So the last time in Fresno, we decided it would be a great idea to stock up on some essentials in the candy isle, the rest is history.
Tuesday, 18 December 2007
And The Friends Came Down
Hello Samantha, Tom and Tessa. This was a great day. We watched movies and then Tom introduced a genius invention.
And add in a little Zoey, Kathy and Sarah, the perfect combo.
Let me introduce, my little friend, the air inator. 1 can of pressurized air, a quiver, and arrows? Just aim and pull down the trigger, instant person to person missile!!!!
And here is my little Christmas tree. Isn't she cute?
Here is a video of the festivities.
Then There Was Transfusion # 2
So on my second transfusion of platelets this week there was a bit of an allergic reaction. I began coughing and wheezing due to my chest and throat becoming tight and congested. To combat this I was given 4 times my normal dose of Benedryl and a heavy dose of Hydro Cortozone. After receiving all of this, you can see the side affects. Here I am trying to explain that I just received 4 times the amount... notice the number of fingers represented.
Then it was of course time for a little Albuteral induced video action.
So thanks again to my team for helping me not die, and look great doing it.
Transfusion 1
So lots of "goings on" this week. To begin with I had some transfusions. While I have had many these were especially important, with my counts being as low as they were.
This is Darcy and Elizabeth a couple of my nurses. Notice the smiling faces, this is in part due to the fact that they had just injected me with benedryl which makes me well a little loopy.
Notice that the platelets are the color of mango puree. You can really find no taste similarities between the two however. I have tried multiple times, really no comparison.
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
Did Someone Cry Wolf?
So I know many of you are wondering about the whereabouts of a certain wolf named Burgandy. He has been living with a wonderful family near Sequoia National Forest. I am not kidding when I tell you he is pampered, almost as much as me. Originally I had planned to take him to Hawaii in December but with my new plans, I was unable to do so. However I got a call from Darlene, his temporary guardian. She said if it would help that he could stay longer in the mountains with them. This is such a blessing, I really couldn't see finding him a place where he was treated better, as an option. So thanks to Darlene and her family, it is great to know Burgs is livin it up. (and don't worry, when i get him back, the spoiling will continue)
Here is a video of the Little Chief, right before I entered the hospital.
Monday, 10 December 2007
a little scrabble, and test results
So yesterday Tom came for a visit. Now Tom and I have been friends for years, and ever since our days on the debate team have played scrabble. I am happy to say that I must not be too sick, cause yesterday I still managed to take him in a wicked match.
Today I got really good news, my labs came back from the initial spinal tap. It showed that I do not have any bad cells in my brain and spine. This also means that I now only need 5 spinal taps and not the 11 projected. So thank you for the continued prayers, they are definatly working. Oh and also today my counts for neutriphils, or anc, hit .01. That basically means I have no immune system, which they were shooting for. The nice part is I dont feel too bad. Anyway they will keep dropping my counts till around wednesday. Until then- c
Saturday, 8 December 2007
UCSF AND BEYOND
Hello My Friends and Family-
First of all I just want to thank each of you for the wonderful support I have been receiving. Thank you for your concern and prayers, it is the energy I cannot always muster, that I feel from all of you, that gets me through this.
Now Before I begin I think it is imperative that I mention the birth of my Studly and Ruggedly Handsome Nephew Andrew George Boswell. He was born 11-21 and is a 7 and half pound healthy baby. Both Erin and the baby are doing well. Congratulations to them and their wonderful family.!
So the last we chatted I was at Stanford receiving my induction period of chemotherapy. The doctors said I was responding well to the treatment . I was released and able to go to my Moms for thanksgiving. It was a nice break from the hospital, and it was great to have a really wonderful home cooked Thanksgiving. Then for part of the weekend I was even able to head down to Fresno and see some of you, it was great.
Now during my stay at Stanford there were some issues with insurance and coverage. While I am in the middle of multiple state applications, I was to find a new hospital to finish my treatment at. With much slamming of feet, into closing doors and the help of my great social worker Anne I got into UCSF. The local doctors did not feel comfortable with my “progressive” treatment and thought I would be better suited where the technology is most competitive. Things at UCSF are a bit different with the protocol, but the outcome is the same. The main thing is that after my 6 months inpatient, I will have a 30 month outpatient regiment. But during the 30 months life does regain normalcy, well my version of it anyway.
