Sean's Mission: A Journey of Resilience and Hope!
We are sharing Sean’s personal journey with Lymphoma in the hopes of helping and empowering individuals and their loved ones to navigate the challenges of Lymphoma with knowledge, support, and unwavering prayer and positivity.
Join us as we navigate the challenges and triumphs of living with Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma, sharing insights and experiences along the way.
Together, we provide the light in the darkness, guiding all towards a future filled with courage, understanding, and healing.
Can we ask all of you for a huge favor?
We could really use your help and support in raising money to cover medical, travel, lodging, and other expenses that are not covered by insurance.
Plans Changed and were back In Rochester. We have been here since 6.14.2025
Originally, in February 2025 we were to spend 45 days in Rochester, MN working with the doctors at the Mayo Clinic for all of the procedures, which included: Kidney Function, Blood Work, Bone Marrow Biopsy, PET Scan, Pulmonary Lab Testing, ECG, Chest X-ray, Series of shots to help increase stem cell production, Stem cell collection, Pre-chemo day, Line placement (picc line/catheter), 6 days straight chemo, 1 day will be stem cell transplant, 3 weeks of daily Mayo visits,
Home quarantine – Up to an additional 70 days
The new plan is a matched Donor Stem Cell Transplant. I have had 3 first-line treatment plans and am also on an oral drug called, Duvelisib. As a result, I am no longer a candidate for my own Stem Cell Transplant.
The 3 front-line treatments have been: CHOP – 6 rounds, ICE – 3 rounds and Romidepsin – 12 rounds and still at it (totally of 21 rounds and counting), plus the oral Duvelisib 75mg 2 x per day.
We are grateful for all of the love and support!
Sean
In June 2024, Sean began experiencing unusual fatigue, persistent fevers, night sweats, chills and many other symptoms. Despite initial uncertainty, he remained optimistic, seeking answers and support. By July 2024, Sean was diagnosed with Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. This diagnosis marked the beginning of a new chapter in Sean’s life, one filled with determination and hope.
By July 2024, Sean was diagnosed with Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
This diagnosis marked the beginning of a new chapter in Sean’s life, one filled with determination and hope.
Weight Loss
Sean weighed 239 pounds and dropped down to 172 pounds in less than 6 months as a result of the Lymphoma.
Sean’s Journey Timeline
Weight loss
Nov 2023 Body Weight was 239 pounds
February 2024 Body Weight was 233 pounds
April 2024 Body Weight was 218 pounds
June 2024
Further Investigations
June 2024 Body Weight was 199 pounds
Sean set up for a CT scan in July.
July 2024
Diagnosis Confirmed
Sean received a definitive diagnosis of Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma, setting the stage for his treatment plan. Bone Marrow Biopsy and Lumbar Puncture.
August 2024
More Tests
In August Sean has his port implanted, a PET scan and a lymph node biopsy.
September 2024
Beginning Treatment
Sean started an intensive treatment regimen, including chemotherapy, to combat the progression of the disease. Cyclophosphamide, Hydroxydaunorubicin (doxorubicin), Vincristine, and Prednisone. (CHOP) was the treatment method used.
Chemotherapy Treatment
Continued Treatment
Sean received 6 cycles (rounds) of chemotherapy treatment from September through December.
January 2025
Mayo Clinic
Sean will undergo more testing to prepare for his Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT). January 22nd, 2025 he had his 2nd Bone Marrow Biopsy.
Chemotherapy Treatment
More Treatment
Minor set back – 10% of his bone marrow still showed cancer – – Sean had 3 days of ICE treatment to try and eradicate it. On January 29, 30 and 31 he recieved a chemotherapy called ICE (ifosfamide. carboplatin. etoposide.) It is a very powerful treatment. We will see with a follow up Bone Marrow Biopsy in February.
February 2025
Mayo Clinic
Sean had his 3rd Bone Marrow Biopsy on February 10th, 2025, it still showed 5% cancer in his bone marrow. As a result from the ICE treatment Sean received, he landed in Saint Mary’s emergency department on February 11th. Sean had a temperature of 102.7 and was immediately taken to the Mayo Clinic and spent 18 days inpatient as a result of an infection.
March 2025
Chemotherapy Locally
More chemotherapy was ordered and Sean decided to return home to have the treatment locally. He started on Romidepsin March 17th, 2025. The Mayo did the collection to be used in matching him with a donor.
April 2025
Chemotherapy Locally
Sean continued the Romidepsin treatment. 3 weeks on and 1 week off.
May 2025
Chemotherapy Locally
Sean continued the Romidepsin treatment. 3 weeks on and 1 week off.
June 2025
Gift of Life House
Sean returned to GOL house on June 14th. He had several appointments at the Mayo and learned that he was no longer eligible for the autologous stem cell transplant and was told he needed a donor. He had too many “frontline” treatments and the cancer is still in his bone marrow.
