The Final Pathology Report, Probably

Well, my spleen is out and the results are in. I have an even more rare form of lymphoma than the doctors secondarily suspected. The final pathology, undertaken on the spleen after its removal, indicates that I have a lymphoma known as Splenic Diffuse Red Pulp Small B Cell Lymphoma (SDRPL). 

In recent years, we have taken to using the phrase “Do the Most” to encourage our kids to put all effort possible into their endeavors. I guess my body decided to “Do the Most” when it came to developing a lymphoma. Instead of some run of the mill variety that could be corrected with a common treatment plan, I, instead, have SDRPL. This lymphoma represents less than 1% of known non-Hodgkins lymphomas. It is so rare that my oncologist (a lymphoma expert) at Stanford has never had a case before. It is so rare that the little known about it comes from case by case studies on individuals.  So I figure I’m the talk of the town wherever oncologists hang out. 

Early on in this journey, I gave my oncologist permission to bring in local medical residents to study and learn from my case. I remember telling him that it would be a blessing if my medical condition helped them to learn more and be able to help others in the future. Today, I find that I feel the same way, and I hope that the oncology team at Stanford can use my case to further their knowledge and take one step closer to finding a cure for this rare disease for not only my benefit but for others as well. 

That being said, although there isn’t currently a cure, the prognosis for my SDRPL looks pretty good. It is a very slow growing lymphoma so we will use the “watch and wait” method in which my blood counts are measured every 3 months. As long as the number of lymphoma cells does not rise, and I am not exhibiting adverse effects from the existing disease, I will be able to go about my regular daily life with no complications. 

So, my most urgent medical matter right now is to heal up from my splenectomy. If you’ve been following the blog, you will remember that I have a doozy of an incision that is currently healing. It looks great, I haven’t had any issues with infection or “pulling” of the incision. I am being as careful as I can about avoiding lifting heavy objects (the rule I was given is nothing heavier than a carton of milk for 6 weeks). I do get up every day and putter around the house doing little odds and ends to help everyone else out. 

The kids and Jim have been wonderful about taking up all the chores I would normally do so I try to help out as I can. However, I don’t do too much because my body tells me when I have overdone it. I guess I’m not as far along in recovery and healing as I think I am because each afternoon I end up in bed asleep for a few to several hours. 

I will have a post-surgical checkup the first week of September. I am fairly hopeful that he will give me the green light to return to work in mid-September. That’s my current goal. 

I’ll send a further update in coming weeks. For now, I just want to again say thank you and reiterate how much the prayers, cards, meals and well-wishes have meant to my family and to me during this process. Please know that you are all greatly appreciated.

Comments

  1. Mary ClementAugust 14, 2019 at 10:30 AM

    ❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MulliganAugust 14, 2019 at 11:08 AM

      Thank you!

      Delete
    2. Uncle JackAugust 14, 2019 at 1:00 PM

      We have will pray for your recovery, such good news and yet you are still in the beginning stages. May the Lord bring a cure post haste.
      We love you and you are in our thoughts daily.

      Delete
    3. Steve PetersenAugust 14, 2019 at 3:50 PM

      I am so happy to hear that my partner Fife will be back in town (AKA Garfield). You are my hero. I want to be like you when I grow up. You're such a great role model for the rest of us to follow. I feel lucky to have a friend like you. You are an example of the power of prayer. I look forward to having us work together to form those future leaders big and powerful minds. My students have asked about you many times.

      Your friend,

      Steve

      Delete

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