It was scheduled for me to begin my treatment again the Monday following thanksgiving. But between insurances and doctors offices; getting clearance, by Wednesday I was still at home. Anyway my health was not great and so on Wednesday night I checked into the ER at UCSF. Within a couple of days I was on the right floor of the hospital and ready for round 2.
So round two is a more aggressive round, I am told it will be the most difficult round for some time. As the treatments are cumulative, I stand in position to be able to grow a garden on my stomach by spring. So the regiment for this round is 4 days of 2 big drugs Etoposide and Ara-C. They were administered starting last Friday and by Tuesday were completed. These drugs are causing my blood counts, specifically, the white blood count, Plateletes, and ANC levels to drop. The reason this round is deemed most difficult is because the levels drop from numbers like 5- 10 to .001 or .005. They will basically be killing all the bad cells inside my bones. It is here that mouth sores, infections, and a general sense of feeling like a very salted slug, kick in. Then they will see if my bone marrow will produce the right kind of cells. This process will keep me nutrapenic where I find myself now.
The other treatment that began is called Methotrexate. This is administered both with IV and through a series of 6-12 spinal taps. Micheal my NP did a spinal tap a few days ago. He and Mary were great with my obvious nervousness and discomfort. With this tap they will be able to determine whether the cancer is in my brain or not, this affects the amount of spinal taps as well. I will find out the results this week. And lets be honest, praying for a negative return, so I get less “sticky in the spinie”!!
So now I lay in wait so to speak. So far I feel alright, this round has defiantly hit me differently than the first, and harder I think. For the next week I will get more tired, sick and at risk for infection. Then next Saturday or so I will begin to receive nupagin injections, which promote the production of the cells again. Within about a week from that I should be feeling more “normal” again.
At that point it will be about the 20th and I should be able to head home for a little Christmas love. My beautiful sister Alicen is marrying Dallas on the 2
9th, and if my health permits, I will be heading to SLC for the wedding for a day.
So that is my treatment for now, kind of a heavy read I know. So let me give you the good news. First off, after testing my blood it appears that the cancer is in “remission”. This means the Induction process worked. It doesn’t mean I am out of the woods by any means, but it does mean that the drugs are working, and it does mean that I am smiling just a little wider. Secondly, I have the best healthcare, pretty much in the world. After leaving Stanford, I was a bit skeptical that I could be cared for as well. After being here for a week, I feel just as blessed. The nursing staff is not only compassionate but really fun to be around. The doctors, are great at explaining things to me, and are in daily to give me the Low Down on my Low Counts.
There are some definite perks to my current life. One of them is I am on the 11th floor with a huge window overlooking the golden gate bridge and the whole city of SF. If you are gonna feel not so swell, it is really nice. Also the staff here is a hoot. I find myself laughing a lot of the time, especially during dicey procedures… And I am really grateful that I do not have to do this treatment via outpatient. I would not want to drive in my silly sick condition. Ps, I am not going to lie, they give me lots of drugs to help with the pain, discomfort, and nausea. If you can imagine the goofy fun loving side of chad with this mixed in, well it’s a little ridiculous. (I love it)
I just want you each to know that there is a beautiful experience I have been having. On occasion I have found myself in mid treatment, to be a bit more sick than I have been before. In this place of feeling not great, there are many emotions, and feelings. But each time I feel this way, I find myself opening my emails. I just have to spend a few minutes reading and I find everything changing. The fear leaves, the discomfort is quieted, and I am left smiling. I just want you to know how grateful I am for your inspiration. Thank you for the stories about what is going on in your lives, I love the updates. Thank you for each of your individual ways of helping me get through this.
I hope that as this holiday season is underway, you all know how grateful I am to not only be alive, but to have in my life such amazing people. Please know of my deepest appreciation, and love for each of you. May this season bring all of the blessings you each stand in need of.
First of all I just want to thank each of you for the wonderful support I have been receiving. Thank you for your concern and prayers, it is the energy I cannot always muster, that I feel from all of you, that gets me through this.
