Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Here is the scoop

If you are on this website, you must already know that this last week Billy was told he had Lymphoma.... Many are wondering where this came from and what is the latest updates, here is the story.
As of late, Billy had been getting sick more often and feeling more tired than usual. We didn't put much stock into it, after all, he is getting older! A couple of weeks ago while driving, Billy felt a lump on his neck. He gave it one more week, then went to the doctor the Thursday before last.
She immediately scheduled an MRI for the next day. Unfortunately, while in the MRI the machine broke. He was rescheduled for the very next Monday. We received the results on Wednesday. He was told he had Lymphoma, with 2 masses on the neck and 3 around his heart. He met with the doctor the next day, Thursday, to go over the radiology reports. On Friday he was scheduled for the Biopsy. Friday's doctor gave him another exam and decided, instead of the Biopsy it would be better to take one of his Lymph nodes out. This would get him the best diagnoses.
Yesterday we went to Hunterdon Medical Center and had one of the Lymph nodes in his neck removed. The surgery was done as an out patient procedure and lasted about an hour. We then spent another hour in the recovery room before being sent home. As he became more aware, he asked for his Giants hat, some coffee and cookies. He also asked if he could bowl that night! The doctors and nurses were great, although I think he wanted to hit the nurse who put the needle in!
I have a lovely photo of him in his gown and little hat that I will post, if I ever figure out how. The results of the test should come in at the end of the week, beginning of next week at the latest. He is home and resting now. He is very sore and in some pain. He isn't allowed to lift anything for a week, or have a beer for 24 hours. (this was not pleasing to hear).
The next test will be this coming Thursday. He will need to go for a full cat scan of the body to find out if there is anything else that was missed.
He is doing fine at the moment. We are all optimistic. He wanted to coach his little league team tonight if the weather holds. Of course, this would be from a chair on the sidelines.
All of your well wishes have been very appreciated. Sometimes he feels like talking, and other times he doesn't, so be patient with him at this time. You can leave him messages on this website and I will make sure he gets them .... Thanks again for your love and support and I will continue to keep you posted on this website.

11 comments:

drettino said...

Billy,

The Rettino's have you in our thoughts. Keep your spirits up - you have a lot of support.

Mike " Stump" Matiash said...

Billy,

From the entire 4-way team you are in our thoughts and prayers. Get well soon

beke19 said...

Biily,
Get well soon! We are thinking of you and have you in our prayers.
The Ettel's

Mike said...

Wendy, thanks for keeping us updated.

Billy,

I wish you the best of luck. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Get well soon (we pitchers have to stick together! :-)

Mike Keenan

Melissa & Tom said...

Dear Billy & Wendy,

We love you and you're in our thoughts & prayers.

Love, Melissa & Tom

Billy and Wendy said...

don't blame your hairline on chemotherapy jackass

Billy and Wendy said...

for the record... billy left that last message about the hairline!

Jacqueline said...

You are still a dork.

SSoletto said...

Billy,

We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

The Soletto's

drettino said...

I like the other message -your still a dork!

Jayne said...

My brother Billy,
I am not a pray-er as you all know,but I take a moment every day to send you my love and positive thoughts for your recovery. You are so brave and I know you will get better because you have Wendy beside you all the way. I love you very much Billy and I will be up there soon to see you. If you need me for anything....What you wrote is beautiful and touched my heart. Thank you for sharing that. Jayne