PIX TAKEN OF THE SWELLING ON RIGHT SIDE OF NECK

I sent this short story to a very good friend of mine David Musselwhite of Jonestown, PA and he called me later with a big grin going about myself learning how to take a Selfie.  I told David, I took three (3) and this was the best one and we both got a tremendous grin going for sure.  David sure did up lift my spirit during our conversation.

I might have looked a little better if I had my store bought teeth in, grin if you must!

SELFIE RETAKE

After the very good grin that Dave Musselwhite and myself had over the first posted Selfie, I was somewhat "antsy" today (02-04-2025) and decided to give it another try on the ole Obamaphone.  NOTE:  I call all cell phones Obamaphone!  The right side of my neck has some serious swelling issues and will be so glad when the chemotherapy treatments start and praying for healing!

BIOPSIES TO BEGIN

On January 1, 2025 Dr. Lukacs took 4 biopsies (fine needle aspiration) of my right neck lymph nodes and the results were not definitive and the procedure was repeated again on January 9. 2025 with similar results with 6 biopsies taken.  It took about 3 days after those biopsies were taken to get the pain level down to a manageable level even with medications.

FINAL DIAGNOSIS

Rare atypical cells, cannot exclude malignancy (see comment).  Additional sampling is required.

An appointment was scheduled on January 17, 2025 at the Atrium Health Union Radiology for core biopsies to be taken, of which 4 were taken and the results were more definitive as to being lymphoma.

Since the swelling of my right neck was enlarging, Dr. Brouse prescribed Prednisone 20 Mg Tab 3 x morning with food to hopefully reduced the neck swelling and pain level which did help a good amount.  However, my sleep definitely departed from me, but keeping on keeping on trusting in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

On January 27, 2025 I had an Transthoracic Echocardiogram Complete performed at the Atrium Health ER here in Anson County, NC to ascertain if my heart was in good enough condition to get a PET/CT skull to mid thigh scan performed of which it was.

On January 28, 2025, the PET/CT Skull to mid thigh scan was performed.

SNIPPET OF PET/CT RESULTS

CLINICAL HISTORY:

Lymphoma-Staging, Hematologic malignancy, staging, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck (CMD)

MOVING FORWARD IN OUR LORD

My pain level at times has been above 8 for a couple hours or more and could only walk the floor and pray to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior for His help.  I am a born again Christian and believe healing is possible by God's Holy Word.  Jesus Himself said, "By my strips we are healed."  The Bible verse "by his stripes we are healed" appears in the King James Version of the Bible in Isaiah 53:5. The verse is also referenced in 1 Peter 2:24. Whether Jesus heals directly or with the help of Doctors, medications and treatments, it is entirely up to Him. One has to exercise Faith and believe (trust) in God's Holy Word.

Dr. Billy Graham was presented this question and here is a copy and paste of his answer:

Q:
Why does God heal some people and not others?  We prayed and prayed for my little niece's leukemia to go away, but God didn't heal her and she died.  I have to admit it's hard not to feel bitter.
A:
I understand your hurt, but I want to assure you that God understands your hurt even more than you do and wants to surround you with His love and compassion during this difficult time. The Bible says that He truly is “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

I don’t fully know why God restores some people to health but doesn’t do it for others.  Some day in heaven we’ll understand, but in the meantime we can only look to Him in faith and trust. If we don’t, we’ll only end up in bitterness, anger and confusion — and that’s a dead-end road.  Remember: God knows what it is to lose someone to death.  His only Son died on the cross for us.

But let me ask you a question: Where is your little niece now? Death has taken her, and you can’t help but grieve over her passing. But listen: She is in heaven now — and all her pain and weakness are gone. She has been healed — completely and forever! The Bible says that in heaven, “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

Never forget: Because of Christ we have hope.  In the midst of your tears, ask God to help you lift your eyes to heaven and the promise we have of eternal life through Christ. Is your faith in Him?

PRIOR PERSONAL CANCERS

I had cancer on the nose (squamous cell carcinoma) before and took twenty (20) radiation treatments and so far so good.  I also had cancer on the side of my temple and ear which was squamous cell carcinoma) which was stage 1 skin cancer.

I will soon have a port in place for the chemotherapy treatments and have a schedule for them also.

I have the support of family, friends and our Church and Church community who are up lifting me in their prayers to God through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  Why God allows healing for some and not others is beyond the capacity of our mortal thinking, understanding and reasoning and we must trust in Him.

