Today I learned a very courageous man has passed away. His name is John, he was 31 years old and diagnosed with AML M6 in October 2010. He has left behind a wife and two young children. His youngest was only three months old at the time of his diagnosis.
John and I meant through the First Connection program with the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. We were matched up because we are both parents in our 30's. I called him as a First Connection Volunteer to offer support.
He endured so much during his fight, induction, chemotherapy, high fevers, infections, not to mention long hospital stays away from his family. As he prepared for his first transplant his donor actually backed out on him. Sadly, when another donor was found John relapsed, just prior to transplant.
March 2011 he called me to share the great news that he would be receiving his new stem cells that evening, from yet another donor. I talked to him that day and reassured him that those stem cells would heal his body and blood.
Now, I pray for his family during this difficult time.
John put up a good fight and will be dearly missed. Rest In Peace my friend!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Not Rebounding
Since my last post things have changed, I don't know how but I was working out, feeling great now it's all going wrong.
April got busy, real busy, the kids had a week off and I did not rest enough. I had volunteered for a project for the girls dance class and was making bows night and day, for a few days before their week off. My youngest got sick before Easter and I got even more exhausted, feeling miserable I kept on going. Then it was time to plan my oldest daughters 10th birthday party. The day before the party I made an apt. just to have a blood test. The doctor called and reported I am more anemic than before, and whites are still down. My daughter had a great party here at the house but the Monday after I slept three hours during the day. Now it is Thursday and I am not rebounding at all.
This Wednesday I have a trip, my three year apt. I was told I may or may not have to have a bone marrow biopsy. (Not Helpful) The past two nights I have woken up sweating. I do not know if it was that I was warm, my menopause, or an official night sweat. Night sweats were so bad before my diagnosis I would wake up in a drenched t-shirt. But at that time I was so full of Leukemia that I had only months to live.
If I am going to relapse, will I feel it or will the doctors see it before the symptoms begin?
April got busy, real busy, the kids had a week off and I did not rest enough. I had volunteered for a project for the girls dance class and was making bows night and day, for a few days before their week off. My youngest got sick before Easter and I got even more exhausted, feeling miserable I kept on going. Then it was time to plan my oldest daughters 10th birthday party. The day before the party I made an apt. just to have a blood test. The doctor called and reported I am more anemic than before, and whites are still down. My daughter had a great party here at the house but the Monday after I slept three hours during the day. Now it is Thursday and I am not rebounding at all.
This Wednesday I have a trip, my three year apt. I was told I may or may not have to have a bone marrow biopsy. (Not Helpful) The past two nights I have woken up sweating. I do not know if it was that I was warm, my menopause, or an official night sweat. Night sweats were so bad before my diagnosis I would wake up in a drenched t-shirt. But at that time I was so full of Leukemia that I had only months to live.
If I am going to relapse, will I feel it or will the doctors see it before the symptoms begin?
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