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I have always viewed life as a roller coaster with breathtaking views, deep plunges with many twists and turns. Over the past several years our roller coaster has soared to many heights and brought us much joy. On Thursday, April 7th our roller coaster began to plummet! Thursday morning, Mom did her typical routine, while Dad went to Rotary. He returned home excited to get his new motor home ready to roll. In typical mom fashion she asked Dad to clean up his pile of mail and in typical Dad fashion he found a way to avoid it! At about 2 pm Dad told mom he was having pains in his chest. Mom acted swiftly and got Dad to the emergency room right away where doctors began to run tests. It was in ER where doctors determined that Dad’s white blood cell count was 90,000. A normal white blood cell count is 10,000. Dad was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia. Cancer! That dreaded word!
Dad was having chest pain because his blood was thick and was struggling to circulate! Friday was filled with tests, pain management and the hopes to get dad’s blood pressure and white blood cell count down. That night he was started on a chemotherapy medication to bring his white blood cell count down. Additionally, he had a bone marrow biopsy done to determine the type of Leukemia he was fighting (ALL) and to determine the best treatment plan. Dad had a difficult first few nights, but really started to show improvement on Sunday. Carter, his grandson, handpicked the perfect card for his Papa telling him to kick cancer’s ass and that is what Dad plans to do! Dad began Chemotherapy on Monday night. Mom and Dad have appreciated the phone calls, well wishes and are looking forward to seeing everyone when Dad is ready. As he begins chemotherapy we need to keep his immune system cleared of all infection. Dad is staying in the Oncology ward which has a strict visitor policy. Dad’s chemo regimen will be 4 days of induction therapy which will leave him immuno compromised. Although this part of the ride was unexpected, Dad has an amazing support system and positive outlook! He is ready to fight!
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