I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior for His many blessings in this life and give Him, the Praise, Glory and Honor in all things

I will add additional information to this saga when received and each and every one of you keep me in your daily prayers!

BARD POWER PORT IMPLANT - IR PORT-A-CATH PLACEMENT

Dr. Ross Bellavia implanted the Bard Power Port on the morning of 02-06-2025 and everything went fine. 

Diagram of the Bard Power Port and how it works.

A picture of the actual device, per the brochure that was provided.

I had to be at the hospital cath lab 1.5 hours prior to the procedure and the staff utilized every minute of it.  It didn't take Dr. Bellavia and his team long to get the device implanted.  Other than my right neck paining from the swelling, the procedure was basically pain free.  The entire staff were professional and first class all the way!

The deep fascia of the pocket was closed with 2-0 Vicryl suture. Superficial tissues closed with dermabond.

I will start chemotherapy treatments next week and looking forward to a recovery with the help of our Savior, Lord Jesus Christ and Dr. Gregory Brouse and his team at the Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute in Monroe, NC.

CHEMOTHERAPY BEGINS ON 02-11-2025

I am very pleased to start the chemotherapy under the guidance of Dr. Gregory Brouse and his team and my friend Robert Webster of Hamlet, NC volunteered to transport me to the facility there in Monroe, NC and glad he did.  I think the actual treatment aka chemicals administered through the port implant  lasted 400 minutes aka 6.66 hours if I am not mistaken.

I am being treated for Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of lymph nodes of multiple regions (CMD).

Pix above of one of the entrances to the hospital.

ROBERT WEBSTER OF HAMLET, NC

As stated earlier, Robert transported me to the center and so much appreciative!  I must say that he gave me a good amount of "chin music" for being a front seat driver, both going and coming, but I told him I was his navigator.

There was a humongous amount of down time for Robert and he made good of it.  He showed me the breakfast he had at Gus Family Restaurant there in Monroe up the road from the hospital which consisted of a 3 egg omelet and a pile of hash browns and coffee..

As Robert would say, Man.  I bet he was "Tight as a Georgia Tick on the back of a Coonhound in the month of July!"

Robert visited various gun shops and pawn shops and will get the details posted when he sends them to me.

Robert also went back to the Gus Family Restaurant and had a light lunch, salad and complementary soup.

Robert stated he visited Cardone Arms USA, ACH Arms, American Pawn and Gun, Monroe Pawn & Gun, USA Gun & Pawn and after he dropped myself off at home, visited the Village Pawn & Gun Shop here in Wadesboro, NC for a rounded out day!

SELFIE TAKEN

As stated earlier, it was a long waiting time to get the treatment and my right neck lymph hurt, but endured.

The entire staff at the Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute in Monroe, NC. were very professional in all that did and tried to make you as comfortable as possible.  There was one cancer survivor who was a volunteer than came around and she was so inspiring and helpful.  I forgot her name, but will get it at the next treatment.

Last night was the first night that I got an excellent sleep since November 30, 2024 and did get up at 4:00 AM to take some medication and then went back to bed and slept until 8:58 AM and today went real well.  Pain level was down to a 1 or 2.

I went back today and got a shot which follows up each chemotherapy treatment.

Praise Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior for his many blessings.  He sees us through the good times and the bad times, which is a part of Life on this earth.  But, I know there is a better place awaiting for those that are a born again Christian!

ONE WEEK SINCE FIRST

Everything that has been told me about the chemotherapy treatment and its side effects has been spot on:e.g., loss of appetite, loss of weight, taste buds have a metallic taste and nothing taste good even water and all kind of fruit juices.

I think the big factor is weakness.  I can only nibble on a few food items during the day and try to stay hydrated as the best I can.  I am able to consume a couple cans of Boost during the day without any complications and that is a good thing.

SELFIE TAKEN

It appears that my swelling is going down some in the right neck, however there is some pain.

I definitely didn't feel like shaving since it pains some and will let it go at that.

I am continuing to pray to God through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior Lord and heeling power// 

Web page update by Bill aka Mickey Porter 02-18-2025.

DEHYDRATION TOOK ITS TOLL

The morning of 02-21-2024, I got up out of bed with much difficulty and fell into the lamp shade next to my side of the bed.  Later in the living room,  I fell a couple times and hit my head hard on the floor.  I then called 911 and had EMS to take me to our local Atrium Health ER here in Wadesboro, NC  and they scanned my head and pumped so fluids into me.  Around 9:00 AM or after,  I was transported to Atrium Health Monroe and admitted tot to the CCU and stayed there most of the day and later transported to second flour room 2430.