July 2025
More Appointments
July was a month of seeing various doctors and different testing. The search started for donors, Sean was a little frustrated as he thought that process started in March of 2025. The doctors told him it could take upto 3 months to find a donor and a possibility of not matching with a donor at all.
On July 28th Sean learned that they had found several donor matches through the national and international donor registries. He was so happy, the Doctors said it was very rare to find multiple donors so quickly.
A new drug called Copiktra/duvelisib was Prescribed July 28th, 2025
Take 3 capsules (75 mg total) by mouth 2 (two) times a day.
This is an oral medication and hopefully will take the cancer out of my bone marrow.
August 2025
Mayo Clinic
On August 4th Sean was told of the donors timeline and was set for transplant day of September 11th, 2025, however, on August 13th, Sean was told the timeline changed slightly and transplant day would be September 18th, 2025.
On August 21st Sean found out the donor that has been selected, is a male, in his 20’s, with a 10/10 match and matching blood type, the donors location is international, however, not of european decent. We have no further information as of yet.
Chemotherapy contined.
Sean’s spleen has been enlarged for about 18 months that we know of. Largest size close to 23cm… In Jan 2025 it was 17.3cm, in June it was 15.4cm and 8.23.2025 it was at 12.2cm which is a “normal” size! Amen! They actually considered removing it at one point.
August 2025 Continued
Mayo Clinic
On August 13th, 2025, Sean’s schedule was updated to the following:
Evaluation Week 8/18-8/21/25
Pre-chemo Visits 9/9
Radiation Oncology 9/10
Central Line 9/11
Conditioning 9/12-9/16/25 (this is chemotherapy)
Rest 9/17
Day 0 9/18/25 (this is my new born on date)
On Day 0 Sean’s immune system will be rest as if he was a newborn baby.
Sean had several more tests and procdures including: chest x-rays, echocardiogram, ECG, chemotharapy, nutrition class, kidney function test, dental exam, pulmonary testing, transplant dr appt, PET scan, more chemotherapy.
September 2025
Mayo Clinic
On September 2nd Sean had his 5th bone marrow biopsy and is waiting on results.
Preliminary results show a small percentage of Lymphoma still remains in the bone marrow. Waiting to hear from the doctor.
TBD 2025
Mayo Clinic
Future updates
Message From Our Family - Family's Love
“Through every challenge, Sean has shown incredible strength. His resilience is a beacon of hope for us all.” – The McElhone Family
Sean's Support Team
Kerrie, Sean’s wife, has been his primary caretaker since day one.
Sean’s journey has also been supported by a dedicated team of medical professionals and loved ones, each playing a vital role in his fight against lymphoma.
Beyond the medical team, Sean has been surrounded by a strong network of family and friends who have provided emotional and physical support every step of the way. They have attended doctor appointments, researched treatment options, and even coordinated meals and care when Sean’s energy levels were low.
Their love and presence have been a beacon of hope, offering strength when it felt as though the journey was too overwhelming.
Check out Our Fight Song - Rise and Conquer!
Rise and Conquer
[Verse]
They told me the storm was here to stay
Dark clouds above in shades of gray
But I’m a fighter I won’t fall
Through fire and pain I’ll stand tall
[Chorus]
I’ll rise I’ll conquer I’ll stand alive
Through every battle I will strive
This is my fight my life my fire
I’ll beat cancer and be the survivor
Beat cancer and be the survivor
[Verse 2]
The road is rough but I don’t bend
Each scar’s a mark that I’ll transcend
With every tear I grow strong
I’m rewriting my fight song
[Chorus]
I’ll rise I’ll conquer I’ll stand alive
Through every battle I will strive
This is my fight my life my fire
I’ll beat cancer and be the survivor
[Bridge]
No chains no bounds can hold me back
I’ve got the strength to stay on track
Each day a gift I’ll light the flame
For this brave heart can’t be tamed
[Chorus]
I’ll rise I’ll conquer I’ll stand alive
Through every battle I will strive
This is my fight my life my fire
I’ll beat cancer and be the survivor
Survivor
[Bridge]
No chains no bounds can hold me back
I’ve got the strength to stay on track
Each day a gift I’ll light the flame
For this brave heart can’t be tamed
[Chorus]
I’ll rise I’ll conquer I’ll stand alive
Through every battle I will strive
This is my fight my life my fire
I’ll beat cancer and be the survivor
Beat cancer and be the survivor
Beat cancer and be the survivor
[Guitar]
Beat cancer and be the survivor
[Guitar]
Join Sean's Mission
Can we ask all of you for a huge favor?
We invite you to support Sean’s journey by making a donation to help offset the financial obligations (medical, travel, lodging and other incidentals) of fighting cancer. Any size donation will help, Sean’s family is grateful for the love and support from all of you.
May God Bless you and WE Thank You for Your Generosity!
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