As the news fell over us and our family, tears swelled, and fears rose and fell. After telling everyone to go home, sleep in their own beds and rest, I remember being left alone that night in the hospital, feeling so scared and alone. Thank goodness LOST was on...it honestly helped get my mind off Leukemia. I was angry, scared, hurt, in denial, and wondering what the next few days were going to be like. It's not every week your life gets completely rearranged.
The next question we had to answer was where we going to go to get treatment. Since there had only been 1 or 2 cases like mine in the South Bend area in the past year or so, Dr. Park suggested we go to a University that specialized in the kind of Leukemia that I have. Some of the choices included, Indiana University in Indianapolis, M.D. Anderson in Houston, Cleveland Clinic, or Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. After we did a HUGE amount of research, (my wife mostly) we all decided that the University of Chicago was the way to go. Dr. Park did his residency at the University of Chicago, and was able to quickly set up an entrance strategy, so that I could be moved there almost immediately.
On January 23rd, 2009, one month after a dreadful trip on some metal stairs that started it all, I was on my way to the University of Chicago for a month's stay.
Having two dogs at home, one of which was barely 3 months old, complicated things, but my wonderful Mother in Law Susan, who I call 'Susy', stepped up and took care of everything for us at home. I'm truly grateful for all that she has done and probably will do. She has a special place in my heart.
The ultimate goal is to get my Leukemia into remission in the first 30 days. I'm a little over halfway there. I have since returned home from Chicago, but we still commute there on Mondays to receive my chemotherapy. That schedule will probably remain intact for the next few weeks. My big day is a week from this coming Monday. At that point, they'll do another bone marrow biopsy to see if treatment eradicated the Leukemia. If that happens, which we're all hoping it does, I'll start on the consolidation chemotherapy for the next 6 months, and then maintenance chemotherapy for 3 years. Some of that maintenance treatment, we're told, might be done here by Dr. Park's office, therefore saving some driving between here and Chicago.
Thank you all for reading my blog and for your continued, unmeasurable support. I have been truly taken aback by the amount of support, care, and kindness Katie and I have received in the last two months. I am using your strength to help get me through this every step of the way. I wear the 'RELENTLESS' bracelet, because that's what I choose to do. It's the way I choose to be, because giving up with all of you standing by my side, would be a waste of a good life. And I'm better than that. I'm relentless.
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Thursday, February 12, 2009
The Road Here: Part TWO
As the news fell over us and our family, tears swelled, and fears rose and fell. After telling everyone to go home, sleep in their own beds and rest, I remember being left alone that night in the hospital, feeling so scared and alone. Thank goodness LOST was on...it honestly helped get my mind off Leukemia. I was angry, scared, hurt, in denial, and wondering what the next few days were going to be like. It's not every week your life gets completely rearranged.
The next question we had to answer was where we going to go to get treatment. Since there had only been 1 or 2 cases like mine in the South Bend area in the past year or so, Dr. Park suggested we go to a University that specialized in the kind of Leukemia that I have. Some of the choices included, Indiana University in Indianapolis, M.D. Anderson in Houston, Cleveland Clinic, or Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. After we did a HUGE amount of research, (my wife mostly) we all decided that the University of Chicago was the way to go. Dr. Park did his residency at the University of Chicago, and was able to quickly set up an entrance strategy, so that I could be moved there almost immediately.
On January 23rd, 2009, one month after a dreadful trip on some metal stairs that started it all, I was on my way to the University of Chicago for a month's stay.
Having two dogs at home, one of which was barely 3 months old, complicated things, but my wonderful Mother in Law Susan, who I call 'Susy', stepped up and took care of everything for us at home. I'm truly grateful for all that she has done and probably will do. She has a special place in my heart.
The ultimate goal is to get my Leukemia into remission in the first 30 days. I'm a little over halfway there. I have since returned home from Chicago, but we still commute there on Mondays to receive my chemotherapy. That schedule will probably remain intact for the next few weeks. My big day is a week from this coming Monday. At that point, they'll do another bone marrow biopsy to see if treatment eradicated the Leukemia. If that happens, which we're all hoping it does, I'll start on the consolidation chemotherapy for the next 6 months, and then maintenance chemotherapy for 3 years. Some of that maintenance treatment, we're told, might be done here by Dr. Park's office, therefore saving some driving between here and Chicago.
Thank you all for reading my blog and for your continued, unmeasurable support. I have been truly taken aback by the amount of support, care, and kindness Katie and I have received in the last two months. I am using your strength to help get me through this every step of the way. I wear the 'RELENTLESS' bracelet, because that's what I choose to do. It's the way I choose to be, because giving up with all of you standing by my side, would be a waste of a good life. And I'm better than that. I'm relentless.
