No News is Good News....

It's been about a month. In that time, we have been busy. March 1st saw Eddie's Rat Hockey night with the league he's been playing for. About 20 guys showed up to play and support Eddie. It was great to see everyone stepping up to help him out. Eddie even got out and took a few shots.

Eddie finished his final round of Chemo on March 11th. On his final day of treatment, per tradition, Eddie signed the boxing gloves at the Chemo treatment center at Porter. He has also become pretty close to the nurses that took such great care of him (Thank you for taking care of my hubs, Mary & Nicole). Mercy came to see Eddie off too.

Since then, we've joined the YMCA, begun planning our summer, and started getting back to some semblance of "normal." We've been trying to get outside as the weather gets nicer, and moving more and more to drop some of the weight we both gained as a result of the emotionally charged and dreary winter. Baloo has been loving the extra attention and exercise.

Dr. Braik and Eddie

Last week (March 29th), Eddie had a PET scan to check the status of his cancerous tumor. On April 2nd (Tuesday), we met with Dr. Braik to go over the results. We did not get bad news, but did not get the "all clear" we were hoping for either. The scan showed that there was still some activity in the tumor site. However, Seminoma is notorious for lighting up on a PET scan even when the cells are dead (residual scar tissue). He recommended that we follow up with Dr. VanderWeele at Northwestern (with whom we sought our second opinion). So on Friday we headed to Northwestern.

Dr. VanderWeele looked at the results of the scan that we took with us and seems to think that the scan is very promising. He is going to review and consult with his team and let us know this coming week what course of action he recommends. The most likely scenario will be that we keep an eye on the tumor and re-scan in a few months. Another possibility is surgery to remove the cells that are showing up. However, in my limited range of understanding, it seems like surgery or another round of chemo won't be necessary, because Dr. VanderWeele believes that the cells that are lighting up are residual scarring, and will continue to fade as the months progress.

So, we continue to wait and pray and go about our days. Keep us in your prayers, because the waiting is just as hard. However, I'm going to cling to positives and trust that everything will turn out fine. We will keep you updated when we have a better idea of our next course of action. In the meantime, I've got a Prom to host, an academic team to coach, gymnastics to judge, and t-shirts to print. Idle hands.....

P.S. Just wanted to send out an extra shout out to Lori. She's been there for Eddie and I over the past few months - taking him to and from treatments, keeping track of meds, detailed notes during doctor visits and schedules organized for appointments. Also, she's cleaned our house, made me lunches, and just generally been around for us both. I've had a lot of friends and family that I've reached out to over the last few months, but I feel like Lori has earned a special thanks! Love you lots 💕

Here we go again (hopefully for the last time)

Tomorrow, Eddie starts his last round of Chemo. We are praying and hoping that after just 7 more treatment sessions, we will find out that we are able to close this chapter of our book. But let's look back over the last week or so since my previous post.

Following Eddie's diagnosis of a blood clot, we were prescribed blood thinners, which included 10 days of injections. I got to play amateur nurse and administer the shots. Eddie hated every single one, mostly because of the burning that he felt while the drugs settled in (totally normal, just uncomfortable). You can see the joy on his face and how happy he is to have these shots over with.

We also have been dealing with some kind of dermatitis - mostly itchy bumps that had broken out on Eddie's hands and back. He met with Dr. Braik's wife (primary care physician now) and received medicines for that. Its all been a nuisance, but I know the end is in sight and I'm doing my best to keep Eddie's spirits up.

On Tuesday this past week (Feb 19), we went up to Northwestern for a second opinion, just to make sure that we are on the proper course of treatment and find out what to expect beyond what we've been told already. Great news! We are on the right treatment course and things are going as they should. The oncologist we met with in Chicago, Dr. VanderWeele, encouraged us that Eddie's chance of sterility after treatment could be pretty low, considering the location of his cancer and the treatment he is receiving. He explained that testicular cancer patients usually have surgery to remove the cancer, damaging the reproductive system, but since Eddie's cancer is in a different location, there is a good possibility he will have no problems. We will still wait to find out, but that news was a good boost.

While in Chicago, we were treated to a nice meal at one of our family favorites, Grand Lux Cafe. If you ever go, order the Beignets. They're amazing.

This week will be another long week of treatment. On Friday, the rink where Eddie plays roller hockey is hosting a fundraiser event for him. I think we are both looking forward to the evening, and I am praying Eddie's energy will be enough, after a long week of Chemo, to let him enjoy seeing his friends and teammates. 

I'm sorry that this post has been a long time coming and that it is pretty short. This weather gave me the worst migraine I've ever experienced last night, so much so that I worried I was getting something contagious and stayed at my parent's house for the night as precaution. This past week was final exams at my school, so I've been trying to get all my loose ends tied up. Looking forward to the end of the school year, Prom (did I mention I'm sponsoring Prom this year?), and finally planning a honeymoon with a healthy, happy, cured husband. 

In the meantime, we continue to fight, cheer for Eddie, and take each moment as its comes, good or bad. We love you, We're thankful for you. Keep fighting!

