So, there have been things I haven't shared here. Quite a few actually. I'm not sure if I should even go there, but my mother always told me that a problem shared is a problem halved. And my blog is my safe place to express my views and feelings. So...
It's come as quite a shock to our family to learn that my dad's leukemia is back. After having routine annual blood tests done, he was advised that his blood has about 5% leukemia in it. We found out about 3 weeks ago and it's taking quite a bit of getting used to. Because of the extensive treatment that he's been through over the last couple of years, they are not able to give him any more donor cells (from my uncle) as he has had his limit. Any more and he stands a high risk of getting host/graft disease, which is basically a rejection of the health transplant cells. Added to that, his body's also had it's limit of Chemotherapy and radiation. When they did his transplant back in '98 they pretty much cooked him, so it's little wonder that he can't have any more. Anyway, on the plus side of all of this, there is excellent medication available (my dad's doctor has referred to it as miracle medicine, previously) that he is going to be starting up with shortly, which slows (and possibly even halts) the cancer's growth. It comes with a price tag of about R1,000.00 per day (approximately $130 - 140) though!! His medical aid (insurance) has confirmed that they will be paying for this medication in full until July, when he'll need to go for further blood tests to see how effective the treatment has been. I'm not sure what happens after July, but whether the medical aid pays for it or not, if the medicine's working, we will find the money to keep him on it. We are just concerned about getting him going on the medication now, 'cos they're going on a 3 week sea cruise in 3 weeks time and the side effects of the medicine are many. On the plus side, my dad is otherwise very healthy and it's still very early stages. The type of leukemia my dad suffers from (chronic myeloid leukemia) is very slow growing, so he has a lot counting in his favour at this stage. Please just keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
On a happy note, I had a lovely Valentine's Day and was a very spoilt girl! Jake made Danie & I a gorgeous card at school, his Grandpa Hubie sent me red roses, his granny gave me a heart biscuit and chocolate, Rosanne made Jake & I delicious heart shaped biscuits, my parents sent chocolates for Jake, Danie & I. Danie spoilt me with a huge bouquet of red roses too (I promise to take some pictures) and a massive box of Lindt balls, which I plan to finish this afternoon. We had a lovely dinner with his cousin, Gareth and his girlfriend, Sharon, in the Waterfront. The weather was incredible; it was really a perfect evening. We sat outside, looking out over the waterfront and our gorgeous mountain. I ate way too much, but everything was so delicious and the weather was so perfect, I just didn't want the evening to end. This has been the first Valentine's Day that I wasn't single for in 6 years and Danie made me feel very special. He's gorgeous and we have lots of fun together and I'm very happy. I'm in a love bubble.
Aside from Valentine's day, Jake starts chess today after school (nerd) and has swimming later. Tuesdays are our busy day and even though I didn't drink last night (I had a headache before we went out, that just won't go away), I'm suffering today. We might be going through to Danie later, but he is waiting to hear from some friends who were either popping in to visit him tonight or on Thursday evening. It's a guy's reunion type thing and guys suck at making plans. It's a fact of life.
Anyway, I hope every one's well. Photos tomorrow, I must just remember...
Sue x
8 comments:
O Sue, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad, what a kick. It's good, though, that you can still see the good things all around.
Hey Susan, you and your family seem to have graduated from "The School of Hard Knocks" more than is fair but I know you're a resilient lot and this too will be resolved because it seems to me that you all focus on the positive.
love, Louise
Sending lots of good wishes and positive energy your Dad's way. Such a rough ride for him and the entire family.
As Morgan said, balancing the worry off with moments of joy - big and small - is a great gift, to you and to your Dad.
Hugs...
- Lee
Thanks for your comments, ladies. As a family, we have really been through the mill over the years. It's made us a very strong, tightly knitted family. We do our best to have a positive outlook on life and I think we have all learnt to treasure the small things in life.
Thanks again for your thoughts and support, as always.
Sue XXX
oh Susie , Im so sorry about your dad. I will keep him in my thoughts and prayers and I hope the medication is successful. much love to you all
xxx
Hey hey - here's me keeping fingers crossed for your father.
We have two friends at the moment both suffering from different types, and the outlook for both is mixed. One is Peter's oldest friend from uni, the other was one of my witnesses at our Civil Partnership, and I took her wedding photos.
We hold on for good news every week, and so far we have been rewarded, so I hope everything goes the same way for you and your father.
Massive hugs all round ;o)
Hey Roo, thanks for the note. Waiting is always the hardest part in all this. We just have to keep hoping and praying.
Hope that things go OK for your friends too; there just seem to be so many people battling with cancer at the moment.
Take care,
Sue X
Hi Susan,
We are thinking of you and your family too and hope your Dad gets his medication soon and that it works well. Hoping for the best for all of you,
Love Nicola
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