Hodgkins Lymphoma

[Zodiac82]

Good to hear Igi!! Hoping that things keep movin in the right direction

[Igifuno]

Good to hear Igi!! Hoping that things keep movin in the right direction

Thanks Zodiac, and me too man.

[RaginCajun]

Glad to hear that he is progressing right along Iggster!

Hope he can figure out a way to battle the nausea

[Igifuno]

Glad to hear that he is progressing right along Iggster! Hope he can figure out a way to battle the nausea

Thx RC, he's definitely got a way to battle it.

[Igifuno]

Quick update on me brother.

Just finished round two of ICE chemo and homeboys hair was falling out like crazy so he went ahead and shaved it. Looks like a monk. Lol.

So in a couple weeks they'll give him a PET scan to see how effective the treatment is. This will determine what's next. If he's in remission already then they'll proceed with the bone marrow replacement and, if not, they'll go for another round of chemo.

Once he's in remission and can do the transplant, they'll first attempt to do with with his own marrow (they put it back into him after essentially filtering the cancer cells out) but of that doesn't work then he'll need a donor.

He feels like shit from the chemo but remains in good spirits. He's a tough sob that's for sure. I'm so proud of the way he's fighting.

[Zodiac82]

Hope everything works to where they can proceed with the next step. With everything goin on its good that he's still in good spirits...hopefully they can go straight into the transplant .

Keep us updated Igi

[Igifuno]

Hope everything works to where they can proceed with the next step. With everything goin on its good that he's still in good spirits...hopefully they can go straight into the transplant . Keep us updated Igi

Thanks, Zodiac, appreciate it. I hope so too, this ICE chemo is no joke, so we're really hoping the two rounds zapped it but we shall see.

[novastepp]

I'm keeping you guys in my prayers and I'm hoping for positive results from the PET.

[NACH3]

Quick update on me brother.

Just finished round two of ICE chemo and homeboys hair was falling out like crazy so he went ahead and shaved it. Looks like a monk. Lol.

So in a couple weeks they'll give him a PET scan to see how effective the treatment is. This will determine what's next. If he's in remission already then they'll proceed with the bone marrow replacement and, if not, they'll go for another round of chemo.

Once he's in remission and can do the transplant, they'll first attempt to do with with his own marrow (they put it back into him after essentially filtering the cancer cells out) but of that doesn't work then he'll need a donor.

He feels like shit from the chemo but remains in good spirits. He's a tough sob that's for sure. I'm so proud of the way he's fighting.

^^ so important and very glad to hear he's in good spirits... Your right he's a tough SOB! Then again we are Italian haha

Continued prayers to your brother, you and your family!

[Igifuno]

I'm keeping you guys in my prayers and I'm hoping for positive results from the PET.

Thx nova.. Truly appreciate the prayers and positive thoughts.

[Igifuno]

^^ so important and very glad to hear he's in good spirits... Your right he's a tough SOB! Then again we are Italian haha Continued prayers to your brother, you and your family!

Damn right we are. He would appreciate that reminder as well haha. Thx for the prayers NACH.

[GirlyGymRat]

Spent sometime reflecting this weekend on my somewhat foul mood lately. I've got nothing on your bro and his spirits are higher then mine. Hmmmm. Insightful.

That chemo is very tough. I am praying for the best outcome!!!!

[Igifuno]

Spent sometime reflecting this weekend on my somewhat foul mood lately. I've got nothing on your bro and his spirits are higher then mine. Hmmmm. Insightful. That chemo is very tough. I am praying for the best outcome!!!!

Thanks G, everyone has their own issues in life including me, but its good to have something that can give you some perspective from time to time.

I'm going to FL on Sunday to spend a few days with him. He gets his PET on Monday so I'll be there for that which is good. Hopefully I'll be there when he gets the results. They will determine next steps.

[NACH3]

Thanks G, everyone has their own issues in life including me, but its good to have something that can give you some perspective from time to time.

