For latest update on my cancer treatment, go here:
Here’s original post from April 17:
Well, unfortunately, my lymphoma has returned.
This time it appeared in one of my testicles. I had that removed in early April, and now I am starting treatment. For those of you interested in the medical details, you’ll find them below.
Last time I went through treatment, I know a lot of you were interested in updates. So this time, I’m going to try to post regular updates at this web page: billonthecamino.com/cancer. I don’t want to fill up your mailboxes, so you won’t get email reminders when I add updates, but if you check the page occasionally, you can keep up with how I’m doing.
Thanks for the support that I’ve received from many of you already. It’s appreciated.
Q: What’s the prognosis?
My oncologist says “our plan is to cure this.” And that’s very possible, but there are high recurrence rates, which means I could find myself doing more treatment in the future. At this point, nothing is life-threatening, it’s just a lot of treatment with plenty of bad side effects. So, we just have to go through this and hope for the best. If it permanently cures it, hurray! If not, we go down the next treatment path later.
Q: What treatment are you getting?
Since my lymphoma returned in my testicle, I have an increased chance of the lymphoma emerging in my brain, spine or other testicle. Those are locations that many cancer treatments have difficult reaching, so it means a multi-faceted response is necessary. Radiation and chemotherapy will be used to address the testicle, spine and brain. Then, immunotherapy will be used to address the rest of my body.
Here’s the down and dirty on all the activities planned:
- MRI of brain to make sure lymphoma is not there.
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to make sure lymphoma is not in the spinal fluid.
- While they’re in the spinal cord, inject some chemotherapy (Methotrexate) into the spinal fluid. This way, if there is lymphoma in the spine, we avoid having to do another spinal tap right away.
- Use radiation on my remaining testicle. This will be 3-4 weeks of daily appointments. This should kill any lymphoma that may be there.
- Go through 2-3 cycles of chemotherapy (High Dosage Methotrexate). This is a “bridging” treatment that will be used until I can start CAR T-Cell therapy/ I will probably have to be in the hospital 1-3 days for each cycle.
- Go through CAR T-Cell therapy. This treatment takes a few months and it will attack the lymphoma across the rest of my body. This is a complex process. First, they take my T-Cells from my blood. Then, they genetically modify those cells in a lab. Finally, the modified cells are re-introduced into my body. The new modified cells are designed to attack the cancer cells, but unfortunately, they attack some good cells too.
- Reaction to the modified T-Cells can be fairly severe, so for the first 30 days, they will monitor me very closely. For the first 7-10 days, I will need to be an inpatient. For the next few weeks, I will likely have to visit the hospital daily to be checked.
- My immune system will be highly compromised so I will be isolated for much of this treatment. 3-4 months after the CAR-T treatment, I should be able to live a pretty normal life, although my immune system will be weak for quite a while.
I’m already done with #1 through #3, and things are going well.
I expect all of the treatment to be complete by end of summer, and hopefully I’ll be fully recovered by the end of the year.
Q: How are you holding up emotionally?
It was a bit of a gut punch when I first learned about the recurrence. I knew it was possible, but didn’t expect it to be back just one year after I finished treatments.
I find that my attitude improves as the plans for treatment solidifies. When you have cancer, your number one priority is getting rid of it, so you’re anxious to get started. Now that I have everything scheduled and underway, I’m more positive.
That said, the next 3-4 months are going to suck. Looking at the whole list of treatments is overwhelming, so, like the Camino, I need to take things one day at a time. I try to do that, but still find myself with some anxiety.
One thing that is brightening my spirits… three of my loyal blog followers are walking the Camino this summer! Beth from Wisconsin is walking the Camino Frances right now with her husband Jay. Sarah from New York just started walking the Camino Portuguese. And, Kari from California will be on the Camino Frances in a few weeks. I can’t walk the Camino myself this year, but I love following my friends as they walk.
Oh, and one more thing to celebrate. On February 22, our first grandchild was born! Emily Kay Wrobleski. My son, his wife and Emily live only about 3 miles from us, so Grandpa will be doing lots of spoiling. Photos below.
Q: When you are healthy again, what are your Camino plans?
I had plans to walk Caminos in California and Cornwall this summer. Unfortunately, those plans have had to be cancelled. I hope to be back on the trail in 2027. No concrete plans yet, but I am feeling a strong pull toward Santiago de Compostela. I’d really like to walk back into the square in Santiago again, free from cancer.
Ladies and gentlemen the newest pilgrim in the family… Emily Kay Wrobleski. (I’m already her favorite, btw.)
Bill,You certainly have our support and prayers as you journey through this treatment plan. Let me know if there is anything we can do to help. Bob Gansen
Hang in there, Bill, and good luck. When you look at the full course of treatment it can be daunting, so you are wise to try to take it one day at a time, like the Camino. Be here now and don’t worry too much about tomorrow. It will work itself out.