Round Two & Eddie's Big Day

Swelling in his left hand.

It's been a crazy week. Last Monday, school was cancelled. Eddie and I decided to take advantage of the day and go out to lunch. Unfortunately, the doctor called us and asked us to come in for an ultrasound, which derailed our date. The day previous, Eddie had called the office because he had noticeable swelling in his left arm and hand. We thought it might be a side effect of the Chemo, but wanted to make sure. Turns out, he has a blood clot. Not uncommon for cancer patients, but it is still causing discomfort and has necessitated another medication in his daily regimen.

I promise the red on the towel is a design, not blood!

The rest of the week passed fairly normally, except for the fact that we experienced inclement weather, e-learning and snow days. It was nice to have a week "off" from chemo, hospital visits, and school. We both got some much needed rest and took care of a few chores around the house we had been avoiding (ie "taking down Christmas"). On Friday, Eddie bit the bullet and went bald voluntarily, rather than waiting while his hair fell out. Much like getting a haircut and not changing your shirt, his hair had begun to fall out and itch him. So to avoid the constant discomfort, we got rid of it entirely. This weekend we had a bit more normalcy and had some friends and family over Saturday and Sunday for low-key birthday parties. It was nice to catch up with people I feel like we haven't seen in a while. 

Baloo loves to cuddle!

Keeping warm at Chemo

Today, Eddie began his second round of Chemotherapy. It was a long day of lab work, a meeting with the oncologist, and three different drugs being infused. The rest of this week will be shorter treatments. Also, Eddie turns the BIG 3-0 tomorrow (the 5th). Not the way we intended to spend his birthday, but he is looking forward to seeing the therapy dog tomorrow while at treatment. We won't tell Baloo, because we don't want to make him jealous. But Baloo has been pretty awesome with all our crazy schedules. He's a top-notch cuddler and tends to be on or nearby one of us at all times.

Out for a family birthday dinner

I want to say another huge thank you to everyone who has reached out. Everyone's cancer journey is different and I can't imagine going through this without each and every one of you that has given us support. We met our GoFundMe goal this week which will continue helping with bills and my lack of weekend income from judging gymnastics. I finished the first round of 80 shirts people have ordered in support of Eddie's Fight. We are also a few weeks closer to the end (God willing) of this chapter and finally looking forward to celebrating our first year as newlyweds and taking a long-awaited honeymoon. Our celebration will be that much sweeter knowing we've grown closer and stronger as a couple through this journey.

Happy 30th Birthday Eddie!

Round One to Eddie

On Friday, Eddie finished his first full round of Chemotherapy. We met with the oncologist and we’re told that he is pleased with Eddie’s overall health and response to treatment. He has been cleared to resume any activities he feels up to as long as he is careful of the port in his chest (where they input his chemo).

Big thank you to everyone who has reached out via text, messenger, social media, GoFundMe, or any other means of communication! The littlest things make this journey that much easier.

Swelling visible in Eddie's left hand

It hasn’t all been fun and games however. Eddies been experiencing muscle pain and swelling that is being monitored by the doctors. We’re thinking it is a result of the chemotherapy- water retention or something similar- but will be getting an ultrasound tomorrow just to make sure.

Today, I shaved Eddies’s head. His beard had started coming out in chunks and he was ready to get rid of his hair before it fell out completely.  I am liking his new look but he’s not completely convinced yet.  He did have a little fun shaving his beard the other day. I’ll be interested to see how it all comes back after he is done with treatment.

We have this week off from any medical treatments- just that ultrasound. Eddie will start his next round the day before his 30th birthday. We would’ve been in Denver to celebrate but will be having a different kind of celebration at home. Denver can wait for healthier time.

Beyond Blessed

WOW. The outpouring of love and support has been overwhelming to both Eddie and I. This whole journey so far has been a rollercoaster of emotions. At least once a day one of us is in tears, either from frustration, exhaustion, anxiety or some other reason we can't identify. Also at least once a day (most likely 5 or 6 times), we are reminded of how truly blessed we are.

A comment on our blog or Facebook pages.
A phone call or text message "just checking in."
A greeting card.
A meal when we're both too tired to cook.
A friend spending the weekend to dog-sit our fur-baby.
A handful of neighbors who have committed to clearing our driveway.
A care package from across the country.
A Friday pick-me-up in the form of an iced coffee or Dr. Pepper.
A GoFundMe page set up by a childhood friend.
And a million other little things.

We truly have the BEST support network in the world. Never will we be able to thank everyone enough for their support. I know that it is because of you all that Eddie and I can remain strong and steadfast in our faith that everything will be OK. And it didn't just start when we first shared the news of Eddie's diagnosis. Your support has been present in our lives throughout many seasons. We know this current season of life requires us to be humble and rest on the support network we have woven together like a big comfy hammock. In time, we will be able to step down and become part of that hammock for someone else. But for now, we rest in your capable and loving hands, knowing that it is only a short time in our lives, excited for the future we have ahead of us.