I'm going to FL on Sunday to spend a few days with him. He gets his PET on Monday so I'll be there for that which is good. Hopefully I'll be there when he gets the results. They will determine next steps.

Great to hear you'll be together w/each other during these most trying times -- again all positivity and prayers continued my brotha!

And yes... Perspective is a great thing to get one back on their known path, imo! Make sure Ya try and get some good eats - Manja paisano

[GirlyGymRat]

Thanks G, everyone has their own issues in life including me, but its good to have something that can give you some perspective from time to time. I'm going to FL on Sunday to spend a few days with him. He gets his PET on Monday so I'll be there for that which is good. Hopefully I'll be there when he gets the results. They will determine next steps.

Safe travels and let him know how much support and healthy vibes and prayers he has from the extended family.

[Igifuno]

Great to hear you'll be together w/each other during these most trying times -- again all positivity and prayers continued my brotha! And yes... Perspective is a great thing to get one back on their known path, imo! Make sure Ya try and get some good eats - Manja paisano

Yeah I'm really happy I'll be going down. He really had a rough week. I'm gonna have to force feed that skinny boy haha.

[Igifuno]

Safe travels and let him know how much support and healthy vibes and prayers he has from the extended family.

I absolutely will GGR, really thankful for all the support. It means a whole lot. Thanks so much.

[almostgone]

Continued prayers from the wife and I, Igi and please travel safely!
It generally crosses our minds several times a day, so a silent prayer is said each time, buddy!

[Igifuno]

Continued prayers from the wife and I, Igi and please travel safely! It generally crosses our minds several times a day, so a silent prayer is said each time, buddy!

You and Mrs. AG are amazing, my friend. Really cannot tell you what that means. Thank you brother and please tell the Mrs. how much me and my family appreciate you guys.

My brother has never seen the forum, although I've mentioned it to him (as a fitness forum). I think I'm going to show him this thread so he can see the love and support here. I know he'll be beyond touched and appreciative.

Really thanks again AG.

I always feel better after coming in and seeing what everyone is up to and seeing things like this.

Thanks to all.

[RaginCajun]

Do it Iggy!

He knows we are here for you as your 'other' family!

Tell him to make an account if he is feeling up to it so we can see him progress!

[Igifuno]

Do it Iggy! He knows we are here for you as your 'other' family! Tell him to make an account if he is feeling up to it so we can see him progress!

That would be cool RC and yes he definitely will know.

[Igifuno]

Way overdue update on me broski.

Dan is kicking cancers sorry punk ass. I was able to go visit him in FL for a few days and he got his PET scan results while I was down there.

After two rounds of ICE chemo, all the masses in his neck and chest are GONE. So he does NOT need another round of ICE thank god. It's so harsh. All his hair fell out and he's as bald as a baby's butt.

So he's now at a cancer center in Tampa gearing up for stem cell transplant which will be rough. Mom is down there with him for the next couple of months. He'll have to undergo 3 days of an extremely harsh chemo, which will make certain the cancer is dead, but will also destroy his marrow (hence the needed transplant).

They're going to first try to filter the cancer cells out of his own marrow, and that has a 50% chance of working. If it doesn't work (which I believe it WILL) then he will need a donor.

One step at a time. He's sick and really tired but his attitude is unbelievably awesome. I'm so proud of him and so grateful for the time I was able to spend with him.

Keep sending positive vibes and prayers. They are working.

[DCI]

Wow man epic to hear really really happy to hear that man. Genuinely so happy for you your bro and your family.

[MrFreshmaker]

Glad to hear that Igi,I'm sure he will be just fine.

[NACH3]

That's great Igi!

Words can not describe the happiness I feel for your bro, you, and your family! All the best and continued prayers and support your guys' way! Really Great news brotha!

[RaginCajun]

So glad to hear all of that bud!!!

Keep everyone strong like you!

And tell Dan to keep kicking dat ass!!!

Gonna need to cook damn a big ole pot of boiled crawfish!!!

[Igifuno]

Pot o' Cajun crawfish sounds great!

Thank you guys. Very much appreciate all the love and kind words.

