Chi Harris - Let's Keep Chi Strong
Donation protected
On Tuesday, October 23rd I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
During the last week of September I met with my primary care doctor to discuss some new symptoms that had crept on during the last month. He decided to refer me to a Hematologist/Oncologist after taking some bloodwork and having it come back with irregular blood counts. I met with this specialist last Wednesday the 17th and she reviewed my bloodwork and symptoms. During the appointment she discovered that one of the lymph nodes in my neck had enlarged greatly, something that wasn’t noticeable 3 week prior at my initial appointment with my primary care doctor. She ordered a CAT scan that day and the scan revealed a large growth in my chest extending from my neck to the base of my lungs, compressing my left lung and an artery to my heart. Yesterday I underwent surgery for a biopsy of the enlarged lymph node and also had the chance to speak with an Oncologist about the next steps for treatment. On Thursday the 25th I’ll be admitted to Providence Portland to start my first round of chemotherapy. I’ll hopefully only be there for a few days before I am released and able to continue chemotherapy in an outpatient facility. I will be doing chemo treatments every two weeks for at least the next 6 months. That said, you will probably not see me around practice for quite a while given the greater fatigue and weakened immune system that comes with chemotherapy.
I know that this comes as a surprise to all of you and especially your kids. As you can probably tell, this cancer came on quickly, and as a result doctors are moving equally quick to get this under control. My mom has flown in from the east coast and will be the one primarily caring for me during my treatment. However, I know that this isn’t a journey that can be completed alone. I welcome your thoughts, prayers, and support during this new, scary time in my life.
Thank you all for your love and support as I enter this new stage of life.
Sincerely,
Chi Harris
During the last week of September I met with my primary care doctor to discuss some new symptoms that had crept on during the last month. He decided to refer me to a Hematologist/Oncologist after taking some bloodwork and having it come back with irregular blood counts. I met with this specialist last Wednesday the 17th and she reviewed my bloodwork and symptoms. During the appointment she discovered that one of the lymph nodes in my neck had enlarged greatly, something that wasn’t noticeable 3 week prior at my initial appointment with my primary care doctor. She ordered a CAT scan that day and the scan revealed a large growth in my chest extending from my neck to the base of my lungs, compressing my left lung and an artery to my heart. Yesterday I underwent surgery for a biopsy of the enlarged lymph node and also had the chance to speak with an Oncologist about the next steps for treatment. On Thursday the 25th I’ll be admitted to Providence Portland to start my first round of chemotherapy. I’ll hopefully only be there for a few days before I am released and able to continue chemotherapy in an outpatient facility. I will be doing chemo treatments every two weeks for at least the next 6 months. That said, you will probably not see me around practice for quite a while given the greater fatigue and weakened immune system that comes with chemotherapy.
I know that this comes as a surprise to all of you and especially your kids. As you can probably tell, this cancer came on quickly, and as a result doctors are moving equally quick to get this under control. My mom has flown in from the east coast and will be the one primarily caring for me during my treatment. However, I know that this isn’t a journey that can be completed alone. I welcome your thoughts, prayers, and support during this new, scary time in my life.
Thank you all for your love and support as I enter this new stage of life.
Sincerely,
Chi Harris
Organizer
Melanie Evans
Organizer
Portland, OR