3 years ago I started out on a journey to complete this regiment. Today I am done. After thousands of pills and IV's and Obstacles, I am done. I am afraid however the beauty of this moment is overshadowed by new information. This morning for my last day of chemo I underwent a bone marrow biopsy. My platelets have been very low the past few weeks and I had been concerned. Today at roughly 2pm I was re diagnosed with Leukemia. There is a 50% blast count in my bone marrow and treatment ironically will need to start immediately.
I want to say something for the record. I am grateful to be alive. I have stood and fought with great warriors and friends through these storms. This next battle will be nothing short of horrific but I find peace in knowing that Angels do surround me. I am grateful for the love and support and know much more will be needed for the next chapter in this great tale of adventure.
I also want to publicly thank the doctors and staff at UCSF for the amazing to date treatment, and for what will come next. Further more I want to thank my roommates from the past few years, my friends, my beautiful family and the mentors and loved ones who have guided me through this darkness.
I have no doubt of the tears that will flow and that currently are. I am grateful for your heartfelt prayers and comments. I also wanted to let you all know that after nearly 3 years of treatment, a second cancer and all of the complications between I am confident in two things.
The Lord Loves Me
And
C is STILL for Chad Not Cancer.
Have Hope- Chad
If you are in Fresno tomorrow (fri) there is a Celebration at Maroo (bullard and west) cause while this all sucks, we still need to revel in the first victory-
And to my Tri Team- On Saturday and at Wildflower, Know I am grateful for your struggle, for your service and for your love. GO TEAM!
14 comments:
My dear friend Chad, I am so very sorry to hear that your leukemia is back. It's just not fair. You have always been an inspiration to me, providing me with hope and courage as I continue my own journey. I love you, and always remember that the Lord loves you with all his heart. When the days are too hard to handle, do what I do, go sit in God's lap awhile, and let him comfort you. He will, and he wants too. My cousin Linda and I will pray openly for you at church, and I will make sure you are added to the prayer chain as well. Please feel free to call me, anytime, any hour. My cell number is 375-9960. Trust in God, he has a plan, we don't know what it is, but he does. And, I am going to trust that God will take care of you, and he along with many others, will love you through this next journey.
Love, Vicky
Chad,
You are an inspiration, and I'm very excited that you conquered Leukemia, even if that battle rages once more. Good luck, and know that there are hundreds of us who find your tenacity inspiring,
Neil Johnson
Thinking of you. You are amazing!
Oh Chad. I am so sorry, my friend. You are so strong and I know that with the Lord's help all will be well. I'm so glad you know to trust in him :)
Chad-just read your blog as Becky had passed it on to the TNT tri team. I met you at the team training day over at Lake San Antonio and was so motivated by your spirit and attitude of living life to the fullest despite this cancer obstacle in your life! Your comment about "the Lord loves me", tugged at my heart as I, too, am a believer and know that truth! What a blessing to know He is at our side 24/7 to call for strength, hope and peace. I am sorry to know you have a new battle to begin, but again, your faith and trust in our Lord will help you daily to keep strong and positive. I will be keeping you in prayer and will make sure our teams will say a prayer for you tomorrow before the Millerton triathlon-you will be our inspiration/motivation!! Please keep sharing your faith through your blogs, ect. as this is part of your testimony of God's work in your life! Romans 8:28 keeps me grounded when I start to feel the world falling in on me. Plaese keep us updated on your treatments, etc to keep us inspired as we have only 2 weeks before Wildflower. May God continue to bless you and your family during this new journey as He reveals His will for you daily. In His love, Peggy (TNT SV tri coach)
Chad, I don't know you personally-but we have many mutual friends in the Fresno LDS community. I was diagnosed with childhood ALL in 1987 and went through two years of treatment. I am a long term survivor of ALL.
Thank you for your loving example and positive attitude. It is a huge wake-up call to everyone to be grateful for the things they have and even the trials we wish to not have when we hear news like yours. Congratulations on getting through your treatment course that is a huge milestone!
I express my sincerest apologies for your recent diagnosis, I wouldn't wish the diagnosis on an enemy. This is extremely hard for me to write because everyone's journey is different-I cannot feel how you feel because our lives are so different. I do not wish to say sorry, because the experiences are hard-because they are a part of you and who you have become. I congratulate you for your strength through this difficult journey. I know that from this experience you have affected many lives for good, and I hope you continue to find peace and happiness from that knowledge.
I hope that you also continue to find love and support from your friends and family through this next course of treatment. I wish you continued success, and my prayers go to you-your family/friends, and everyone else being affected by this disease. I know God loves you.
Sincerely,
Terra Olsen. Survivor.
Chad-we just got the news, and since Tawnya and I have been out of the loop for several years, the posting caught us off guard. I know we haven't been together, but we both have very fond memories of you and your mom. I've read your posts--what a warrior! We have pictures of you that we were going through--we'll tell our kids all the stories. Let me know if I leave something out! :)
Hi Chad, I met you last weekend in the parking lot at Steven's. I am so sorry it isn't better news. You have such a positive attitude, I know you can get through this challenge too. I will be riding 60 miles tomorrow and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Danell teNyenhuis - TNT Cycle Mentor
blayneandaerinyates.blogspot.com
Chad, you are a great guy and you have an amazing spirit surrounding you that even my children were drawn to. I will add this blog to mine so I can follow your amazing fight and survival for a second time. For the little physical time we spent with you, we love you and your countenance, Thanks for taking care of our Sean!
Oh that is bittersweet. You are on my mind and in my prayers.
Chad - Hey, guy! We are so praying for you and have enjoyed what little time we have had with you in CA. May the Lord bless you with peace, hope and strength!
Love 'n hugs, Doug & Mary Yates :)
Chad, you don't know me&of course, I don't know you. I did Nike 2009 and enjoyed my experience so much, I continued by volunteering and will hopefully participate in Nike this year. I read Rosemary's email a bit ago and then your blog. As tears filled my eyes, I couldn't help but think how pathetically selfish I've been the past month. I planned on doing SD in June, but blew my knee out and will have surgery on the 27th. I've pouted and talked about how I'm not going to be able to do SD w/Team. After reading your blog. You've inspired me to train even harder, come back stronger and with the attitude of having a complete recovery. I'm supposed to be out 3-6mos. That's just nonsense and unacceptable. Doesn't that doctor know I have Nike for TNT-LLS!!! Anyways, I will keep my energy flowing your way and I will keep you in my thoughts when I'm feeling pathetic and selfish. Your right God is watching over you. I'm glad I read your blog. Stay strong and may many blessing come your way!!!
CAIO~~~
Renee Garcia
PS~~~GO TEAM!!!!!
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