He's winning, no question.

[DCI]

This might sound a bit soft but man I am so happy for you to have that release of pressure from you and bro it must be amazing onwards and upwards man

[Igifuno]

This might sound a bit soft but man I am so happy for you to have that release of pressure from you and bro it must be amazing onwards and upwards man

It's ok to be soft with stuff like this DCI haha. Onward and upward!

[RaginCajun]

Pot o' Cajun crawfish sounds great! Thank you guys. Very much appreciate all the love and kind words. He's winning, no question.

Yes indeed!!!

And I can meet sis-in-law! Haha!

[Igifuno]

Yes indeed!!! And I can meet sis-in-law! Haha!

Kill two birds with one stone.

[almostgone]

Way overdue update on me broski.

Dan is kicking cancers sorry punk ass. I was able to go visit him in FL for a few days and he got his PET scan results while I was down there.

After two rounds of ICE chemo, all the masses in his neck and chest are GONE. So he does NOT need another round of ICE thank god. It's so harsh. All his hair fell out and he's as bald as a baby's butt.

So he's now at a cancer center in Tampa gearing up for stem cell transplant which will be rough. Mom is down there with him for the next couple of months. He'll have to undergo 3 days of an extremely harsh chemo, which will make certain the cancer is dead, but will also destroy his marrow (hence the needed transplant).

They're going to first try to filter the cancer cells out of his own marrow, and that has a 50% chance of working. If it doesn't work (which I believe it WILL) then he will need a donor.

One step at a time. He's sick and really tired but his attitude is unbelievably awesome. I'm so proud of him and so grateful for the time I was able to spend with him.

Keep sending positive vibes and prayers. They are working.

This is sounding really good, Igi! Absolutely out-f-in standing!

[Igifuno]

This is sounding really good, Igi! Absolutely out-f-in standing!

Hell yes AG!

[GirlyGymRat]

LGI. Best post ever!!! Healing prayers and positive vibes sent.

[Igifuno]

LGI. Best post ever!!! Healing prayers and positive vibes sent.

All smiles! Thanks, G! you've been so incredibly supportive, really means a lot.

[Zodiac82]

Hell yeah..that's some good ass news man...glad all this is working out..
Keep moving in the right direction

[Igifuno]

Hell yeah..that's some good ass news man...glad all this is working out.. Keep moving in the right direction

Thanks, Z.. Appreciate that dude. Great news. We even talked a bit about him coming to stay with me for a few months after his transplant but not sure if it's realistic since he needs to be close to his docs and has to work. We'll see though.

[Igifuno]

Update:

Dan and our mom went back to the cancer center in Tampa yesterday to meet with his transplant doctor to get the results of all his tests.

Dan is 80-90% clear of all disease. The PET showed 3 small lymph nodes - one on the left side and one on the right side of his neck near his chest, and 1 near his trachea. Before his 2 rounds of chemo, he had 15-20! The tumor volume is small.

So they will head back to Tampa on Friday to start his 5-day Neupoen injections, which will reduce his chances of infection. The chance of infection is high since all of his blood counts will be practically 0.

Next Monday, he'll have the tube-port placement, and then on Tuesday, stem cell collection. They'll come back to Orlando on Wed, and then return to Tampa Friday morning when he'll be admitted.

He will start chemo immediately and for 6 days straight. The 7th day following admission, Thursday, March 31st, is transplant day. He'll be in the hospital for probably 3 weeks, and once he's discharged, Dan and Mom will have to stay close to the hospital for daily tests.

The exciting news is that he will be coming up and staying with me and my family to recover for 2-3 months!! Dan will have to hook up with a hematologist/oncologist in Bethesda at National Institute of Health, which is fairly close to my house but other than that, he'll be well taken care of.

So, this no so fun transplant journey begins soon. Will keep you all posted. Thanks again for all the love and support.

Please continue praying for both of them.

[Hazard]

So happy to hear this man!

[Igifuno]

So happy to hear this man!

Thank you my friend!