Now Before I begin I think it is imperative that I mention the birth of my Studly and Ruggedly Handsome Nephew Andrew George Boswell. He was born 11-21 and is a 7 and half pound healthy baby. Both Erin and the baby are doing well. Congratulations to them and their wonderful family.!
So the last we chatted I was at Stanford receiving my induction period of chemotherapy. The doctors said I was responding well to the treatment . I was released and able to go to my Moms for thanksgiving. It was a nice break from the hospital, and it was great to have a really wonderful home cooked Thanksgiving. Then for part of the weekend I was even able to head down to Fresno and see some of you, it was great.
Now during my stay at Stanford there were some issues with insurance and coverage. While I am in the middle of multiple state applications, I was to find a new hospital to finish my treatment at. With much slamming of feet, into closing doors and the help of my great social worker Anne I got into UCSF. The local doctors did not feel comfortable with my “progressive” treatment and thought I would be better suited where the technology is most competitive. Things at UCSF are a bit different with the protocol, but the outcome is the same. The main thing is that after my 6 months inpatient, I will have a 30 month outpatient regiment. But during the 30 months life does regain normalcy, well my version of it anyway.
It was scheduled for me to begin my treatment again the Monday following thanksgiving. But between insurances and doctors offices; getting clearance, by Wednesday I was still at home. Anyway my health was not great and so on Wednesday night I checked into the ER at UCSF. Within a couple of days I was on the right floor of the hospital and ready for round 2.
So round two is a more aggressive round, I am told it will be the most difficult round for some time. As the treatments are cumulative, I stand in position to be able to grow a garden on my stomach by spring. So the regiment for this round is 4 days of 2 big drugs Etoposide and Ara-C. They were administered starting last Friday and by Tuesday were completed. These drugs are causing my blood counts, specifically, the white blood count, Plateletes, and ANC levels to drop. The reason this round is deemed most difficult is because the levels drop from numbers like 5- 10 to .001 or .005. They will basically be killing all the bad cells inside my bones. It is here that mouth sores, infections, and a general sense of feeling like a very salted slug, kick in. Then they will see if my bone marrow will produce the right kind of cells. This process will keep me nutrapenic where I find myself now.
The other treatment that began is called Methotrexate. This is administered both with IV and through a series of 6-12 spinal taps. Micheal my NP did a spinal tap a few days ago. He and Mary were great with my obvious nervousness and discomfort. With this tap they will be able to determine whether the cancer is in my brain or not, this affects the amount of spinal taps as well. I will find out the results this week. And lets be honest, praying for a negative return, so I get less “sticky in the spinie”!!
So now I lay in wait so to speak. So far I feel alright, this round has defiantly hit me differently than the first, and harder I think. For the next week I will get more tired, sick and at risk for infection. Then next Saturday or so I will begin to receive nupagin injections, which promote the production of the cells again. Within about a week from that I should be feeling more “normal” again.
At that point it will be about the 20th and I should be able to head home for a little Christmas love. My beautiful sister Alicen is marrying Dallas on the 2
9th, and if my health permits, I will be heading to SLC for the wedding for a day.
So that is my treatment for now, kind of a heavy read I know. So let me give you the good news. First off, after testing my blood it appears that the cancer is in “remission”. This means the Induction process worked. It doesn’t mean I am out of the woods by any means, but it does mean that the drugs are working, and it does mean that I am smiling just a little wider. Secondly, I have the best healthcare, pretty much in the world. After leaving Stanford, I was a bit skeptical that I could be cared for as well. After being here for a week, I feel just as blessed. The nursing staff is not only compassionate but really fun to be around. The doctors, are great at explaining things to me, and are in daily to give me the Low Down on my Low Counts.
There are some definite perks to my current life. One of them is I am on the 11th floor with a huge window overlooking the golden gate bridge and the whole city of SF. If you are gonna feel not so swell, it is really nice. Also the staff here is a hoot. I find myself laughing a lot of the time, especially during dicey procedures… And I am really grateful that I do not have to do this treatment via outpatient. I would not want to drive in my silly sick condition. Ps, I am not going to lie, they give me lots of drugs to help with the pain, discomfort, and nausea. If you can imagine the goofy fun loving side of chad with this mixed in, well it’s a little ridiculous. (I love it)
I just want you each to know that there is a beautiful experience I have been having. On occasion I have found myself in mid treatment, to be a bit more sick than I have been before. In this place of feeling not great, there are many emotions, and feelings. But each time I feel this way, I find myself opening my emails. I just have to spend a few minutes reading and I find everything changing. The fear leaves, the discomfort is quieted, and I am left smiling. I just want you to know how grateful I am for your inspiration. Thank you for the stories about what is going on in your lives, I love the updates. Thank you for each of your individual ways of helping me get through this.