The next question we had to answer was where we going to go to get treatment. Since there had only been 1 or 2 cases like mine in the South Bend area in the past year or so, Dr. Park suggested we go to a University that specialized in the kind of Leukemia that I have. Some of the choices included, Indiana University in Indianapolis, M.D. Anderson in Houston, Cleveland Clinic, or Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. After we did a HUGE amount of research, (my wife mostly) we all decided that the University of Chicago was the way to go. Dr. Park did his residency at the University of Chicago, and was able to quickly set up an entrance strategy, so that I could be moved there almost immediately.
On January 23rd, 2009, one month after a dreadful trip on some metal stairs that started it all, I was on my way to the University of Chicago for a month's stay.
Having two dogs at home, one of which was barely 3 months old, complicated things, but my wonderful Mother in Law Susan, who I call 'Susy', stepped up and took care of everything for us at home. I'm truly grateful for all that she has done and probably will do. She has a special place in my heart.
The ultimate goal is to get my Leukemia into remission in the first 30 days. I'm a little over halfway there. I have since returned home from Chicago, but we still commute there on Mondays to receive my chemotherapy. That schedule will probably remain intact for the next few weeks. My big day is a week from this coming Monday. At that point, they'll do another bone marrow biopsy to see if treatment eradicated the Leukemia. If that happens, which we're all hoping it does, I'll start on the consolidation chemotherapy for the next 6 months, and then maintenance chemotherapy for 3 years. Some of that maintenance treatment, we're told, might be done here by Dr. Park's office, therefore saving some driving between here and Chicago.
Thank you all for reading my blog and for your continued, unmeasurable support. I have been truly taken aback by the amount of support, care, and kindness Katie and I have received in the last two months. I am using your strength to help get me through this every step of the way. I wear the 'RELENTLESS' bracelet, because that's what I choose to do. It's the way I choose to be, because giving up with all of you standing by my side, would be a waste of a good life. And I'm better than that. I'm relentless.
2 comments:
Giving up is not an option and not anything that is in you! That fateful day when they told you about this life altering disease, remember what I told you? I gave you a big hug and told you that you beat this thing, which you will do! I know where you live, I will come over and kick your ass! You have done beyond great so far, and will continue to do so. Let people help you in whatever way they want. Take their gifts and cards because that is all that we can do. I personally would take this on for you if I could. I love you. You and Katie mean the world to me. Thing of your drugs as little pac man's. They go in there and gobble up all of the Leukemia. You ARE a RELENTLESS mo'fo'and I wear mine for you. You are the inspiration for all of us who read this blog. I want to thank you and Katie for taking time out of your day each day to keep us all informed. I expect you back at work soon! Maya will need lots of walks once spring gets here, and you will be the proud "daddy" at the end of the leash! I love you!
ReplyDelete
AnonymousFebruary 13, 2009 at 5:54 PMDear Katie & Jonathon,
ReplyDelete
My heart dropped when Sally Goldberg told me the news. Katie, you have been my client for so many years and I truly look forward to your appointments. I love the time spent with you, and your GREAT SMILE, it is so contagious! I have heard all your stories and listened to things that you have been thru, sometimes comparing your marriage to my own. I have grown to know you, I feel much more connected to you than many of my other clients.
I know you have this amazing positive outlook, and an inner strength that is unwaivering, just remember to focus on the good. Draw on those around you and all who are supporting you. I know many say "Let me know if you need anything...", but seriously, even if you need me to come to Chicago and do your hair, or watch your dogs for a couple days for your Mom(whats a few more dogs in my house?HA)!
Please know that you both are in my thoughts and prayers!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Budzinski (Emblazon)
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Giving up is not an option and not anything that is in you! That fateful day when they told you about this life altering disease, remember what I told you? I gave you a big hug and told you that you beat this thing, which you will do! I know where you live, I will come over and kick your ass! You have done beyond great so far, and will continue to do so. Let people help you in whatever way they want. Take their gifts and cards because that is all that we can do. I personally would take this on for you if I could. I love you. You and Katie mean the world to me. Thing of your drugs as little pac man's. They go in there and gobble up all of the Leukemia. You ARE a RELENTLESS mo'fo'and I wear mine for you. You are the inspiration for all of us who read this blog. I want to thank you and Katie for taking time out of your day each day to keep us all informed. I expect you back at work soon! Maya will need lots of walks once spring gets here, and you will be the proud "daddy" at the end of the leash! I love you!
ReplyDeleteDear Katie & Jonathon,
ReplyDeleteMy heart dropped when Sally Goldberg told me the news. Katie, you have been my client for so many years and I truly look forward to your appointments. I love the time spent with you, and your GREAT SMILE, it is so contagious! I have heard all your stories and listened to things that you have been thru, sometimes comparing your marriage to my own. I have grown to know you, I feel much more connected to you than many of my other clients.
I know you have this amazing positive outlook, and an inner strength that is unwaivering, just remember to focus on the good. Draw on those around you and all who are supporting you. I know many say "Let me know if you need anything...", but seriously, even if you need me to come to Chicago and do your hair, or watch your dogs for a couple days for your Mom(whats a few more dogs in my house?HA)!
Please know that you both are in my thoughts and prayers!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Budzinski (Emblazon)