So what Cancer is Grandma Battling?

Pat Bode, beloved mother and grandma, has been diagnosed with an extremely rare case of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.  We are talking win the worst lottery for rare cancer award, as she is one of only seventeen people ever documented with this type of cancer.  Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in general accounts for approximately 2-3% of all non-hodgkins lymphomas.  Her sub-type is virtually unknown with no real prognosis due to its rarity.  Basically, she has a combination of Epstein-Barr virus and the cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.  These two disease processes and their cells are fighting each other and proliferating at an incredible rate.

 "Lymphoma occurs when cells of the immune system called lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, grow and multiply uncontrollably. Cancerous lymphocytes can travel to many parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, blood, or other organs, and form a mass called a tumor. The body has two main types of lymphocytes that can develop into lymphomas: B-lymphocytes (B-cells) and T-lymphocytes (T-cells)."

(http://www.lymphoma.org/site/pp.asp?c=bkLTKaOQLmK8E&b=6300151)

These cancerous cells have been found in her blood as well as her bone marrow.  She is currently receiving weekly intravenous chemotherapy treatments to combat the cancer while simultaneously finishing a strong anti-viral to try and keep the Epstein-Barr virus at bay.  Given the chemo treatments are able to decrease these cancer cells, in 3 months or more time, she will be a candidate for a stem cell transplant.  This is a unique trial opportunity in which stem cells are specifically engineered to fight and combat these cancerous T-cells.  

It has taken almost two years to reach this specific diagnosis mostly due its complex nature and rarity.  We move forward, trudge on much due to the support of friends and family showing their love, support and constant prayer.  My mother is an incredibly strong woman in faith and spirit.  It has been difficult to see her so weak, vulnerable and essentially homebound.  Thanks for joining us in praying for her.  

Prayer Requests:

- The sores in her mouth to heal so she can talk and eat without pain

- That the joy of the Lord would fill her heart and cover her in the inevitable loneliness that comes with being homebound

- Strength for my father, an unsung hero, who has taken such wonderful care of her and the household chores

- The Epstein-Barr virus would subside and that in turn, her energy would return

- The chemo would prove effective in combating the cancer cells

- There would be a match for a stem cell donor (siblings are currently being tested, children will be next)

- Continual guidance for the doctors as they seek the best treatment options for her

Thank you all!!!  Let's show this cancer that the power of prayer is real!