Help Bo and Brooklyn as Bo receives treatment

In November 2023, Bodin was having a burger and fries with some teammates following a volleyball game. A fry seemed to scratch his throat, and he didn’t think much of it until a couple weeks later when he felt that his throat was still sore where the fry poked him. A quick glance in his mouth showed that his right tonsil was much larger than normal and was partially obstructing his throat. He made an appointment with his family physician and received a referral to an ENT specialist in mid-December. Within a week, he had met with his family physician, received a neck ultrasound, met with the ENT, and received confirmation that he needed a tonsillectomy.

On January 12, 2024, Bo had a bilateral tonsillectomy. The procedure went well and the surgeon expressed that, while he had no concerns, the tissue would be sent to pathology to ensure nothing sinister was brewing. The surgeon followed up on January 30th, stating that preliminary pathology was clear and there was no evidence of carcinoma, but samples would be sent to hematopathology for additional testing.

The world came to a halt on February 8, 2024. Hematopathology had completed their analysis and issued a diagnosis of T lymphoblastic lymphoma. A referral to the Saskatoon Cancer Centre was made and appointments were scheduled for CT and PET scans. In the three weeks following the preliminary diagnosis, Bo began exhibiting symptoms such as night sweats and enlarged lymph nodes. Prior to this, his only symptom was the mass on his tonsil.

On February 28th, Bo and his girlfriend, Brooklyn, went to the Cancer Centre to meet with Bo’s oncologist for the first time. Brooklyn and Bo’s parents were there via teleconference due to ongoing pandemic prevention measures. The oncologist reviewed the scan results and confirmed that Bo has a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer.

Based on the bone marrow biopsy results and how far the cancer has spread so far, the cancer was reclassified from a lymphoma to Stage IV T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia. The treatment regimen for this cancer is intense and the oncologist recommended Bo be admitted that evening for a month-long hospital stay to begin treatment immediately. Within 12 hours, Bo had received a formal cancer diagnosis, a bone marrow biopsy, a PICC line insertion, and a hospital admission.

The following morning, February 29th, Bodin began chemotherapy. His regimen is called the Dana Farber Protocol, which involves a month of intense in-hospital chemo followed by approximately 35 cycles of outpatient chemo and radiation. He will be receiving chemotherapy for at least two years and will likely be unable to work for the same period. Brooklyn will be utilizing caregiver leave through EI and will be off for the next 15 weeks to focus on Bo’s wellbeing and her own mental health.

As of today, March 3rd, Bo has received multiple doses of chemotherapy and is starting to feel the combined effects of the cancer and the chemo on his body. He is handling the diagnosis with grace and dignity, and his only wish so far is that his hair doesn’t grow back red. Bodin’s family and loved ones are devastated with the outcome, but we are rallying around each other and supporting one another as best we can. Brooklyn is splitting her time between Bo at the hospital and the dogs at home.

This will be a long road for Bo and his family. We are all still coping with the aftermath of the diagnosis, hospital admission, and start of treatment. With Bo being off work for an extended time and Brooklyn taking caregiver leave to be with him, the future is feeling somewhat uncertain.

We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support that has come our way, and it is so heartwarming to know that our village is rallying around us. We (Bo and Brooklyn) are especially grateful to our parents for dropping everything to attend appointments, stay with Bo in the oncology ward, and help with any little request. Brooklyn and Bodin will be providing updates to the coordinator of this fundraiser, our friend Savannah, to post on this page as treatment progresses.

We ask that anyone who is willing and able please consider donating blood and/or registering for the Canadian stem cell donor registry. Bo is likely to need many blood transfusions during his treatment, and Canada’s blood inventory is constantly in need. While a stem cell transplant is not the primary treatment route for Bo’s type of cancer, it may be needed eventually. Fewer than 25% of patients find a stem cell match within their families. Please visit www.blood.ca to find your closest donation center, FAQs, and for details on joining the stem cell registry.

With all our love and gratitude,

Bo & Bee