When Wayne and I met 3 years ago, I found out that he previously had cancer when he was 16 years old. He had been diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, which was treated by surgery to remove the cancerous lymph node which put Wayne into remission. 

Over the last 3 years, a lump started to grow in the exact place of the cancerous lymph node that was removed. Sadly, Wayne could not afford health insurance during this time, so we pretended that everything was fine and let it go. 

Fast forward to present day... In 2018 Wayne was finally able to afford health insurance and started seeing doctors to diagnose this lump that was forming on the left side of his neck. Wayne saw many doctors who gave him multiple diagnosis (such as a clogged saliva gland, cyst, and cancerous lymph node). Through many blood tests, MRI's, and CT scans, we found out, the day before our wedding, that the Hodgkins Lymphoma was back.

The day after we got back from our honeymoon, we saw the oncologist specialist who described to us that Wayne has a rare form of Hodgkins Lymphoma called: Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkins Lymphoma. This type of lymphoma occurs in 5% of Hodgkins Lymphoma patients. It makes Wayne have a higher chance of the cancer reoccurring throughout his life. It makes him susceptible to other forms of cancer, or the Hodgkins turning into something more malignant. He then had a PET scan to see where in his body the cancer had traveled, and was found that he had cancer cells in both sides of his neck, and behind his breast bone.

He began his treatment the week after meeting with the oncologist. Every 3 weeks for 6 months, he will receive R-CVP. This is a drug combination of Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine, and Prednisone. The Rituximab is an antibodies treatment which works to slow down or stop the forming of cancer cells. The Cyclophosphamide and Vincristine work together as a chemotherapy treatment to kill off the cancer cells.

The medical bill have been piling up on our desk, and we continue to receive more in the mail daily. Before finding out Wayne's diagnosis, we recently bought a house in Mayer, and have had continuous car troubles with both our vehicles. With Wayne and I both having to miss work due to doctor visits and treatments, it has made our financial situation very stressful and overwhelming. Along with missing work, Wayne had to take a leave of absence with the Waconia Fire Department until further notice. We are asking not only for donations, but prayers as well. We are so blessed for everyone who has helped us already and for the prayers we have received. 


If you cannot make a donation, continue to pray for our family as Wayne begins his second treatment of R-CVP and share this post.

Thank you
The Michael Family