I hope that as this holiday season is underway, you all know how grateful I am to not only be alive, but to have in my life such amazing people. Please know of my deepest appreciation, and love for each of you. May this season bring all of the blessings you each stand in need of.
Friday, 9 November 2007
Round 1 middle
As I sit here in my hospital bed I am surrounded on this night with such a sweetness. The walls have been decked with cards, pictures, notes, and markers of my life, which so all of you have had a part in creating. And on this night as I think of the elements of my life, encompassing, I want you to know I am happy. The tears that I encountered in the onset of this have changed from fear to a knowledge of such love. I hope you all know that my heart swells daily as I re-read, these passages, as I look at the pictures of you, and I as I realize that the most powerful thing about this sickness, is its ability to show me the goodness of my life. I hope that things are well with each of you, and will try to write individually, right now is just a bit busy between all of the crazy events of the day.
So I have been on a chemo regiment for about a week. The routine lasts 22 days, and each month will change a bit. The induction month I am in, is compounded with all sorts of drugs, and treatments to set me off in the right place. I started last week which means, I am for the most part now, nutripeanic, or without an immune system. However after all the anti biotic I have been on, I might as well have a little bubble around me, they have this down to a science.
In the first hit of chemo, i got a fever etc, but after the drugs, really not too shabby. Lets be honest its designed to make ya pretty sick, I guess they figured this would detour me. However, then they introduced me to a little thing called prednisone. This little steroid I am on makes me hungry like a moose. Since the introduction of this I have also been previed to a full menu for each day, both Childs and adult. So everyday, I pick what, how much, and when I would like, all this pretty tasty, food. And since I am on a steroid, I eat about 5000-6000 calories a day, and still keep my girl ish figure. (but don't get excited or afraid and send donuts, its all like no bacteria food, unlike I am used to preparing, no past date stuff ya know…. Good thing I am not cooking.)
My nurses and doctors are stellar. For knowing me a week they sure are loving, and I feel like I really am where I need to be. It is such a blessing to know that I am in a place, that not only knows what they are doing, but in a big way, pioneers the field.
So I will be here a few more weeks, then for the next 6 or so months will come in for my treatments of chemo in an outpatient facility. It will be accompanied by various tests, er visits etc, but really all do able. My energy and fatigue will wax and wain I suppose, and I am not unrealistic about the severity of every cancer battle, but I just feel so much peace, I know that I am headed in a good direction.
So perhaps an update on my prognosis would be good. So at the onset of my treatment I was told that a bone marrow transplant would probably have to be used in the first 90 days. This is a very tricky option for a few reasons, but a common enough occurrence. Basically they get you really really vulnerable then introduce the other marrow. Anyway . I spoke with my doctor this morning and he said that my body is handling the chemo better than they even expected. The blood results and labs are showing that my age is really helping. My white blood cells, and marrow are responding very quickly.
Today I was told that a bone marrow is not something that they are even considering. My doctor said we are going for complete remission with just the chemo. The bone marrow transplant will be reserved as a back up if anything should resurface in my future. I just want to thank you again, so much for your prayers, and love. Miracles do happen, and today in my world I felt one in a big way. May God be in your hearts as he has been in mine through each of you. Thank you , and love always- chad
So I have been on a chemo regiment for about a week. The routine lasts 22 days, and each month will change a bit. The induction month I am in, is compounded with all sorts of drugs, and treatments to set me off in the right place. I started last week which means, I am for the most part now, nutripeanic, or without an immune system. However after all the anti biotic I have been on, I might as well have a little bubble around me, they have this down to a science.
