It is time for an update. One of the cancer center workers told me that "treating leukemia is a chaotic and unpredictable process." My experience confirms that opinion. We have been unable to make a plan and then execute it. Rather, it seems like everything is a reaction. You can imagine how much I like that!
I am still at home and feeling tolerably well. Have little energy, feel weak, but have a good appetite and can walk for 20 minutes or so. Our lives consist of home and doctor's offices and hospitals. This week it has been 4 days out of five with 3 trips to Denver. Kathleen is my cook, errand runner, and chauffeur. She is doing well, totally committed to this process but feeling a bit tired. Still require isolation for fear of infection (i.e. already we have Swine flu at CU). My body does not create enough blood cells on its own for me to be healthy, even almost 8 weeks after the major chemo. White count (infection fighters) is about 30% of the low end of the normal range. Red count is supplemented by blood transfusions, had 2 units yesterday at the hospital. The reason for this failure is not totally evident but probably due to the continuing leukemia.
Last week I completed five days of "chemo" in Boulder aimed at suppressing the L. until the lung infection can be treated. It wiped me out some but not too badly. Tuesday I had a bronchoscopy (examination of my lungs from the inside). Because of the location of the "spot" (very top of one lung) the scope could neither see nor biopsy the area. Instead, they wash it with saline, gather it up, and then grow cultures to see if anything can be identified. Total results take up to 8 weeks! You may well ask "what good is this test?"
We will do a repeat CT scan of the chest next Wednesday hoping for a reduction in size of the spot. My next meeting with the transplant doc is 9/12 with the Boulder doc watching over me in the interim. Don’t expect any real updates until after 9/12.
Thanks for you support and your prayers. Just below this post are some instructions which simplify the "commenting" process. We love to hear from you.
Gordon
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25 comments:
Was so glad to hear what's going on. We're praying hard for you and your family. Judy
It's so true. Chaotic & unpredictable - sounds like she knew what she was talking about. I remember well the rollercoaster of waiting for that BMT. Thinking and praying for you all. Keep it up :).
The update is much appreciated. We all want to know how you're doing but don't want to impose. As we all struggle with various issues and concerns, your patient sweet spirit gives us all a lift. Thanks for sharing. Jeff Winston
Thanks for the update Gordon - I can't believe what you are having to deal with but glad you are, at least, getting time with Kathleen. She is a trooper. Hope all goes well, that this lung infection goes and you can move forward. We love you.
Jean and Peter
Gordon and Kathleen, Judy Maxfield sent me the link to your blog. I'm glad I can keep up on how things are going. Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers.
Love, Jacquie (Bianchi) Waldrip
(aka Gabriela in my blog world)
We are thinking of you daily. If I could choose a nurse it would definitely be Kathleen! Thanks for the update.
GORDON WE ARE ALL PRAYING FOR YOU.
DONNA'S SISTER IS WAY BAD OFF NOW. DONNA MAY GO SEE HER OVER LABOR DAY. I WILL STAY AROUND IN CASE KATHLEEN COMES TO HER REUNION.GOD BLESS YOU.LOVE STEVE C.
Gordon, Thanks so much for the update. You are in our thoughts and prayers daily. We miss you at Church. We have had a number of substitutes in SS, but really do miss your lessons. Love, Arlene & Don
I cannot even imagine how your lives have changed so quickly. You are an amazing example of toughness. I pray for tomorrows results to bring some plan to you.
I love you uncle Gordon and think of you as someone I hope to live similar to.
Gordon,
I can feel your frustration. I know how much you appreciated orderly plans and good execution of those plans back at Lucent. You have to be frustrated with the uncertainty of the treatments for leukemia.
Keep up your strength. I know that you have the will to beat this disease back into complete remission. Please let Kathleen know that if she needs someone to run an errand or be a chauffeur, I'm just a phone call away.
You are in our prayers.
George and Angela Wronski
thank you for the updates. how wonderful it is to read the many comments and wishes for you and your sweet wife. you are a fighter. thank you for being an example of endurance--as always--you and sister lewis have blessed many peoples lives. thank you. God bless.
xox
diane gerdy iman
sister lewis--hannah got 2nd place!
It's pretty amazing how much hurry-up-then-wait-and-try-to-be-patient goes on...It was one of the hardest parts for me. I wish I was close and could fix you something yummy and comforting. Love, Diana
Life is full of small bumps and barbs while sunshine fills the whole world. We missed you, Gordon, at our 50th class reunion. Happy to see Kathleen and wish you both warmth and wellness. You are in our prayers.
Tom & Joy
Gordon,
I was happy to read your update and am very admiring of your courage and outlook.
Barry Karafin
Hi Gordon and Kathleen - I was wondering how you were - was in Seattle over the weekend and checked your blog today. The waiting must be so frustrating. If Kathleen needs errand help, let us know. Returned home last night in time for the CU-CSU game - sigh. That's all there is to say. Take care and know we are all here waiting with you and cheering you on.
Lucy
Gordon,
We cannot imagine the ordeal you and Kathleen are experiencing, but we are with you, as much as is humanly possible, in thought and prayer. I know it must be hell for you to not have answers, solutions, or at least a plan to get a solution. Consider that The Plan might be for you to continue to be a role model and a source of strength to all of us, as you have been in the past. Far be it from me to guess the mind of The Almighty - but as you know - that won't stop me from speaking out and trying!!!!
Know that our prayers continue to be with you every day. I have a friend and fellow board member who likes to say, "I used to tell my Higher Power how big my problems are, then I started telling my problems how big my Higher Power is!" There is a plan -God willing, it matches ours!
God Bless,
Art and Mary Ryan
Gordon,
We miss you! You are so much in all of our prayers. We all our rooting for you. Hope you can feel it!
Donna King
From idyllic life to medical nightmare. Sometimes mind over matter can help effect miracles. See, for example, Bernie S. Siegel, M.D. (nationally known oncologist), "Love, Medicine & Miracles."
Thank you for the updates Gordon. Hope the lung infection gets resolved soon. You are always in my prayers. Terry Schumacher
Want you to know I am keeping you in my prayers. I miss seeing both of you and your warm smiles at the Temple. Take good care of each other...my love, Mitch
I hope the last couple of weeks have brought some joy and hopefully some improvement such as diagnosing that illusive lung problem and becoming qualified for the marrow transplant. Whatever the course this illness has taken, I commend your faithfulness. You remain on my prayer roll and in my thoughts from day to day. Our discussion today in your HP group is on friendship. I am honored to count you mine.
We're glad you're well enough to write and keep us posted. We gain strength from your determination and Kathleen's dedication to your well being.
Hilma and David Bellessa
Your kids have done a wonderful job of keeping everyone posted,but it's great to see a post from the man himself. Hang in there, Gordo! Everyone's praying for recovery.
How are you doing?? We've appreciated the updates and have been watching for a few weeks and hoping you're all right. May the Lord continue to watch over and comfort you and all of your family. We're praying for you.
Love,
Claron & Jolene
Hi Gordon. A Japanese proverb says: "A thousand-ri journey begins with a single step." In other words, when you face a difficult challenge, don’t allow yourself to be overwhelmed by the entirety of it. Instead, break it down into manageable pieces, and tackle it one step at a time. It sounds like your Doctor understands this, and has you on a good plan. Take it one step at a time and you will come out the other side of this even stronger than before. We love you and are praying for you. Jim Strong
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