Help Chris Panzarella Fight Double Hit Lymphoma
Donation protected
In March 2020, Chris noticed a small gland-like lump in his neck.
His doctor thought it was an infection and prescribed antibiotics and steroid treatments.
However, the growth multiplied and increased in size and shape as time went on...
After a year of tests, treatments, CT and PET scans, his doctor suggested a needle aspiration biopsy to determine the cellular composition of the masses forming, as they appeared to be cancerous. (Cervical Lymphadenitis)
- Chris had the biopsy on May 20, 2021, and the pathology came back inconclusive.
- On May 25, 2021, an excisional lymph node biopsy was completed.
- The pathology showed "No Cancer" and suggested that Chris may have Cat Scratch Fever (although he hadn't been near a cat in 25+years), Valley Fever or another type of infectious disease.
For the next few months, infectious disease doctors ran numerous tests to determine what was causing the lymph node inflammation in his neck...
They found nothing and suggested another excisional lymph node biopsy...
- On Sept. 2, 2021, the 2nd lymph node biopsy was completed.
- On September 14, 2021, Chris received the pathology findings-CANCER!
High-Grade Lymphoma with MYC and BCL2 rearrangement, also known as Double-Hit Lymphoma.
(This is a rare blood cancer and doesn't respond well to currently available treatments...)
Preparations began with lightning speed (more tests, CT scans, EKG and port placements)...
- On September 28, 2021, Chris met with his Oncologist/Hematologist for treatment consultation and was informed of his Stage III cancer diagnosis
- September 29, 2021 was Chris's last day of work...
- Chris began treatment on Oct. 1, 2021...
He must be hospitalized for 5-6 days (each cycle) to receive DA-EPOCH R Chemotherapy (96 hours straight) and 14 days of outpatient infusions and lab work. (21-24 days each cycle)
- Chris has just completed his 6th cycle...
- Chris has no immunity and cannot go back to work at this time...
- On March 1, 2022, he will find out what the next course of treatment will be. (bone marrow/stem cell transplant most likely, trials)
Our prays are with Chris and his family!
- Chris is 53 years old, divorced with no kids, and his inability to work makes this costly treatment very difficult to maintain.
- Disability through Social Security can take over a year to help pay for treatment.
WE CREATED THIS GOFUNDME PAGE TO RAISE FUNDS FOR MEDICAL COSTS AND TO HELP WITH DAY-TO-DAY EXPENSES IN THIS MOST CHALLENGING TIME!
We Love You Chris And Wish You A Speedy Recovery!
Co-organizers (4)
Vince Perrone
Organizer
Barrington, IL
Christopher Panzarella
Beneficiary
Alyssa Panzarella
Co-organizer
Karen Lorenzo
Co-organizer
Kelly Guzak
Co-organizer