger than it was in the beginning and occupying most of his “Buddha” belly. He also has some blood clots for which they would usually insert an IVC filter, but his inferior vena cava is compressed by the tumor. They could attempt another route for insertion, but it would involve general anesthesia and he has been deemed too high risk. For now he is getting antibiotics for infection in his blood, breathing treatments, and pain medication. He is sleeping well for now, though has some panic attacks and must sit up occasionally.
Next step, hospice. 🙁
We were encouraged in the beginning of all this, knowing that lymphoma is curable. Then after the first four cycles of chemo showed a little more than 50% reduction in the tumor and the doctor was not happy with that, we knew he was up against something really tough. But never in a million years would we have dreamed we would be where we are today, just 7.5 months later. This… just… SUCKS. This is ri-god-damn-diculous.
Jeff has done so much good and I can’t tell you how honored I am, WE are, to have such loving, wonderful, stand-up people around us. I am glad I have gotten to meet some of you and gotten to share Jeff with you. Jeff is so loved and I am grateful for every day by his side. Of course, it hasn’t all been roses, but is it ever?
The fight goes on, though. I still encourage you and your adult kids to donate blood and/or stem cells if able. Give money to fund cancer research – American Cancer Society, Lymphoma Research Foundation, WHATEVER!
Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids. I found a sea
shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and
said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed
the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside
and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back!
LoL I know this is completely off topic but I
had to tell someone!
We are so sorry to hear this. Jeff is a wonderful person and has touched many lives in positive ways. Jeff, we will keep you and your family in our constant prayers; may God grant you peace and comfort.
It’s so hard to know what to say when you are miles away and the tears are blurring your vision so you can hardly see what you are writing. I know you will be in a beautiful place Jeff– my tears are for the time we all could not share together, for your family and for all the suffering you have had to endure. There are some people you meet that you never forget and you are one of those people for me. You have entered into many hearts and I only pray you will have some comfort in the days to come. I love you my friend.
God is the ultimate physician and He is in control. Still praying that God will send send his angels around this whole fami;ly and bring peace and comfort.
Praying for you to have strength. God will take care of Jeff. Love ya
I’m so sorry to hear this, I will keep praying for you all, much love, Marjo.
God bless you Jeff and your family. I’m so sorry to have to deal with this.
Brett Nixon
Ripon CA
(GLP)
In our thoughts, Love Dan and Heather. Jeff is a man that has inspired me. I will say prayers.
You are all in my prayers.
May God hold you all in the palm of His hands, and give you peace and comfort in this very difficult time. Prayers sent.