Harlan Lemke

First post: Sep 13, 2020 Latest post: Dec 22, 2022

It’s a story of Covid-19 and the crazy year of 2020. A sore throat, a nasal swab, a positive Covid test, shortness of breath, and an innocuous blood smear for a pneumonia test. These are the chain of events that bring us to this current diagnosis of Leukemia. Specifically, Acute MyeloMonocytic Leukemia (AMML). AMML is a rare type of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in which there is an increased production of immature neutrophil white blood cells and immature monocyte white blood cells in the bone marrow.


So, what does this mean. In this case, it means there isn’t a cure. There is only an effort to control. Harlan will begin treatment starting September 14 with approximately a week stay in the hospital for the first round of treatment using a drug combination that appears to be effective in many patients to extend the length of life with a somewhat manageable set of side effects. How Harlan responds to treatment depend greatly on many factors including the Covid infection, his age, his health, and how effective this drug combination is with this particular type of Leukemia.


It is not known how effective the treatment will be or what precious time is left, however, Harlan has chosen to start treatment to see what effects can be achieved. You are invited to share your well wishes, thoughts, and prayers, as we will share these notes to Harlan during his upcoming hospital stay. Please share a funny story (we know they are out there), as well as fond memories, or just a happy time or place.


As we reflect on our life, there is solace in seeing the impact that we have had on the people that we have interacted with over the many years that we have been on this planet. Thank you for taking the time to visit, to reflect, and to remind Harlan of the humor, the fun, or the impact that he may have had on you.


 

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