Sublime – What I Got 1994 (Feel free to play this while you read)
So after weeks of waiting and testing, I finally have a more definitive diagnosis. We were pretty confident it was cancer and were expecting something along the lines of colon cancer, the results we got were, to say the least, a bit unexpected.
It turns out that the diagnosis I got is Lymphoma, which is a cancer of the lymph nodes and lymphatic system. From what the doctors are telling me, it is rare that this type of cancer is found in the colon, <1%. The good news is that, for all Lymphomas, I have a common strain. More specifically, I have diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, NOS (non germinal center B cell/non GCB subtype) [ed. note: like most of you, I lost it at “diffuse large…”].
At this point, I have not talked to an oncologist or any other doctor that specializes in cancer so I do not yet have much details on this cancer or the plan moving forward. This will most likely happen sometime this week. Stay tuned for more updates on this front.
The irony in all this is that back in the fall when I started noticing symptoms, like abdomen pains, I was working very hard at work on a presentation I was to give at a medical conference in San Diego. I was really stressed at the time so I was attributing the pains to the heightened stress levels. The presentation was on a technology that one of my colleagues created whereby we can use cameras and machine vision to help guide robots to help doctors better diagnose breast cancer, essentially providing them with a “third hand”. With Mary Ann’s help, I learned a lot about the lymphatic system, sentinel lymph nodes (SNL) and SNL biopsies which I used as background information for my presentation. I did not realize at the time that this would be important for my own health.
I wanted to say thanks to all those who have already visited this site and/have commented. I was kind of rushed into getting this version working. I was tossing around different options on how I was going to disseminate the info and tried this on a whim. Literally 30 min. after putting up the site, while I was still test driving it out to see if it was going to work the way I needed, I got my first comment. I was not ready for this so it was a scramble to finalize it and learn how it all works. Looks like I am committed to this now so bear with me as there could be some idiosyncrasies that may arise while I learn how to use these tools.
Thanks again for all the well wishes and support. I continue to stay positive throughout and am confident that I will get through this, stronger than ever. It is going to be a tough year so I am hunkering down and focusing on how great 2017 will be.
Darren
Hi Darren, Mary Ann & the girls!
It looks like word has gotten around up North quickly and we’re all anxiously waiting for updates, wanting to call you but not wanting to add stress to your ordeal by keeping you on the phone all day, repeating the same info over and over… This blog is the greatest idea! Thank you so much Darren for sharing with us.
If there’s anything I can do, please let me know. In the meantime, just know that you’re in our thoughts & prayers!
We love you,
Kisses & Hugs,
Aunt Cathy & Uncle Neil
Hi Darren, Kelly and I just hear today about your diagnosis and wanted to let you know that we are thinking about you and your family and we will keep you in our prayers. If there is anything that we can do to help please don’t hesitate to contact us. Take care and stay positive.
Sorry you have to go through this Darren. Beat the hell out of it. Love to you and your family. xo
Love u buddy try to keep positive thoughts and be strong… xoxo
Hey man. I am of course saddened to hear of your health issues, but equally pleased at the same time to see that you are taking a rather upbeat and positive attitude towards it. I can’t speak from experience but I’m absolutely sure that keeping a kick ass mindset throughout your recovery will help speed up the return of good health. Thoughts are with you and your family and I look forward to seeing and working with you at more gigs in the future! Peace and good vibes! T.
Im sorry to hear this. I love u, keep positive. Ur in my thoughts sending u tons of hugs and kisses. Xoxox please keep me informed.
Darren, pretty amazing your keeping a blog on this and much appreciated! I will admit though, I would have really preferred sitting around talking about the other ‘NHL’ over a couple of colds ones…another time. You know you have our full love and support through this journey. No doubt there will be some bumps along the way but your positive attitude, your inner strength and amazing family will walk you through this journey until you say those 5 incredible words: ” I am a cancer survivor!”
Love you,
Richard, Lesley, Aaron, Stephen, Chris and Stella!
It took me a little while to figure out the other “NHL” reference. Nice! Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. I will be saying those 5 words soon. BTW, will be in Toronto at Easter. Maybe we can see each other while I am there and finally have the twin dogs in the same room.
Sounds good! When I found out your Mom might be coming down to visit at Easter I told her and Marc a couple of weeks ago to plan on having dinner here on Easter Friday. We all know you’ll be itching for some pitro….
Sounds good! When I found out your Mom might be coming down to visit at Easter I told her and Marc a couple of weeks ago to plan on having dinner here on Easter Friday. We all know you’ll be itching for some pitro….
Hi Darren and family,
I’m so sorry to hear this news. I can’t imagine how difficult this must be for you and the whole family. Please know that I’m thinking about you all and you’re in mine and Matt’s prayers. Your determination is inspiring and I too know that you’ll beat this!! If there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know. Big hugs xoxo Melissa