Hello Family and Friends, You are all important and special to me because of the unique history we share together. I am grateful and honored that you have chosen to travel this journey with me whether it's through friendship, prayer, thoughts, words of encouragement and hope or all of the above. On June 4th my doctor told me that I have Hodgkin lymphoma. It is considered "one of the most curable forms of cancer" (Leukemia & Lymphoma Society). Here's a summary of what led to the diagnosis: • follow up with MD on May 27th for swollen lymph node discovered May 3rd - she ordered an ultrasound to determine if the lymph node was normal or suspicious  • ultrasound done on June 2nd - I mentioned my "advancing arthritis" on my sternum and ultrasound tech asked MD to order CT which was done that day • MD called June 3rd to tell me the lump was suspicious and a biopsy needed to be done and they got me in that day • MD called June 4th - pathology report showed lump is Hodgkin lymphoma A lot of strong emotions on June 3rd and 4th . . . Fear, anger, disbelief, relief, sadness, helplessness . . . It all seems like a blur of moments, hours, and days. I prayed. I cried. I talked to sisters, brother, friends. It seemed surreal. One night I was standing at the kitchen sink thinking way too far in the future, and I "heard," "The end of the story isn't written yet. It may be a story of survival and love." Then I started feeling the peace of God that passes all understanding (really, it does, I can't explain it any other way). "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:7 A couple of my most urgent prayers the day after I found out were that I would get in to see an oncologist as soon as possible and that all of the necessary tests and procedures could be scheduled and completed within a week or so. It all started on Monday: • got a call Monday morning that there was a cancellation and I got in for an echocardiogram of my heart to make sure it is strong enough for chemotherapy • got a call Monday morning that one of the oncologists in the group at Frauenshuh Cancer Center in St. Louis Park had a cancellation and could see me Wednesday at 2:30 • the soonest I could get a PET scan was initially Friday - I called on Tuesday and there had been a cancellation for Wednesday 7:00 a.m. • pulmonary function test is scheduled for Monday 6/14 @ 11:00 a.m. • surgery for port placement is scheduled for Tuesday 6/15 @ 7:00 a.m. • if insurance pre-approves chemotherapy, the first infusion MAY possibly be Friday, June 18th I am so relieved and grateful to God for allowing me to get in for these tests, etc. so quickly! There are so many more details I could share . . . Tomorrow I will attempt to summarize what the oncologist, Dr. Mark Menge, said on Wednesday. Please do not be offended or alarmed if you do not hear back from me immediately. Right now, so much of my time is taken up by phone calls and appointments and just daily stuff like laundry and spending time with family and friends. Your response on Facebook and in texts has been amazing - your prayers, compassion, kindness and generosity are appreciated beyond words. With hope, Lisa