December 21, 2006 (Thursday)

Dr. Harris called about 8 a.m. She said they received the lab results late yesterday afternoon. She said several people at the lab had to look at what she sent them. They agreed that it appears to be a Hodgkin’s-like Lymphoma. This is a cancer that has come to light only in recent years. It is fairly new and not much is known. However, she says she has found a little about it. I asked her about quality of life and life expectancy as compared to cost of treatment. She said she’d have to do some more checking on the Internet and get back to me. In the meantime, she said she’d call Dr. Wellman with a temporary treatment plan.

I waited a few hours for Dr. Wellman to call; I, then, called him. His office confirmed Dr. Harris called and they discussed Ashley’s diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Wellman told us to bring Ashley in for a cortisone shot anytime today to help reduce the swelling and inflammation. He said he’d also have some Prednisone tablets for her to take. This all should reduce the swelling and inflammation; so, she can eat. We brought Ashley to Dr. Wellman at approx. 2:45 p.m. He gave her an injection of Dexamethasone. He gave us 30 tablets of 5mg Prednisone to be given to Ashley. She has to take 2 tablets every morning for 15 days. (See add’l entry after December 22nd)