In the first hit of chemo, i got a fever etc, but after the drugs, really not too shabby. Lets be honest its designed to make ya pretty sick, I guess they figured this would detour me. However, then they introduced me to a little thing called prednisone. This little steroid I am on makes me hungry like a moose. Since the introduction of this I have also been previed to a full menu for each day, both Childs and adult. So everyday, I pick what, how much, and when I would like, all this pretty tasty, food. And since I am on a steroid, I eat about 5000-6000 calories a day, and still keep my girl ish figure. (but don't get excited or afraid and send donuts, its all like no bacteria food, unlike I am used to preparing, no past date stuff ya know…. Good thing I am not cooking.)
My nurses and doctors are stellar. For knowing me a week they sure are loving, and I feel like I really am where I need to be. It is such a blessing to know that I am in a place, that not only knows what they are doing, but in a big way, pioneers the field.
So I will be here a few more weeks, then for the next 6 or so months will come in for my treatments of chemo in an outpatient facility. It will be accompanied by various tests, er visits etc, but really all do able. My energy and fatigue will wax and wain I suppose, and I am not unrealistic about the severity of every cancer battle, but I just feel so much peace, I know that I am headed in a good direction.
So perhaps an update on my prognosis would be good. So at the onset of my treatment I was told that a bone marrow transplant would probably have to be used in the first 90 days. This is a very tricky option for a few reasons, but a common enough occurrence. Basically they get you really really vulnerable then introduce the other marrow. Anyway . I spoke with my doctor this morning and he said that my body is handling the chemo better than they even expected. The blood results and labs are showing that my age is really helping. My white blood cells, and marrow are responding very quickly.
Today I was told that a bone marrow is not something that they are even considering. My doctor said we are going for complete remission with just the chemo. The bone marrow transplant will be reserved as a back up if anything should resurface in my future. I just want to thank you again, so much for your prayers, and love. Miracles do happen, and today in my world I felt one in a big way. May God be in your hearts as he has been in mine through each of you. Thank you , and love always- chad
Wednesday, 24 October 2007
Round 1 Begin
Aloha friends-
Just wanted to give you an update. I met with my doctor yesterday at Stanford and apparently, i am still sick. At any rate they discussed the treatment with me in detail. I will be admitted today, for approximately one month. I will begin with a transfusion today, and will have many of them throughout. I will have a fairly "rigorous" chemo routine which will help target the bad cells. There is a good possibility I will have a Bone Marrow Transplant in the near future as well, my siblings will be tested to check for a match. After the month, I will continue coming in for chemo for another 7 months on a heavy dose of the treatment. From there they will continue with a monthly dose of chemo that is for maintenance, this will be for approximately 18 months. There will also be some radiation to my brain (i guess that blows any chance of attending classes at Stanford), to help treat the cancer and hopefully prevent its transition into my brain and spine. I feel with all of these things like I am in good hands. There is a good chance 90 % that it will remiss. The tricky part is if it returns at any time in the first few years, my chance of beating it again, is well, not great. But lets be honest, my odds of getting this were not high right? My odds of having back surgery were not good, and guess what, had that too. If there is one thing that can be said, I do not ever fit into the statistics.
So may i just say thank you. The emails, calls, and support have been such a great help. Thank you for your prayers, tears, and smiles. I know that in the next while they will continue to be needed and welcomed. May the Lord Bless you each in all the things you need in your life. I pray that you will feel the peace that I have been able too and that through this, and life, we all can learn and love.
Always,
Chad
PS- Please send pics if you have em, new, old, us, you, scenery, whatever, I love em!
Just wanted to give you an update. I met with my doctor yesterday at Stanford and apparently, i am still sick. At any rate they discussed the treatment with me in detail. I will be admitted today, for approximately one month. I will begin with a transfusion today, and will have many of them throughout. I will have a fairly "rigorous" chemo routine which will help target the bad cells. There is a good possibility I will have a Bone Marrow Transplant in the near future as well, my siblings will be tested to check for a match. After the month, I will continue coming in for chemo for another 7 months on a heavy dose of the treatment. From there they will continue with a monthly dose of chemo that is for maintenance, this will be for approximately 18 months. There will also be some radiation to my brain (i guess that blows any chance of attending classes at Stanford), to help treat the cancer and hopefully prevent its transition into my brain and spine. I feel with all of these things like I am in good hands. There is a good chance 90 % that it will remiss. The tricky part is if it returns at any time in the first few years, my chance of beating it again, is well, not great. But lets be honest, my odds of getting this were not high right? My odds of having back surgery were not good, and guess what, had that too. If there is one thing that can be said, I do not ever fit into the statistics.
