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  • Trent Duckett’s smile reflects his attitude in the face of his battle with non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

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August 22, 2008

Positve Attitude Helping Duckett Through ‘Road Bump’

VALORIE EVERSOLE - Daily Union Staff Writer

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.

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