Update & recap

Hi all,

Time for an update. But instead of me this time I thought I would just cut and paste what Tim wrote for the LLS marathon training packets. (Lymphoma & Lukemia Society). YES! He is running the Bay Shore Marathon sponsored by the LLS. But more on that later!

So here it is.......its a great recap......and please keep praying for Tim!

Stage 3 LPHD. (Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin’s Disease)

Diagnosis. July 2005

Current Status: Treatment Pending. Chemo Therapy will begin once I begin to have symptoms or medical difficulty.

Additional Information: My wife Joanne and I along with our 3 kids, Max (7), Olivia (5) and Charlie (3) live in Holland, Mi. We like to spend as much time as possible boating or downhill skiing as a family. My hobbies and passions also include running and mountain biking.

I was originally diagnosed in July of 2005. 6 cycles of ABVD chemo therapy were administered and after 6 months I was declared in remission. It was a long 6 months dealing with the side effects of chemo while trying to be a good husband and father as well as keep a career moving along. God however always gives me the strength to deal with today no matter what it may bring. In July 2006 a routine scan showed that the Hodgkin’s was growing again. I was referred to the U of M to discuss a stem cell transplant and I prepared for chemo therapy treatment again. Through prayer meetings and Gods healing I never received treatment for the reoccurrence in 2006 and remained cancer free for the next 4 years. In March or 2010 my 5 year scan that was supposed to be my last scan came back positive with enlarged Lymph nodes in all the same places again. I took a second trip to U of M for a stem cell transplant consultation and second opinion. I learned that at this time I am not a candidate for a transplant. The doctors explained to me that the Lymphocyte Predominant type of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma that I have is very rare and makes up less than 5% of all Hodgkin’s patients. The good new is that this type of Hodgkin’s grows slowly and responds well to treatment. The bad new is that there is no know cure for it. It can be treated to some extent but It cannot be totally eradicated. Since it cannot be cured I am waiting until I have symptoms before seeking treatment. We hope that the next round of chemo will knock the cancer down for a while and then we will do it again and again and some day a stem cell transplant may be an option. But for now, We wait.

The work that the LLS is doing is very important for people like me because it is very possible that the money you help the TNT raise will fine the cure for LPHD and allow me be cured and live a normal life. There may not be a cure yet but there is always hope.

On lesson I have learned by this experience is to focus on today and on the things and people that matter the most. Over the next 5 months as you begin training I challenge you to focus on today. Love people with a heart of compassion and service and live every day to the fullest.

Tim Van Vliet