Staging NHL

Monday is "staging" day at Wake Forest Cancer Center. Seems like an odd term at first, but it really makes sense. The doctors have to perform several procedures to determine the stage of my cancer. So very early Monday morning I will head to WFUBMC-North Carolina Baptist Hospital and undergo the following:

PET Scan
Echo cardiogram
Port-o-cath placement
Bone Marrow Biopsy (both sides)

All of this helps the oncologist/hematologist identify the exact type of lymphoma, how far it has spread (lymphatic system, other organs, bone marrow, etc.) and the stage so they can personalize the treatment plan. This will help them determine the right chemo and the number of cycles I will have to receive.

So we would really appreciate any and all prayers for Marathon Monday. As they say backstage: "Break a leg!" For the non-thespians that's a good thing!

We continue to cling to Jesus through Scripture, songs, art, friends, etc. Here's a favorite from the late soul poet, Rich Mullins:

Well, sometimes my life
Just don't make sense at all
When the mountains look so big
And my faith just seems so small

CHORUS:
So hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace

And I wake up in the night and feel the dark
It's so hot inside my soul
I swear there must be blisters on my heart

CHORUS

Surrender don't come natural to me
I'd rather fight You for something
I don't really want
Than to take what You give that I need
And I've beat my head against so many walls
Now I'm falling down, I'm falling on my knees

And this Salvation Army band
Is playing this hymn
And Your grace rings out so deep
It makes my resistance seem so thin

CHORUS

You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace

Now cancer doesn't seem so big does it!