So may i just say thank you. The emails, calls, and support have been such a great help. Thank you for your prayers, tears, and smiles. I know that in the next while they will continue to be needed and welcomed. May the Lord Bless you each in all the things you need in your life. I pray that you will feel the peace that I have been able too and that through this, and life, we all can learn and love.
Always,
Chad
PS- Please send pics if you have em, new, old, us, you, scenery, whatever, I love em!
Thursday, 11 October 2007
Diagnosis
So to begin with i hope that you are well. I have been in hawaii now since the beginning of august. I came to run an adventure camp and then begin school. the camp was smashing and really a great chance to see hawaii. school has been quite fun and really fulfilling. i even became the BYU Hawaii Sports Massage Therapist.
However since being in hawaii it turns out i have become quite ill. I went to the doctor a few times in the past 8 weeks with what i thought was a sinus infection, and cold. After some anti biotics and over the counter attempts to feel better, i found no relief.
Last week i had some labs done at the hospital and found that i am considerably more sick than i had initially thought. My body is suffering from a white blood cell problem. With more testing it was confirmed and i was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia.
This is a treatable form of cancer that attacks the blood cells and deals with blood cell mutations. The good news is that there is treatment for this. I will fly to Stanford Medical and within the next week begin an aggressive form of chemotherapy. the regiment will consist of a 6-8 month treatment of 21 day cycles. The chemical they are using has a good prognosis and i feel confident that i will overcome this obstacle.
I want you my friends to know a few things. First I am so grateful to each of you. I am so blessed to be surrounded by loved ones especially you. As each of you know we have all had our personal struggles in which our friendship has been forged. I have been through so much with each of you as you have been through things with me. This particular one is for me, but i feel as though it will give me an opportunity to really just focus on the beautiful gifts of life that i do have, my friends family and my relationship with the Savior. I hope that as you read this you can know of my love for each of you and my hope for the future. This sickness is a bit of a beast, however it has one of the highest remission rates, it just takes some serious medical attention.
I will be in touch as best i can and feel free to call or email. There are some plusses for instance- I will be able to have visitors over the next 8 months and good, i will need them. They dont exactly hand out donuts in hospitals, and you know the importance of donuts in my case, i just need em. anyway, my spirits are high, i feel as though the heavens have opened in my life and given me a new peace that has been greatly desired.
I hope that all of you are well in what you are doing. I am so proud to call each of you friend, and know that through this process, life will only become more beautiful, and of course, more worth living. May God Bless each of you as he has blessed me in this time of struggle.
The following is a forward describing in more detail what will happen.
Family,
I spoke with Chad and his Honolulu oncologist again tonight about his acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), and have some more specific news for everyone. He will be flying to California this week to be with Margo and Roger, and to start chemotherapy at a nearby hospital at Stanford. He will undergo 8 cycles of chemotherapy (1 cycle = 4 weeks, about 2 weeks of which is in the hospital). So, 8 months of chemotherapy, in and out of the hospital depending on how he does. The medications he will be getting are chemotherapy ("hyper-CVAD") plus Rituxan, an expensive yet effective medicine that specifically targets the lymphocyte cancer cells. He joked with me tonight, "Scott, it took you 12 years to accumulate a quarter million dollars of debt, and I'm gonna do it in 6 months!" The oncologist said a bone marrow transplant at Stanford or UCSF would be a second option if his cancer fails to go into remission with this regimen.
And, some more accurate prognostic .. This is what the oncologist told Chad, and it corresponds with the studies I have read:
1. Chance his leukemia will go into "remission" (meaning cancer goes away for the meantime, does NOT equate with cure) after 8 months of chemo = >90%.
2. Five-year survival rate (meaning, of all patients who receive this therapy, what percentage are alive in 5 years, i.e. loosely analogous to "cure rate") = around 50%. This number was in studies with adults ages 18-60, so personally I suspect that Chad's youth will give him somewhat of a better survival beyond that number. He also has siblings who could give bone marrow if needed in the future (if they "match"), which adds to his survival as well.