Well, this just sucks, but i love your attitude, your research and I
want you to know I have added you to my prayers. (I pray for all cancer
patients daily….but those going thru treatment get named!)
Sending love and hugs….YOU GOT THIS!
Enjoy that baby.
Peggy
Sorry to hear about the cancer recurring, Bill. Chemo and radiation are, IME, no fun. Wishing the best for you, and hoping to see you back in action in 27!
Best – – Oren
So so sorry to hear this news, Bill. Praying that all goes well. 🙏🏻🙏🏻 You’re an amazing person. Sending love and hugs from Roger and me. 🩷🩷
Bill, thanks for sharing your news. We will be praying for you!
Oh Bill. I’m so sorry to hear that you’re having to deal with this. Funny how having a treatment plan and getting underway helps the mental side. My son shared something with me when I was starting my treatment. When he was in basic training at the Air Force Academy their line was “embrace the suck”. I thought of that repeatedly. Hang in there and think of that beautiful new addition to the family! There’s joy right there. Thanks for sharing this with us. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kari
Hola Bill,
Im currently in Spain with my family, and today, from Madrid, they head west (to Detroit) and I head North (to Leon, and then, San Martin de Laspra in Asturias)
I will be serving as an Hospitalero for a quincena (15 days). I stayed in this albergue during my Camino del Norte and really connected with the folks there.
During my service at this albergue.I will pray for you every day when I wake up, when am cleaning, when I’m checking peregrinos in, when I’m cooking, I will pray for you.
Buen cancer fight Camino
This sounds wonderful. I love seeing pilgrims giving back to the Camino. Your prayers are truly appreciated. Have a wonderful time, my brother.
Bill, I am sorry to hear that the lymphoma is back and that you have had to alter summer plans! Our healing thoughts are with you.
I am thrilled, though, for you to hear of your first grandchild! It is an unparalleled experience to spend time with your child’s child.
Best,
Karen and Paul
Hi Bill. Of course I will be following your journey for which there is no training/preparations. I imagine just because you conquered this once before-well- each time brings it own set of circumstances. I bet each day you can be with your Emily is quite special! She will light up your life like nothing else. I’m sorry you are going through this. And I thank you for keeping me on your list so I will send prayers and good thoughts to you and your family. Linda
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Bill, you are one of the bravest, most amazing people I know, and that’s just for sticking with Michigan all these years. You have survived our friendship this long, so I have faith you will see this through. When you are “embracing the suck”, just text me and I’ll send you a selfie. That’s sure to motivate.
Yvonne and I have you close to our hearts (right under the IU logo).Un abrazo, Bob
Your post cut-off after the words “you are one of the bravest, most amazing people I know.” Finally, you said something I agree with. :). Thanks, hope that someday soon we will be drinking adult beverages together in cool location and talking about how “embracing the suck” is behind us for a while.
Hi Bill
That really sucks. Thanks for warning us not to make a snarky comment about your brain.
This sentence really struck a chord with me and took me back down memory lane. I hope you don’t mind me sharing.
“I find that my attitude improves as the plans for treatment solidifies.”
This past week, I was asked to congratulate Dr. Allen Lichter on reaching 80 and to share any stories I had with him. Dr. Lichter was the Chair and Dean when I was at the Medical School. He was also my Oncologist when I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Below is the memory I shared with him.
“The memory that stands out most to me, however, goes back to October 1991. I had just turned 37 and had three young boys (ages 1, 8, and 11) when I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
I received my diagnosis on a Friday at St. Joe’s and was seen at the Cancer Center the following Monday. As you can imagine, I was terrified—no one in my large family had ever had cancer. You were one of the physicians I met that day, and I believe you may have been the last. Until then, each person had explained their role in my treatment, but no one had spoken directly about the seriousness of my diagnosis or what to expect.
When I met with you, you said, “This is a detour, not a dead end.”
In that moment, everything shifted. I realized I didn’t need to think about funeral arrangements—I just needed to focus on getting through treatment. Your words changed my entire perspective, allowing me to set aside fear and move forward with clarity and determination.”
Knowing those next steps gave me the control I needed. I won’t say I wasn’t freaked out, but at least I felt like I was doing something. I can see you are putting your project management skills to work. You have identified the problem and the milestones, know the deliverables, and are already planning how to celebrate.
Take Care
Debbie
Thanks, Debbie. Your story hits home and is appreciated.
Bill, I know you’ll pull through and be back on the trails in no time!
Hi Bill,
I’m so sorry this is happening. I can’t imagine how upsetting this is to you and your family. If there is anything you need from me, please let me know. There is also no need to reply, as I’m sure you are busy.
Prayers for you each morning when I start my day. Darryl
Hi Bill, You’ve already shown how strong and resilient you are. This cancer doesn’t know what it’s up against. Wishing you good doctors, good news, and many brighter days ahead. Emily Kay is such a cutie… enjoy watching her grow! Best wishes, Trish