If there's one thing that I've realized in the past few days, it's that my friends and family are the foundation to my life. They are all the roots from which my branches grow and spring leaves. They are the source of my inspiration, courage, love, hope and support. Needless to say, the diagnosis of Leukemia has been a shock. Not just to me, though. This has been a bitter bullet for many people to take. That being said, I wanted to make something that would hopefully provide information about me as I battle this sickness. I wanted to make a journal (of sorts) to keep people updated, if they are interested, on my progress. I want this to be a conduit through which friends and family can ask questions, leave comments, and keep informed. That's what this blogspot will be for.
It's 1:24 pm on Thursday February 4.
Today hasn't been particularly busy. We've received word from the doctors that the bone marrow biopsy I provided yesterday has come back with the same results as the Erie biopsy. Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), which is a form leukemia found in children under 13 and people over 50. Which makes me a bit of an anomaly for these doctors. Lucky me, because they seem extra interested in my case. They have been mentioning a clinical trial that will tailor the chemotherapy to how well it responds with my body and the disease. I have to decide whether or not to participate by this weekend. As long as they assure me of my recovery and the proper use of the information they get, I'm all for it. The treatment for this disease has been moved forward in the past because of people who offered to participate in these trials. I'd love to know (after this is all taken care of) that I might have done a little good for someone going through this same thing.
So, the status for now is waiting. Unfortunately, there's not much for me to do at this point other than read and write. I have been watching an HBO series about John Adams, which Nick let me borrow. It's interesting as all hell. I'd recommend it to anyone. If anyone has suggestions for books, music, movies, TV shows or the like, let me know. I've got nothing but time at this point.
I will do my best to keep this blog up-to-date and on point as I receive more information. I've been told by many that they are thinking of me, but I want everyone to know that what keeps me going is that I've been thinking of all of you. I love you all, but more than that. The gauntlet I'm running has been eased by the support and encouragement of everyone. Thank you all so much. I might be sailing through a dark sea right now, but your love will be the star that will guide me back home.
Chris
tv shows, bones - 30 rock - mad men - lost - I like how i met your mother (but ull prob think its lame!)
ReplyDeletegreat books - bee season, kite runner, everything is illuminated, into thin air, anything by dave eggers!
movies - usual suspects - a single man(cohen brothers)- i didnt love it but i know you like them, inglorious bastards, forgetting sarah marshall, up in the air, the men who stare at goats.
if you need or want any more recomendations i have tons!
- Rachel Levine
Hey,
ReplyDeleteLeukemia is something that I've had to touch base with a bit because of my second cousin (and my cat, but that's not really the same thing, even though my cat was previously owned by that same second cousin)... Anyway, my family is familiar with it and we're extending all of our resources towards you. So, if you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask. We've had our ups and downs, but in the long run the only thing that matters are the ups, right?
Ed and I might (will probably) stop by this weekend if you're up for it. I have a book you might be interested in, though it's not really up your alley. If you want to look into it to decide if you want to borrow it, it's called The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. I think it's a book for the true lovers of reading (and writing and storytelling). Haha, I'm also a huge advocate of the Odd Thomas series by Dean Koontz, and I have those for lending as well. (Or the dragon romance novels I caught so much flak for!)
I feel you'll have plenty of time for thinking and out of that I know will come some really amazing writing, because you are really amazing at writing. If you feel up to it, it would be great to be able to read that kind of stuff coming from you, too.
Anyway, before I ramble on anymore, stay strong and stay away from pineapples (they are the devil).
Always,
Becky
I'll throw my two cents in for either Albert Camus or some nonfiction. This may come as a surprise to you, but I actually have a lot of history books. Some of them are actually bearable to read, even for a layman such as yourself.
ReplyDeleteAlso, if you've got time to kill, I'll bring 'Rome' when I get the chance to come down. It's worth it.
Becky - That sounds great. I'm sure I'll have plenty of time to do some reading out of the box. Lord knows I could use it. If you can bear parting with it, I'd love to check it out. As for the writing, I might post some online here or if you're specifically interested I can shoot it to you via email.
ReplyDeleteNick - Layman though I may be, I would be interested in checking one of those history books out. Perhaps broadening my historical knowledge. Paul Giamatti is doing wonders for me right now. Rome sounded great too, I just didn't want to take too much of your stuff to Pittsburgh on the off chance I lost something.
Thanks for the ideas, guys. They sound awesome! Can't wait to see everyone.
Hey There,
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about you and praying for you! I could not believe when I heard.
For books I recommend anything by James Patterson. Also, there are a lot of good books out now about the FLDS compounds.
I know you might not be interested, but I also have all of Grey's Anantomy on DVD. If you want to borrow it I will gladly sned it!
There are of good shows on during the day on National Geographic, the Science Channel and truTV.
Keep me updated!
smh
Hey man,
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about you all week.
I'm sending out the first seasons of "Dexter" and "The Tudors". My mom told me that your dad will be heading by your house, so I hope he can get them in the next week or two.
If you like "John Adams" and "Rome", then the "The Tudors" is a must. "Dexter" is by far my favorite show. It's much more psychological, but still great.
"Californication" is a decent series. It's about a Chuck Palahniuk-type writer trying to revive his career after selling out to Hollywood. "Psych" and "Always Sunny" are always good for laughs, too.
For books, Palahniuk is good for a quirky read (I read "Choke" last year). Steve Berry is a poor man's Dan Brown, but not bad.
Hang in there! Please let me know if there is ANYTHING I can do!
-Luke
Pirschell. You have to read "History of Love" by Nicole Krauss. If the fact that it comes recommended by Lloyd Michael isn't enough of an enticement for you, the story itself is fucking phenomenal. The plot is so intricate and the characters are really funny in that Jewish disgruntled self-deprecating way, not to mention the prose is just beautiful. I won't go into a full synopsis, but I think you'd really enjoy it. It's an all-in-one-sitting kind of book.
ReplyDeleteThat's all I got for now, but I'll get back to you with more.
Get better soon so I can come and steal your stuff.
Until then, you're in my thoughts every day, broseph.
Oh yeah, I recently got addicted to LOST, but I am always like, 2 years behind every trend. If you haven't gotten into it before, start from the beginning and then quit after like, season 3 or 4... that's the best advice I have.
Take care, Pirschell.
-Baker
Luke - The Tudors sounded like an awesome show. I appreciate you doing that. I'm very excited to check it out. Thanks a lot!
ReplyDeleteChris