I want to share some news with all you blog followers. At Thanksgiving, I was diagnosed with lymphoma. Yep, while that sucks, the good news is we caught it very early, and the treatment options are excellent. My oncologist’s exact words were “this is curable.” Those are words every patient wants to hear.
For you medical-types out there, the official diagnosis is Diffused Large B-Cell Lymphoma (Non-Hodgkin). It’s relatively common and a good treatment plan exists. For me, that consists of one day of immunotherapy/chemotherapy every 21 days for 6 cycles.
My first treatment was December 27 (pictured above). My second treatment is today, January 16 (pictured below). In fact, I’m posting this from the infusion center. If all goes as planned, my last infusion will be in mid-April. Of course, cancer couldn’t care less about my plans, so I’m ready to be flexible.
The pattern appears to be that the second week after the chemo is the toughest, but the other two weeks aren’t that bad. That could change, but so far, it’s pretty manageable as chemo goes.
Bill, how did you figure out you had cancer?
Regular readers of my blog may remember back in September when I complained of some stomach pains on the Camino in Portugal. (Link to that post here.) My problem turned out to be constipation which was treated by laxatives, and that worked well throughout the Camino. Unfortunately, the problem persisted into November.
While we were visiting our kids in North Carolina for Thanksgiving, my daughter (a physician assistant), had me get an exam from one of her friends. That led to a CT scan. That led to a biopsy. That led to a diagnosis. I had two lymph nodes in my lower abdomen that were inflamed due to lymphoma. Thanks to the great attention by Abbey and her colleagues, that all happened in less than a week. When I got back to Michigan we met with an Oncologist and started treatment.
The outlook for 2025
For the first four months, I’ll be doing chemo. Since I’ll be immunocompromised during my treatment, I’ll be spending most of my time at home, and won’t be interacting with many people. When the treatment is complete, I’ll take it easy until I’m back to full health. We’re hopeful that we’ll be enjoying summer in Ann Arbor (and at our lake cottage) with me back at full health.
In September, I expect to be back on the trail walking from Switzerland to Rome. I’m really looking forward to this trip, not only because of the great countries that I’ll be in, but because I’ll be joined for parts of the walk by my college roommate, my kids, my nephew, his girlfriend and some other friends.
Expect to see posts about us walking over the Alps in September.
Thanks everyone!
The amount of support we’ve already gotten from friends and family is amazing. Thanks to everyone for everything.
And especially, thanks to Shirley, who is doing the lion’s share of work keeping me healthy and sane. Can you imagine being the primary caregiver for an impatient, hyperactive, self-centered, uncooperative patient like me? She needs your prayers more than I do.
I’ll try to post once or twice in the next few months to let you know how it’s going.
Bill on the Camino 
Bill I am so sorry you are going through this. I am really sorry for Shirley.😀 What a gift your daughter made magic happen and got you in to see the right people and lucky that you weren’t too stubborn to resist going. Chemo can be yucky, but it is powerful stuff. I used to tell my kids to think of it as Pac-Man eating all of the cancer cells. It must have worked I have been cancer free since 1991.
Take care of yourself. I am looking forward to seeing your blogs of Switzerland.
Debbie Deborah S. Mero Senior Executive Director of Administration and Chief Financial Officer College of Engineering University of Michigan dmero@umich.edu
I am an Individual with Reporting Obligations (IRO). I am obligated to share with the Equity, Civil Rights & Title IX Office any information disclosed to me about possible sexual or gender-based misconduct. https://sexualmisconduct.umich.edu/policy/
It’s great to hear that your sense of humor is resistant to biohazards. Another very good friend went through a chemo-radiation treatment last year, and is now back to good health. And skiing (at a respectable pace for a person who gets super season discounts at the ski resorts).
Take care, my friend.
Tough news, Bill, but it sounds like your attitude is in a good place. I can tell you first hand that keeping the sunny side up is really important. Let me know if you’d like to talk, and who knows, maybe I’ll see you at the infusion center one of these days.
Hi, Bill! WOW! So sorry to hear you’re on the Chemo-ino- but happy that due to Abbey’s vigilance it was caught early!! Sending you and Shirley love and prays. Shirley knows best – You mind her!! Hang in there, and continue focusing on happy, warm, healed thoughts ahead toward the cottage & Switzerland! Betsy
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Hi Bill. Gosh, what a bummer, but so glad that they have a good treatment regimen, and the outlook is good. I send you my best wishes for a great recovery. Sending love to you and Shirley (and your whole family!)
Love,
Marilyn
Wow Bill and Shirley, I’m so happy you caught this so early but sad you must endure these months of treatment. Th
WTF??!!! You are the last person I would have imagined getting sick. Thank God for your amazing disposition and your family. Abbey and Shirley are definitely saints. I will be praying for a full healing and a process that is not too tough. Hang in there. Love you!
Holly
Thanks so much hope you and your family are well. Love you too!
Sending good thoughts and good vibes your way!! TAKE CARE!!
Sending healing vibes for a full recovery and looking forward to following you on your next Camino adventure this fall!
Good luck with your treatment, Bill! I’ll be thinking of you and following your blog for updates.
Bill, I was so shocked to hear this news. So grateful you have a wise daughter in health care that helped you find this early. You and Shirley are in my prayers. I know you have a great attitude and your sense of humor will keep everyone going. Wishing you all the best as you fight this. Prayers ongoing!
