*this was Liz's first email to friends and family regarding her illness - sent January 18, 2007.

Hi Everyone,
I know this may be a crazy way to communicate right now, but I am feeling overwhelmed with information and the communication of that info! I went to the oncologist today adn had a big meeting. I really loved the doc, he seemed so knowledgeable and very capable. He showed me the CT's that were taken yesterday and it was amazing. My lymph nodes from neck to abdomen were very enlarged. They were growing around my arteries and obviously restricting blood flow. The cancer has not gone down further than my abdomen, which seems to be a good sign. He is fairly confident that it is Hodgkins Lymphoma, but we won't know for sure until after the next biopsy, which will be done on Monday, January 22, by Dr. Johnson. The following Monday we are hoping to get a bone marrow biopsy, also at the hospital here in Cody. That Friday we are HOPING (pending insurance approval) to have a PET scan to see how active the growths are. That will be done in Billings. I meet with Dr. Anderson again on the 12th to set up a treatment schedule. He thinks it will be about 4 months of chemo, one 1x every 2 weeks, so 8 treatments. Then take 3-4 weeks off and begin radiation. That will be 5 days/week for 6-8 weeks.

Okay, so you have what I have. Not that I don't want to talk to you all, but this seems easier. I love you all, thanks for your support, and feel free to pass this to anyone that should be in the loop.