In The Beginning...

So how did this all begin?

I believe a timeline is in order!

Late July
I started having random fevers and headaches, nothing constant and nothing major. Doctor believed I was simply getting over a virus.

Early September
Those "random fevers" turned into a 10 day non-stop fever fest. Tylenol was my only relief. At this time I sought out a doctor up at school that could help me get this figured out.

I found a Dr. Feinstein listed under "Infectious Disease" (Creepy Title, I know). Deep down part of me was hoping this would sort of work out like an episode of House. Unfortunately it was pretty anti-climactic.

He ran a myriad of blood tests including mono, mono like diseases, tick diseases and the like. However all the results came back negative and I also perceived my symptoms to be getting better, and so we parted ways. The plan was to check back sometime in October just for due diligence.

Most of October
Throughout this entire time I was experiencing night sweats. However, in the beginning I discounted it as a symptom. At the time it was pretty warm out, we had yet to reach a house agreement on the A/C, and my multitude of blankets made me believe that it was just me.

As the month went on the temperature dropped, the blankets lessened, and even the house had somewhat silently agreed on the A/C temp. Yet I was still sweating!

At that point I started taking my temperature through the night.
Sure enough, I was having Fevers!!!! The Night Sweats were the fevers breaking on their own.
Here I am thinking I got rid of em, while really they became nocturnal.

Here's where it gets interesting...

Tuesday October 24, 2006
Back to good ol' Dr. Feinstein. He agreed that something wasn't right and sent me for blood work and now a cat scan. We agreed I would come back in on thursday when he would have the results of both.

Wednesday October 25, 2006 10:00am

::Ring::
"Hi Nick, This is Sandy from Dr. Feinstein's office. The doctor would like to see you now."
"...Right now?"
"Yes, Right Now."

Dr. Feinstein received the report from the CAT Scan, and there were different masses or nodes that were very suspicious of lymphoma. However, at that time there were also a few other options on the table. His suggestion was to immediately seek out an oncologist to get a better diagnosis.

After what was probably the worst three-way call with my parents (my poor mother almost had a heart attack) I was on my back to long island to get a better handle on this.

Wednesday October 26, 10:00pm
Wham, Bam Thank You Ma'am!

In Twelve hours, I went from being in Poughkeepsie (confused out of my mind) to being admitted into Sloan-Kettering Memorial Cancer Center in the city. Immediately they begin running tons of blood work and also sent me for different CAT Scans at 12:30 in the morning.

Thursday October 27
Thursday was filled with test, after test, after test. I didn't even know if I was coming or going.
I was also introduced to way too many doctors.

There was the surgical team that was to perform a biopsy to get a better idea of what we're dealing with.

There was another team of doctors evaluating me in the case that the biopsy returned a lymphoma.

Lastly, there was another team evaluating me in the case that the biospy returned a sarcoma.

The amount of care and attention to detail was amazing even from Day 1.

Friday October 27, 2006
I don't remember much from this day. The biopsy occurred at around 9:30 AM and the general anesthesia kept me pretty loopy for the rest of the day. What I do remember is that we were positive it was lymphoma. However, we didn't know what type.

It's like saying I have a Dodge... But I don't know if it's a Viper, a Charger, or possibly even a Spirit!!! (Kudos if you had yourself a chuckle)

It would take a few more days to get a definite diagnosis as they examine the samples they took.

Sidenote: So where did these samples come from?
It turns out that there was a large mass growing in my pelvis.
(Yes, mass is keyword for tumor, but mass just sounds better)
When you look at an image of your pelvis, you see your bladder take shape like a big balloon. Unfortunately, mine was sharing half it's space with this lovely mass. Which also explains why I was going to the bathroom like a pregnant woman.

Moving On!!!

Tuesday October 31, 2006 7:00pm
We have a diagnosis!

Diffuse large B-cell Lymphoma
This is the most common non-hodgkins type lymphoma.

Now as you go out and google this term, you might find different numbers of a 5 year survival rate. 60%, 75%. However, those in my age group experience cure rates of 95% so as I said before, no need to worry!

Here is a good time to introduce my doctor.
Dr. Tanya Trippett

This woman is a saint. While most doctors will shrug off your concerns and simply try to be finished with you, I have never seen a doctor take such time to fully address all of my concerns, while clearly articulating everything that is happening. This includes the tests that are being run, the concerns that they have, and the purpose of each medication that I have been prescribed. After meeting with her (which has occurred every morning since I have been admitted to sloan) she has never left me with an unanswered question, or with a confused look on my face.

I can only imagine the amount of patients she has and yet she can still take such time out to be so involved.

Tuesday October 31, 2006 8:00PM
After a brain draining session explaining everything about my new found lymphoma, treatment quickly began.

For this type of lymphoma the treatment simply calls for chemotherapy, no radiation is required.
Unfortunately, the entire treatment cycle lasts a year.

Again, this is no need to worry. The treatment is broken up into three phases.
1. Induction
2. Consolidation
3. Maintenance

Induction - This is the most aggressive part of treatment. This usually lasts for the first 20-30 days. This is where I am hit with the hardest meds to quickly combat the cancer in my body. This is the main reason why I need to remain home through the rest of the fall semester.

With the type of lymphoma that I have, it can grow quite rapidly. Luckily, the chemo causes it to retreat just as quickly.

As for Consolidation and Maintenance, I'm still a bit hazy on the details. But the most important thing to note is that the treatment required is not as aggressive as the first Induction stage.

conclusion: I will be returning to Marist for Spring 2007... PARTY!!!!

Wednesday - Friday, November 1 - 3 2006

My first round of chemo went off without a hitch and I came through it with flying colors.
As they introduced the meds into my body, I was filled with anxiety. Obviously everyone has heard horror stories of cancer treatment.

Luckily I can say I have experienced none of these symptoms. I have remained my radiant and happy self throughout the treatment.

I won't lie though, Thursday into Friday was a little rough. The meds took a lot out of me and I could do nothing more but stay in bed and rest. Yet, by Friday night I awoke from one of my many naps feeling refreshed and as good as new!

Saturday November 2, 2006

Pretty Boring...
Watched Over The Hedge
Took a nap
Funny Story: Guys Only, ask me personally for a good laugh! :-)

Sunday November 5, 2006

They want to send me home!!!
Problem: I have to be back here Monday morning anyway for some more treatment I'd rather stay then try to get home during the marathon and come back during rush hour.

But all in all, I'm doing great.

They also had bleachers setup to see the marathon, since they run right past the hospital. I got to see Lance Armstrong as he ran past along with the many members of "Fred's Team" which are the people that run for Sloan-Kettering, where each year they manage to raise over One Million Dollars.

Sidenote: GO COLTS!!!!

Final Update:
Monday November 6, 2006 2:56 AM

All-in-all I think this was a good start.
A good start for my treatment.
A good start for the blog.

I wish I could explain everything to everyone individually. This is a very personal situation, and I want to be able to talk it out with each of you one by one.

Yet somehow I feel that this blog will help to make sure everyone is on the same page. What better way to stay updated then to get it all straight from the source.

Lastly, I don't want anyone to feel burdened or bothered by my condition.
I don't, so neither should you!
But if anyone ever has any questions, I'd be more then happy to answer them.
So you know how to get a hold of me!

As for what lies ahead...
More treatment, and more rest.
The doctor says I should expect to start seeing hair loss in about 10-14 days.
I made her laugh when I told her I was already halfway there.
Any suggestions for hats??

As for the rest of this semester...
I have spoken to all my professors and they have all been gracious enough to allow me to finish my work from home. I don't have to worry about falling behind.

So stay tuned sports fans... More updates ahead!