I am so glad your daughter helped you find the answer and get you on the road to health. I will be thinking of you and Shirley on your road to health— maybe the most important road you have traveled yet. Prayers for healing! 🙏
Martha Schmitt Coleman
Wishing you a quick and full recovery!
Bill, your wonderfully positive attitude and outlook will serve you well — of that I am sure. Even so, you have the warm wishes and prayers of so many in your court, including my own. God bless you! You will sail through this, but I hope the prayers of family and friends will uplift you during any of the difficult times.
Bill, what a shocker! When i saw your message in my inbox, I thought, where is he walking now? Sad to hear that you are walking the path of faith in our merciful God during this phase. I am so thankful that it was caught early! I will definitely be praying for Shirley as your caregiver, for your family, your medical team, and also for you during this journey. Praying for a full recovery and looking forward to your Switzerland to Rome walk blog.
Thanks for sharing, Bill. You’re right, poor Shirley! lol!
What a great call by Abby and her friends/. So glad for the early diagnosis.
Are you allowed to chip and pitch on the simulator? Hope so! Give me a call if you get bored.
Wesley will be moving to Heartland in April and Megan will join him in May as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, to begin work at a nearby Humane Society.
You’re in our thoughts and prayers!
Ilene & Rich
Bill, I’ve been praying for you since I first heard last month. I was expecting to see you and Shirley at Greg’s party so Peg broke the news to me that you wouldn’t be coming. It is such good news that you caught it so early and I’m confident you’ll be back on the trail next summer. Take this time to delve into some of the things you never have time to do! God will guide you maybe it’s time to do some serious writing about your trips! I’m sure you’ll figure it out. And many prayers also for Shirley!!!😉😏🙂↕️
hugs and prayers from Pegs sister, Pat
Your abundance of heart, faith, family and friends will see you through this new journey. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers every step of the way!
Bill I’m so sorry to hear this news. I know that your positive outlook will guide you through this journey. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Hi Bill, Surprised and concerned with your latest news and the newest challenge you and your family are facing. Prayers for patience for Shirley, for sure! And for you, too. Only positive thoughts! Do keep us posted…There are a lot of people who care about you! ;->MJ
Bill, I am so glad they caught this early. I will look for your medical updates, as I know you will beat this. This gives you time to plan the details for your next trek in Switzerland. I’m praying for you and your family.
Sheesh, I thought we were prophylactically treating cancer together in Greece when we were pumping ourselves with biohazards in the form of sangria, Aperol spritz, and ouzo! And now you have Peggy making me watch “Terms of Endearment” with her. BTW, don’t do it! Feel well my friend, and let Shirley know you need another back massage.
Bill,Thank you for sharing this information. I will certainly be praying for your successful medical treatment and recovery. Prayers for Shirley too. The next four months will be difficult and probably boring. Then it will be warm outside and you will be more active. September
This is not the blog post I was expecting, but grateful it was caught so early and that the prognosis looks so good. You are loved and have the prayers, good wishes, and positive vibes of so many friends and family. This cancer doesn’t stand a chance! ❤️🙏🏼💪🏼 Hang in there my friend!
Hello! Mr. Bill,
So shocked and surprised to learn of your cancer diagnosis! Glad it was caught early and your doctor says it’s curable…. All GREAT news!! Chemo sucks, but I’m sure with your goofy attitude and Shirley by your side… you will be walking strong on your next Camino trip to Switzerland! Looking forward to reading about your next adventure!
Good Luck and Take Care!! 😃
-Karen Trombley 🙂
Bill, I was stunned to hear about your diagnosis. I believe Julie told Andrea. Thankfully, it is curable. The treatment takes quite a toll
Wow! Thank you Bill for your transparency. Will be praying for your healing and comfort for you and Shirley! Bruce and Kelly Greene
Hey, Bill! Sorry to read this but glad the prognosis is good. You’ll kick butt here, just like you do with everything else. Make sure you do something nice for the wife!
Bill,
May you find continued strength and wisdom in God, may your wife Shirley receive a double dose of strength and rest during this time, and may the Camino of life continue to broaden and brighten with your presence.
Well, well, well Bill. Not saying you should fall down the well but instead may you be well with a complete recovery. Frankly I recognize this is a late ‘response’ but I was frozen as and after I read your post over a month ago and it took a while to wrap my mind around how you, of all people would get such a Dx.
However, as I think about it all, you’re the perfect guy to bring this to light, share your story in not only an informative way but with your unique cheerful and hilarious manner. God is working through you.
I wish you and your family comfort, grace and joy through the process as I believe in your determination as well as your selflessness in sharing. I always enjoyed every moment in the old days when you were up at the microphone to share whatever workplace or golf outing story or presentation. I miss being in the presence of your story/information telling. Always so fun.
Sending you love and admiration for your outward love toward the rest of us as we share in your journey from afar sending prayers and positive thoughts your way.
Love you!
Thank you so much. Seeing your name pop up today brought a smile to my face. We were so lucky to work with such a wonderful group of people, and I have nothing but fond memories of you. Thanks for your encouragement. I’m over halfway done with treatment now and it’s going well. I don’t love chemo, but it’s not as bad as I thought. Just plugging along day by day. In one sense it’s good for me. I’m always planning the future, and this illness makes me present in today. All the best to you. I love you as well. Bill.