Today was her day in the oncologist’s chair.
She has Stage II Hodgkins Lymphoma, which is generally treatable and curable. She’ll have to go in for more tests (probably next week) to see if it’s in her bone marrow. There are a couple of treatment options involving radiation and chemotherapy. She’ll probably start with a new trial program in a couple of weeks. There are very few side effects from the trial regimen. If that doesn’t appear to be working, we’ll probably switch to a more traditional chemo/radiation program.
The thing that worries me most is that she doesn’t have a Dr. Ginny to take care of her. But we’re both knocked out so far with Dr. Jason. And the rest of the in-house medical staff is coming on board.
My daughter-in-law Carley is a white knuckle flier. She was nervous getting on the plane coming to Richmond because they said it might be a bumpy ride. But then she thought, nothing else bad could possibly happen to this family–so she relaxed, had a drink–and had a fine flight.
Hey Mike,
Caley here. Believe it or not, I’m a pro on nursing. But I think you’ve got that box checked. If any member of your team needs errands run, laundry done, groceries purchased or any other stuff like that, just say the word. School is not that far up the street and I’d be happy to pitch in.
Please, a hug for Ginny. And one for you, too. Good news.
Helayne
Hugs to Ginny and you too! Love, Susie
Already praying for both of you. I won’t say “I know how you feel,” but I have a pretty good imagination. I will pray extra hard today.
My goodness Mike I had no idea all this was going on. Reading your words and feeling your spirit shine through is a very moving experience. Thank you for sharing this journey. My thoughts will continually be with you and Ginny — just as I remember you are both such remarkable people.
You and Ginny are both in my prayers!
I have some experience as a caregiver for my mom and Tom, so I would be honored to help your team if I could. I also know there are no schedules (other than for meds, etc.) for when you or someone on your team may need to chat. I recall times around 3 or 4a.m. When I could have used someone to chat with or text or email. I know I am known to be able to talk a lot but I am a good listener too.
Sending loving good vibes and prayers to you and your whole family.
Much love, Jean
Thanks, J. We’ll keep that in mind.
We miss you.
Love, Me
Hi Ginny and Mike,
All of us at the Beach send thoughts and prayers to you both. There has never been a time when we were able to ask you about yourself before the questions about us came from you. We miss your Mach-10 drive down the driveway, but are holding down the fort for you here.
Our love to all of you,
Martha, Robbie, Maria and Tupper
Carley let us know about the blog. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you both. Take care. Love from Maryann and Mike
Mike, my thoughts and love have been with you and Ginny for many years. I know you have a wonderful family, co-workers and friends who are there for you but if I can do anything I will be there. Know I will always be there for your Mom as she was always there for us. Love you!
You were always ahead of your time! Godspeed to you, Mike Hughes. I pray for your comfort and peace, and I pray for strength for the many who will miss you here on Earth. See you at the other end of the rainbow!!
Give me a break Sheila…the man is going nowhere yet…have faith!
Give us a break Sheila! The dude is going nowhere yet!…Choose Faith.
Perhaps with all these offers of help, someone can coordinate it all and take the planning and the never-ending questions of “What do you need?” to the next level. There are even apps for this… as the caregiver in a Multiple Myeloma family (from time to time) during the chemo phases we found food in the refrigerator every day with a ‘pop-in-the-oven/microwave’ dish and directions so it was never a worry. Neighbors and family and friends knew their tasks and the days they were ‘on’… so many people we thanked and probably will again, but hopefully a long time from now.
To Ginny and MIke, an unknown, a stranger sends you healing love and energy just because I can…