Reunited and it feels SO GOOD 🐶

Today we left the hospital! According to Eddie, it was the longest 5 days of his life. I said it felt like coming home from a really crappy vacation. The good - no, GREAT- news, is that Eddie's appetite seems to have returned, at least for now. The past two days in the hospital, nothing has been very appealing other than very bland food with no odor/scents. That is the first sign of any side-effects we have noticed.

So, after a quick (or not so quick) stop at Panda Express, we came home. Eddie was over the moon to see his baby, Baloo. We like to play hide and seek with him, so I came in like I normally do, and took Baloo to do his business. In the meantime, Eddie and Lori brought in our luggage and Eddie took his place in a hiding spot. The dog is usually really excited when he comes inside, so he was really jumpy to start running around the house. I announced that "Daddy is home" and told Baloo to go find him. Off he went.

I tell you, there's no friendship like a boy and his dog.

I'm not sure who was happier to see the other. It did my heart good to see them reunited.

We are now home. Due to Eddie's biopsy, he wasn't able to take a regular shower the week leading up to this latest hospital stay. As soon as he finished eating a full meal (yay small victory!), he took his first real, normal shower in 11 days. We are now resting comfortably at home. I'll be going back to work tomorrow and Eddie will get to rest at home without being poked and prodded (and spoiled by the nurses).

His next dose of Chemo will be a one hour infusion on Friday. Then we get a whole week off. We've been told that side effect symptoms will kick in about the 10-14 day mark, so we're bracing for that. For now, we are grateful for a good day, our own beds, and only 16 days of Chemo left.


P.S. I want to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who has reached out so far. We are overwhelmed by your love and support. Also - mega thanks to both Eddie's and my parents. We wouldn't be holding it together without their hands on help. Driving, getting food, shopping, cleaning. You're keeping us sane ♥

Welcome to the first round...

I'm beginning this blog in order to keep family and friends updated on the status of Eddie's diagnosis and treatment. So many people have contacted both Eddie and I in the past few weeks, and while we appreciate the gesture (and hope you keep checking in), I know it is much easier to dispense information in this format.

Eddie's cancer journey began on December 20th, when he decided to seek medical care for shortness of breath he had been feeling for about the previous month. Not having a primary care physician here yet, he went to Urgent care, who sent him to the ER. When I found out he was on the way to the hospital, I was able to leave school early to join him. After a chest X-Ray, we were told they found a 13 cm mass in his chest. Through tears and fears, Eddie was taken for a CT scan and we met with our oncologist, Dr. Braik. He asked us several questions and answered all the questions we had. The initial belief based on how his tumor looked was that Eddie had Hodgkins-Lymphoma. He admitted Eddie to expedite the initial biopsy process, and we went home the following day.

 

After a week of waiting, during which we celebrated Christmas with both our families, we met again with Dr. Braik to hear the news. Surprisingly, the biopsy yielded no cancer cells, because the majority of the tumor was smelling of the lymph nodes. So, in the meantime, we scheduled a second, more in-depth biopsy. During the procedure, the surgeon, Dr. Khabbaz, inserted a port-a-cath so that chemotherapy could begin as soon as a diagnosis was confirmed. This second biopsy took place on January 4th. The recovery was more painful because they had to cut through his muscle, and we had a difficult week of little sleep, anxiety, and lots of pain. As the following week progressed, Eddie was able to get up and about with the help of Lori (his mom 💕)

On Thursday, the 10th, Eddie blew his nose and experienced excruciating pain in his back, so much so that he couldn't move. He contacted Dr. Braik who instructed him to come back to the ER, where he would meet us with the diagnosis. Our appointment wasn't until the 11th, but his diagnosis had been confirmed with the Mayo Clinic: Testicular Cancer.

WHAT???!! The tumor is in his chest, how could that be? Eddie's cancer is known as Seminoma, a tumor outside the Testicles. Another name for it is Extra Gonadal Germ Cell Tumor. Brief Biology lesson ahead! When we are developing in the womb, all our organs originate from the mid-line, near where our heart is now. As we develop, our organs move to their final locations. A few cells that would have become part of the testicles remained up in Eddie's heart/chest region. As Dr. Braik put it, those cells went rogue. It’s very uncommon and he hasn’t seen a case of this cancer in ten years.

So, even though our original belief was Hodgkins, we now had a diagnosis with an even better prognosis for recovery (better than 95%!). In order to curb the complications of Eddie's tumor, he was admitted again (stay #3, if you're counting) to begin chemotherapy the following day.

I am finishing this first blog post on day 4 of his first round of Chemo. We have been made aware of the side effects, the possible risks, and what to expect when we go home (Tomorrow!) Eddie has experienced a few side effects already, and if you're curious about them, feel free to ask him. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming and immense and we greatly appreciate it and welcome it in the months to come. I'll be updating as I can remember, and may enlist Lori and Eddie to post some entries too.


In the meantime, continue to send us your prayers, hug your loved ones a little tighter and enjoy the moments you are given.

If you're interested in an Eddie's Fight shirt, please fill out this form. Shirts will be ready February 1st.