3. Once in California, he will be getting a "permacath" port placed under the skin on his chest for ease of delivering chemotherapy. He will also be getting a similar port placed through his skull to deliver methotrexate (a type of chemotherapy) directly to the cerebrospinal fluid to prevent brain/spinal cord involvement of the leukemia.
my address now will be with my mom, in the bay area, near stanford.
email me for the address if you need it
C is for Chad not, Cancer. - its gonna have to be stronger than me, and i dont see that, being a possibility
However since being in hawaii it turns out i have become quite ill. I went to the doctor a few times in the past 8 weeks with what i thought was a sinus infection, and cold. After some anti biotics and over the counter attempts to feel better, i found no relief.
Last week i had some labs done at the hospital and found that i am considerably more sick than i had initially thought. My body is suffering from a white blood cell problem. With more testing it was confirmed and i was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia.
This is a treatable form of cancer that attacks the blood cells and deals with blood cell mutations. The good news is that there is treatment for this. I will fly to Stanford Medical and within the next week begin an aggressive form of chemotherapy. the regiment will consist of a 6-8 month treatment of 21 day cycles. The chemical they are using has a good prognosis and i feel confident that i will overcome this obstacle.
I want you my friends to know a few things. First I am so grateful to each of you. I am so blessed to be surrounded by loved ones especially you. As each of you know we have all had our personal struggles in which our friendship has been forged. I have been through so much with each of you as you have been through things with me. This particular one is for me, but i feel as though it will give me an opportunity to really just focus on the beautiful gifts of life that i do have, my friends family and my relationship with the Savior. I hope that as you read this you can know of my love for each of you and my hope for the future. This sickness is a bit of a beast, however it has one of the highest remission rates, it just takes some serious medical attention.
I will be in touch as best i can and feel free to call or email. There are some plusses for instance- I will be able to have visitors over the next 8 months and good, i will need them. They dont exactly hand out donuts in hospitals, and you know the importance of donuts in my case, i just need em. anyway, my spirits are high, i feel as though the heavens have opened in my life and given me a new peace that has been greatly desired.
I hope that all of you are well in what you are doing. I am so proud to call each of you friend, and know that through this process, life will only become more beautiful, and of course, more worth living. May God Bless each of you as he has blessed me in this time of struggle.
The following is a forward describing in more detail what will happen.
Family,
I spoke with Chad and his Honolulu oncologist again tonight about his acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), and have some more specific news for everyone. He will be flying to California this week to be with Margo and Roger, and to start chemotherapy at a nearby hospital at Stanford. He will undergo 8 cycles of chemotherapy (1 cycle = 4 weeks, about 2 weeks of which is in the hospital). So, 8 months of chemotherapy, in and out of the hospital depending on how he does. The medications he will be getting are chemotherapy ("hyper-CVAD") plus Rituxan, an expensive yet effective medicine that specifically targets the lymphocyte cancer cells. He joked with me tonight, "Scott, it took you 12 years to accumulate a quarter million dollars of debt, and I'm gonna do it in 6 months!" The oncologist said a bone marrow transplant at Stanford or UCSF would be a second option if his cancer fails to go into remission with this regimen.
And, some more accurate prognostic .. This is what the oncologist told Chad, and it corresponds with the studies I have read:
1. Chance his leukemia will go into "remission" (meaning cancer goes away for the meantime, does NOT equate with cure) after 8 months of chemo = >90%.
2. Five-year survival rate (meaning, of all patients who receive this therapy, what percentage are alive in 5 years, i.e. loosely analogous to "cure rate") = around 50%. This number was in studies with adults ages 18-60, so personally I suspect that Chad's youth will give him somewhat of a better survival beyond that number. He also has siblings who could give bone marrow if needed in the future (if they "match"), which adds to his survival as well.
3. Once in California, he will be getting a "permacath" port placed under the skin on his chest for ease of delivering chemotherapy. He will also be getting a similar port placed through his skull to deliver methotrexate (a type of chemotherapy) directly to the cerebrospinal fluid to prevent brain/spinal cord involvement of the leukemia.
my address now will be with my mom, in the bay area, near stanford.
email me for the address if you need it
C is for Chad not, Cancer. - its gonna have to be stronger than me, and i dont see that, being a possibility
Sunday, 19 August 2007
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