#TeamGrimesAgainstLymphoma

On August 29, 2017 Jim noticed an lump on the right side of his neck. He had been running 3-6 miles daily and thought he had just strained it. He spoke with a physician at work who told him to just "keep an eye on it."  He didn't have any idea that just this lump were enlarged lymph nodes and that this finding would change his life so drastically. 

Fast forward to October 2017 when Jim established a PCP to have the lymph nodes evaluated as they had grown in size. She ordered many routine labs, ultrasound of neck and referred him to an ENT specialist for evaluation. In November the specialist recommended a fine needle biopsy to be done on the largest lymph node in his neck. That result was inconclusive of a diagnosis. He then scheduled a right neck dissection of 3 lymph nodes that were enlarged.  Those findings on, December 22, 2017, diagnosed Jim with Follicular Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Grade 3A.

Since January of this year, 2018, Jim has since been seeing an oncologist. He had a full body PET scan and more labs initially. Findings on the PET scan have prompted further procedures. A port was placed on January 23rd. He will have  a bone marrow biopsy as well as a biopsy of abdominal nodes on January 25th.  From those findings Jim and his oncologist will determine the treatment regime that will be followed for his chemotherapy. The oncologist stated he is most likely going to be treating for an aggressive large B-cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma which is different from the initial diagnosis. 

With every appointment comes a fee that he wasn't prepared for. A fee that we didn't prepare for. How could he prepare for something as devastating as this. He was healthy, active, running about 40 miles per week, working full time and was never sick (reason no PCP established). He has many reasons why he shouldn't be healthy, active and full of life but he was doing it, even after his traumatic accident 30 years ago. 

Jim will be on short term disability for starters. As many of you know he will lose quite a bit of money from his monthly salary by going on disability. We will deal with that but just asking for a little help with the medical expenses that were not expected.  

As much as his pride wants to keep this to himself and just deal with it, he has asked God to soften his heart.  To let him allow people to help.  To ask people for help.

Yes. He is asking for help. Whether it's prayer, reaching out, or helping off-set costs associated with this diagnosis, he is thankful for any and all of the support he will receive. The only reason our hearts are where they are is because of the support we've had.  Our goal is to help off-set  2018 out of pocket costs, as we know this fight will continue, even past 2018. 

So.  Again.  We thank you for your support.  For your prayers and for your blessings.

God has truly blessed us with family and friends. 

Jim and Terri

 Update: Gofundme wanted a little update about me (Terri), who I am, why I'm raising money for Jim and the use of those funds. Here goes: Jim and I met a few years ago and have been best friends since the first day. I have lived most of my life in New Hampshire and had an opportunity to travel to work in the Caribbean. That is where our paths crossed. We are partners in life and love. The funds will be used for his medical bills and appointment expenses that were not anticipated as I have mentioned above and to help him through his chemo appointments while on disability. I have set up the money to be transferred into Jim's checking account so that he can utilize them as the expenses flow in. Thank you all for your love and support!