Here's the latest (done in LARGE font for those with eye issues):

On July 31st, we went back to Walter Reed for installation of a port device (at 7 am) to allow easy access for chemo drug infusions, blood samples, etc. This was a relatively minor procedure and we were back up in the Hematology department around 1030 or so.

Through discussion with the docs, we made the decision to start chemo right away instead of waiting until Monday. We were able to go home and throw some essentials together, then get Kris back to the hospital that night.

During the treatment regimen, she will be admitted to the hospital for 5 days, with pretty much a continuous infusion of chemotherapy drugs during that time. The drug regimen is known as EPOCH-R and is a standard treatment for the type of cancer she has. The doctors have been great and open, honest, and forthright in everything they've been telling us. The overall prognosis and projected outcome is good, although there are no guarantees, as with any type of cancer. We will take it a day at a time and adjust where needed.

The overall cycle is 5 days of chemo, followed by 16 days of rest. During the rest period, Kris will have blood samples taken twice a week to check her blood chemistry and make sure the chemo is doing what it should be doing. The doctors can adjust the medication as needed to make sure the maximum effect is obtained to kill the cancer cells. She gets to go through 6 of these cycles, so she should be complete somewhere around Christmas time.

As I write this, she is in the hospital, waiting for the treatment to begin. We are still waiting on results from the bone marrow biopsy that was done, but the PET CT showed the cancerous areas were limited to the right tonsil, the lymph node next to it, and possibly another node about 2-3 inches down the neck, on the right side. Per the docs, this is classified as a Stage 2 cancer - it is localized, on one side of the diaphragm, but has spread to more than one physical location. There were no factors against starting the treatment right away, and the docs felt that starting sooner was better than waiting.

The internet connections in the hospital are very spotty, so while she is in the hospital, I will provide updates as I can. I know a lot of you are waiting on pins and needles to hear the latest, and I apologize for not being able to get things out as quickly as you may need. On behalf of Kristen, thank you for all the thoughts and prayers during this time!