Anne was supposed to move into her dorm at Clemson today, but instead she is having a chemotherapy port placed tomorrow. The last week has felt like a whirlwind of bad news and disappointment, but we have some reasons to be hopeful and positive too.
I’ll start with what happened. The week after Anne’s graduation she felt a small lump in a lymph node. We assumed it was a swollen lymph node from a virus that would go away after a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, the lymph node didn’t get smaller. After various tests and biopsies, Anne was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – the Friday before she was scheduled to leave for her freshman year at Clemson.
We don’t know what stage she is in yet, and we don’t know how long she will be in treatment. We do know that Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is considered VERY TREATABLE.
Anne has several tests scheduled next week to ensure she receives the right treatment. Then she will begin chemotherapy.
I know many of you have asked about online classes for Anne and other learning opportunities. Anne is an engineering major at Clemson. It is a rigorous program, and the oncologist has told us that her treatment will be difficult. I know Anne and Stephen are planning some other ways to keep her mind sharp over the next few months. We are hoping she is able to start classes in January at Clemson for the second semester, but it depends on how she responds to treatment.
Anne has shown courage and composure beyond her years. Clark is strong right now, but we know it will be difficult for him to see his sister sick. Stephen and I are busy with appointments and managing things with Clemson – busy seems good. Our 24th wedding anniversary was Monday night, and the four of us went out and had tacos to celebrate. We are in this strange space where it seems wrong to be happy or to celebrate anything normal, but we are finding our way together.
We will post another update soon. Thank you for your warm wishes, good vibes, prayers, love, kindness, help at work, support at home, and overwhelming faithfulness to our family. You are all so appreciated.
Anne's Blog and Art 
Praying for the best Anne. You’re strong girl and you gonna win this battle. Hiago&Susu ❤️
Thank you both!
Such hard news. It’s hard to hear of this disappointment to her plans! The kids and I are praying for Anne, the family and her medical team each evening. I’m especially praying that she looks back on this time as something God used for her good in spite of the suffering. We love you all!
Thank you, Beth! We are so thankful for you and your family.
Anne, you are so strong. We will be here for you always – you are strong, brave, and while we know this fight is a big one, you’ve got this. This difficult time is now part of your bigger journey and your future is BRIGHT.
Dr. Jessica
Thank you, Dr. Jessica! Thank you for all you have done to help me get my diagnosis and the best care too!
Our family is thinking of you and praying for healing, and good health. It is a vulnerable thing to share something so scary but I would expect nothing less from you. One of the things I’ve always admired about you and your mom is your incredible spirit and resilience. You are brave, and strong. Don’t ever forget this.
Thank you! We so appreciate you.
Love to you all! If there’s anything I can do, please let me know. Let Anne know I’m cheering for her!!!
Thank you, Wes!