I stayed at Atrium Union Monroe, NC the part of four (4) days and part of a day at the Atrium Anson ER here in Wadesboro, NC. The entire staff at both facilities were professional in all that they did.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 02-27-2025.

WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS

The day of my discharge from Atrium Union Monroe on 02-24-2025, sometime around 10ish or after, I got a call from home stating that my bride was unable to get out of the wheelchair while in the bathroom.  I advised them to call 911 and get her transported to the Atrium Health Anson ER, of which they did.  My bride was unable to stand and probably due to gout and swelling in her right foot.

Sometime in the late afternoon, I got a call from the Atrium Health Anson ER that my bride was ready to be discharged.  I asked the nurse to check and see if she could stand on her feet and if not, have someone give me a call.  A person called, don't know his name and I advised him that if she could not stand, to keep her there and/or transfer to Atrium Union Monroe, NC and try and get her into a rehabilitation facility since due to my current health issues, I was not able to provide home care for her.

No one called back and I called the Atrium Health Anson ER around 6:00 PM and was advised she was admitted there.

She stayed at the Atrium Health Anson ER until 02-27-2025 until around mid-day and transported to the Anson Health & Rehabilitation Facility here in Wadesboro, NC.

I am not fully putting into print what I thought about the total incompetence of wanting to send her back home in the same condition she was admitted and will leave it at that!

This is her third (3rd) stay at the Anson Health & Rehabilitation since 2019 and she is very pleased with the care given there.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 03-01-2025.

SECOND CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENT ON 03-05-2025

I talked with Dr. Gregory Brouse during the prep stage and he was going to cut back some on the aggressive chemicals and add them in on later treatments.

The treatment didn't last as long as the first one, but I still get very antsy sitting in one place that long.  I did make one or two trips to the restroom which was not a problem.  Most of my hair came out and my head was super cold, therefore the toboggan which helped out.

The volunteer Lady I mentioned during my first chemotherapy treatment was there today and her name is Lauren.  I present Lauren with one of my custom made coaster and she allowed me a take a pix of her.

She is a very wonderful Lady and went around and checked on the needs of each patient.   

Above a pix of one of the coaster with the hand made Mexican tile and the cedar frame and wood marquetry from Germany was fabricated by yours truly.  There is a hidden 1/4 inch wood dowel in each corner, therefore the frame should never come apart.

The following day I went back and received a shot, but don't remember the exact details of its purpose.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 03-07-2025.

ANOTHER SELFIE TAKEN ON 03-15-2025

I had our neighbor Connie Marsh buzz cut the the remaining sprigs of hair that the chemotherapy had not finished off.  If you will notice my right eye brow is much higher that the left eye brow.  There is a story behind that and I will try and elaborate as to the possible cause.  My Mom Ann Coley Porter gave birth to me when she was fifteen (15) years old; basically a child having a child.  According to my Grandma Coley, Mom had a difficult time delivering me and when she went to the Anson County Hospital (now torn down), she was allowed to view yours truly.  According to Grandma Coley, my lips were very swollen, eye lids shut and swollen and they had some kind of temporary cast on my head to help straighten it up.

When Grandma Coley arrived back home, her husband of whom she called Mr. Coley because he was about twenty-five (25) years older than she was asked her, "What about the baby"?   She said Mr. Coley, "That is the ugliest baby I have ever seen!"  Mr. Coley said, "Maw, don't talk about the baby like that."

Later when I arrived home, Mom showed me to a neighbor Hamp Robinson, and he said "he could have taken a brick bat and made a better looking baby", grin if you must!

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 03-16-2025.

THIRD CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENT 03-25-2025

Our son Bill, Jr. took 8 days off from his employment in San Diego using built up sick leave and was a blessing to have him drive me around and doing odds and ends at our home.  He transported me for my treatment which lasted about four (4) hours.

I am about to get juiced up shortly.  Bill has a good grin going too.  I look like someone had licked the red off my candy, grin if you must!

After chemotherapy, Bill drove us to Gus Family Restaurant, not to far from the hospital.  He had a fish plate and I had a double burger which was far more than I could consume, but gnawed a dent into it.

The following day, I went back for a booster shot to help build up some of what the chemotherapy had depleted. 

Web page update by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 03-27-2025.

LEAVING ON A SPIRITUAL NOTE

If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please take this moment to accept him by Faith into your Life, whereby Salvation will be attained.   

Ephesians 2:8 - 2:9 8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Open this link about faith in the King James Bible.