I figured I would start somewhere around the time this began. 

In March/April 2023, I felt a lump under the right side of my chin.  Didn’t think much of it at the moment.   

As the months went by, my wife began getting very concerned and requested I contact my doctor at the VA.

Aug 2023 – I opened dialogue with my primary care doctor regarding the lump under my jaw.  The doctor thought at first it could be caused by an allergy or virus that my Lymphatic system was fighting.  She requested I start taking Benedryl.

 Sept 2023 – After trying that for a month, we realized this was not an allergy or virus. I requested my doctor to order a CT scan.

Oct 12, 2023 – First CT scan completed of my skull and upper torso. Results showed enlargement of not one but several lymph nodes in my skull.  The scan also picked up an abnormal mass in my lung.

Oct 30, 2023 – Appointment with Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT); during appointment doctor inquiries about the sore on my neck behind my right ear. I told him it had been there for longer than the swollen lymph node; he conducted a biopsy on both the sore and lymph nodes.

Nov 4, 2023 – Second CT scan to get a closer look at my lung.

Nov 13, 2023 – I had my second appointment with ENT.  The results showed that the sore is basal cell carcinoma, but they are not conclusive as to what is happening with the lymph node; I set up a larger biopsy and removed the basal cell carcinoma.

Nov 28, 2023 – First PET scan of my skull. 

Nov 30, 2023 – Dermatology appointment to review basal cell carcinoma and discuss surgery.

Dec 5, 2023 – Second biopsy of lymph node; this one was a doozie. I originally requested to be sedated, but somehow, they did not get the memo. However, everything went just fine. The VA doctors were awesome.  I had about five people around me keeping an eye on me. I was able to view the ultrasound monitor. I could watch the needle going into the lymphoma node while they extracted the soil sample.  I did begin to get a little nauseous.  Not from watching but from my body reacting to a foreign object close to my nerves.  However, the surrounding physicians noticed my blood pressure drop and jumped in to help. 

Dec 8, 2023 – phone call with pulmonary doctor.  Basically, they do not know what’s going on in my lungs.  From the PET scan, they were able to determine it was not cancer.  They would like to give it some time.  Another CT scan is set for Feb 2024. The purpose is to determine if it is growing.

Dec 19, 2023 – Surgery was performed to remove basal cell carcinoma; I did not need to be sedated for this. I only needed local anesthetic. They informed me that this could take nearly all day.  The doctor must remove what he can and then examine it under a microscope to see if all the cancer was removed.  If he is not able to remove all the cancer, I would have to go back in to have the remaining amount removed.  Fortunately for me, it was taken out at one time.  Four hours total, about 10 to 12 injections of anesthesia, and 30 stitches later, I’m out the door.

Dec 20, 2023 – During a past appointment, my doctor put in an order for one more scan. This one was for my salivary glands. The reason wasn’t explained to me.  I figured the doctors were taking extra precautions to rule out anything else.  This lasted about an hour.  Twice I had to take in lemon juice to get my salivary glands to activate.  It is very painless; you just must lie motionless.

Dec 28, 2023

Lori and I met with an Oncology doctor at the VA.  The diagnosis, I have follicular non-Hodgkins Lymphoma stage 1 or 2.  This was a relief. I know you are wondering, “How could it be a relief when it’s cancer? 

There are four stages; stage one is considered very local and slow-growing.  The outlook concerning life expectancy and quality of life is good.  I opted for radiation therapy due to its impact on reducing the size of the tumor and slowing the growth rate while potentially having it go into remission. 

Before the visit, we compiled a list of questions.  He answered all and was very optimistic about my quality of life going forward.  Some of the effects of lymphoma on the body are fatigue, unexpected weight loss, itchy skin, and fever.  The only two I have experienced is fatigue and itchy skin.

After the appointment, we decided to celebrate. I know, a little morbid to celebrate having cancer, but the diagnosis was much less terminal than we thought. We know with the treatments, NHL can go into remission and I can still live a long and happy life.

Feb 9, 2024 – Bone Marrow Biopsy Well, that part is over.  I have to admit I was rather nervous.  I didn’t take the time to research the procedure. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I have to say this went way better than I thought.  I opted for sedation. I wasn’t sure what the pain was going to be like. I mean, they are sticking, not a regular needle but rather some special device to go in and extract the bone and marrow. Before that, two needles with local anesthetic were used to numb the area. So, yes, knock me out.  I don’t think the worst part was the IV  needles in my hand or the procedure itself.  I think the most painful part is laying on my stomach, totally covered with nothing but my bare ass showing.  Big thank you to the fine people at the VA, everyone.  My VA experience has been outstanding.

It’s done; it’s over with, no biggy!

Feb 12, 2024 – New CT scan of lungs to determine if the mass is growing.  The CT scan went well; it was a typical CT scan. No fasting was involved, but I had to get a blood sample before entering.  I was in and out in 15 min.  Now we wait for those results. 

Feb 18, 2024—Sometimes, it’s hard to remember that I have this. For the most part, I don’t feel anything. However, the excessive itching from the hips down does remind me of my condition. It doesn’t matter what time of day; I will just randomly start scratching from the hips down. Other than that, I move right along, waiting for the call from radiation oncology to schedule the treatment. 

I did post another highly recommended book; go check it out under Book Reviews.

March 7, 2024 – Today’s appointment was with Pulmonary.  I have had two CT scans and a PET scans on my torso.  I met with the doctor; for one, we know it is not cancer, and two, we found out it is not growing.  Still do not know what it is. I am unsure if it relates to my time in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait or to the years of inhaling aircraft fuel fumes. Fortunately, the VA has the PACT Act.  So, I will sign up for that and have them monitor over the next year.  Next CT scan in six months

March 14, 2024 – Met with the doctor handling my rehabilitation after the procedure.  I discussed with her the fatigue I am starting to feel both mentally and physically.  She said that is to be expected.  We did not get into details regarding the side effects of the radiation therapy because people handle it different.  She is ordering me a few items to help if I become fatigued, such as a device to avoid bending over to pick things up like a gabber, a shower for a chair, and an exercise pedal for under the desk when I’m working.  I definitely do not get enough exercise.  Some of the fatigue may be from not being active enough. I know that is something I need to get better at.  I refuse to use these devices and just become lazy.  I ran obstacle course races and plan to do it again. The VA has been absolutely great.  The only hold-up seems to be the disability rating for the cancer.  I applied back in January and received a letter stating that it has been deferred.  The doctor I spoke with today gave me the contact info for someone who might be able to light a fire under the VA’s A**.  

March 19– Radiation Oncology – discuss treatment – well I thought this was going to be to discuss treatment.  Instead, the doctor wants another PET scan.  The purpose is to see if it has grown or spread to a point that will require chemo rather than radiation.  I don’t mind it’s just that it will be three weeks until I can get the appointment and then April 15 to hear results.  The commute each time I go to the VA is an hour one way. There’s not much I can do about it.  We do have Moffitt Cancer Center almost across the street. I sent a message to my doctor to find out what it would take to go to Moffitt.  I have nothing against the VA; they have treated me well. But, if I have one of the best cancer centers in the country at my back door, then I would prefer to go there.