It begins

Today was the day - we feel like all of our questions were finally answered. It was confirmed that Darren has Stage 2 Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma. The doctors have determined that the cancer has not spread beyond his left arm - which is great news. We are still waiting for the results from the bone marrow biopsy, but they don't see any evidence or symptoms of that being the case. The results of that biopsy won't affect the treatment plan that the doctors have laid out so . . . crazy thing is that he starts chemotherapy tomorrow morning.

Darren will have 6 cycles of chemotherapy, a cycle every 3 weeks. A cycle is one visit to the Huntsman Cancer Institute with 3 weeks until the next cycle. So, we're looking at about 5 months of chemo followed by 3 to 5 weeks of radiation. Radiation therapy is every day, Monday through Friday, but its typically under 30 minutes per session whereas the chemo will take 6-8 hours the first time and about 4 hours the subsequent times. The radiation is also not supposed to have any major side effects.

The doctors feel confident that Darren's cancer is curable. Because he's in such great health, except for the massive tumor on his arm, they are not too worried about the chemo having such a bad affect on him.

We are feeling pretty positive about all this and are ready to take it on and beat it. We know Heavenly Father is very close to us at this time and take comfort in knowing his blessings are with us. We very much appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers in our behalf.