Shelbyville Daily Union

Local News

August 22, 2008

Positve Attitude Helping Duckett Through ‘Road Bump’

Athleticism and a positive attitude are helping Trent Duckett through a very trying time.

Trent, son of Mark and Lindy Duckett of Shelbyville, made a name for himself in Shelbyville sports during his high school years. He played football, basketball, and baseball, as well as participated in the school’s dinner theater and musicals.

But Trent made a discovery about three months ago that took him and his family by surprise.

“I was working out, stretching, and discovered a big lump under my armpit,” Trent said. “I just kind of watched it for a week before I went to the doctor. I was surprised how big it got so fast.”

The doctor advised watching the lump for another week, thinking it was some infection and that it would improve. But it didn’t, and on June 20 the 21-year-old was sent to Decatur where a group of lymph nodes was biopsied and sent to Mayo Clinic. The diagnosis returned as non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a fast-growing cancer that starts in cells of the lymph system, which is part of the body’s immune system. Duckett’s cancer is located in his right and left armpits and spleen.

“The worst kind is in the bone marrow. I don’t have that,” Trent added.

“This whole thing has just been overwhelming,” said Trent’s mother Lindy. “It (the diagnosis) was such a shock. Without him having any symptoms, it was hard to believe.”

Trent has begun chemotherapy, having already had three of the eight treatments. Because of his youth, he is participating in a study group using a five-drug combination known as R-CHOP. The only side effect he has suffered is hair loss, “but I’m okay with it,” he said.

Since beginning treatment, his last CT scan showed no cancer in the right armpit and is almost cut in half in other areas.

“Everybody’s been positive about it. We have confidence in the doctors,” Trent said.

He has continued to work for his dad this summer, taking days off for his chemotherapy treatment.

Trent will be continuing his college career at Concordia University in Wisconsin this fall. He is a senior, majoring in secondary education - broad field social studies. He plans to continue playing baseball for the university. In the meantime, he will come home every three weeks for his chemo treatment.

“I am scheduled to be done with chemo the day after Thanksgiving,” Trent said.

“I’ve been positive throughout the whole thing, never questioned good health being a right,” Trent said. “I have a strong faith. I know God has a plan for me. This is just a road bump.”

“I know people are thinking and praying for us,” Lindy said. “Prayers help - lots.”

“Trent is doing well. He has a positive attitude - sometimes better than mine,” she added. “He believes that if he can help someone else, it’s all worth it.”

A benefit for Trent is planned for August 30, beginning at 4 p.m. at Moulton Middle School. The benefit includes a hog roast and silent and live auctions.

“I know there is a lot of community involvement in the benefit. I really appreciate it,” Trent said.

Text Only
Local News
Featured Ads
AP Video
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate' Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is... Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
Poll

With March 20th being the Illinois Primary election, which party will you be voting for?

Democrat
Republican
Independent
None of the above
I Do Not vote in Primaries
     View Results
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com
Helium debate
Helium