Three weeks ago I went to the doctor with a slight fever thinking I had the flu. (Would that it were so...) When my blood work came back the doctor gave me some frightening news. My white blood cell count was 70,000. Normal is 10,000 or less. He shared with me his fear that this looked like leukemia and sent me directly to the ICU at Memorial Satilla Hospital where I spent the better part of a week learning to hate hospital beds.
During the course of that week I learned that I have CMML Leukemia. I also learned that hospital beds can cripple you and turn your back into mush... Really, the beds were almost worse than finding out that I had cancer. While in the hospital I met one of my new best friends, Dr. Jha. This past week I met one of my other new best friends, Dr. Kota in Augusta. They are my Hematologist/Oncologist. I intend to be the best patient they have ever had!!!
Since I left the hospital I have had two Bone Marrow Biopsies which, from what I understand, will give us the information of the exact genetic type of leukemia I have. I will hopefully be starting chemotherapy as an outpatient in Jesup, GA. this coming week. The goal is that after 3-4 rounds of chemo I'll be in remission and will be able to undergo a bone marrow transplant. This is the only way to be cured of the disease.
I've decided not to do a lot of reading on the internet as I really just want to get my information from my awesome doctors. Ignorance is bliss and honestly right now I need a little bliss.
After three weeks to absorb things and pray I've learned some important things.
1. I serve a mighty God. Through all of this so far God has given me a sense of peace that I can't explain apart from Him and His grace and mercy. I can't say there haven't been tears but most of them have been of joy not of sorrow.
2. I married the most amazing woman in the world!! Lesley has been a rock... scratch that, A BOULDER for me to lean on. I'm simply amazed at the way she has shouldered this burden and taken such amazing care of me. (Honestly, I wouldn't want that job) I see God working through her in so many ways that I am humbled beyond words by her patience and amazing love.
3. I have the best support in the world!!!!! I am simply overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support I have received. My church, my brothers at Ware County Fire Rescue, other friends and family have been so helpful and encouraging that I don't even know how to begin to respond other than to cry a lot. (Those are the tears of joy I mentioned earlier)
I can say this moving forward...
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He causes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for God is with me; Your rod and Your staff comfort me. You prepare a table before min the the presence of my enemies: You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
PSALM: 23
During the course of that week I learned that I have CMML Leukemia. I also learned that hospital beds can cripple you and turn your back into mush... Really, the beds were almost worse than finding out that I had cancer. While in the hospital I met one of my new best friends, Dr. Jha. This past week I met one of my other new best friends, Dr. Kota in Augusta. They are my Hematologist/Oncologist. I intend to be the best patient they have ever had!!!
Since I left the hospital I have had two Bone Marrow Biopsies which, from what I understand, will give us the information of the exact genetic type of leukemia I have. I will hopefully be starting chemotherapy as an outpatient in Jesup, GA. this coming week. The goal is that after 3-4 rounds of chemo I'll be in remission and will be able to undergo a bone marrow transplant. This is the only way to be cured of the disease.
I've decided not to do a lot of reading on the internet as I really just want to get my information from my awesome doctors. Ignorance is bliss and honestly right now I need a little bliss.
After three weeks to absorb things and pray I've learned some important things.
1. I serve a mighty God. Through all of this so far God has given me a sense of peace that I can't explain apart from Him and His grace and mercy. I can't say there haven't been tears but most of them have been of joy not of sorrow.
2. I married the most amazing woman in the world!! Lesley has been a rock... scratch that, A BOULDER for me to lean on. I'm simply amazed at the way she has shouldered this burden and taken such amazing care of me. (Honestly, I wouldn't want that job) I see God working through her in so many ways that I am humbled beyond words by her patience and amazing love.
3. I have the best support in the world!!!!! I am simply overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support I have received. My church, my brothers at Ware County Fire Rescue, other friends and family have been so helpful and encouraging that I don't even know how to begin to respond other than to cry a lot. (Those are the tears of joy I mentioned earlier)
I can say this moving forward...
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He causes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for God is with me; Your rod and Your staff comfort me. You prepare a table before min the the presence of my enemies: You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
PSALM: 23
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