Email Update

Hello Family.

First of all, let me say that I love all of you very much.

The news is not good. I just returned from Summit Cancer Center and the cancer is back. It is no longer in remission. The lymphoma is in the lymph node in my jaw. There may be other issues as well, but I don’t know right now. I will begin a very serious regimen of Chemo-therapy next Tuesday at 10:00 AM. This will be CHOP chemo, along with Rituxan therapy. I am going to be ill for awhile. I will lose all of my hair within the next two weeks. This is not going to be fun. They are also scheduling me for a bone marrow biopsy at Emery University within the next few weeks. In fact, all of you will be contacted in the near future by either Dr. Roberson’s office or Emory University hospital. They want to check all of you for a possible bone marrow match. Mike Riggins may be the best hope of a match. Dr. Roberson also mentioned stem cell implants. I don’t really know what that means, but I suspect I will find out soon.

Am I afraid?

Yes.

I do not know why God has chosen me to go through this, but I am going to honor it and thank Him for giving me the strength to go through this.

I am committed to seeing this through. I simply ask for your support for the times when I will be too weak and, perhaps, apt to consider giving up. I need ya’ll now more than ever.

If you will, call Robin and talk with her. She was with me today and took the news waay harder than I did. She is either at home (***)***-**** or at the pharmacy picking up my medication. Her cell number is (***)***-****.

I have also included Fa. Bert in this email. He’s the only priest I know and I like him a lot.

Hey ……… please don’t feel sorry for me. I’m doing okay right now. I’m still in a bit of shock, but I’ll come around. Everything is good.

Mitch