Susie Garest

In the early hours of Sunday, May 1st, Joe took Susie to the ER at Edwards Hospital in Naperville, IL.  She had had a persistent cough for about a week and has having tightness in her chest among other issues.  While in the ICU at Edwards, it was discovered that her white blood cell count was extremely high.  She was transferred on Tuesday morning to The University of Chicago Hospital and after two days of tests, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).  



Despite the scary diagnosis, Susie is in really good spirits.  Seriously, she's the sweetest patient that you've ever seen.  From the ICU nurses at Edwards, to the ambulance drivers, to the ICU nurses at U of C, she's chatting up the staff, making friends, and leaving in her wake a flock of sad nurses who are sorry to see her go.  She even met two doctors in the elevator on the way to one of her tests who came by later in the day to help her out.

Her home for about the next month is in a private room at the University of Chicago with beautiful views of the city and lakefront.  Joe, Sandy, & Lauri are rearranging the furniture and bringing just about everything from her bedroom up to the hospital to make her feel more at home.

Treatment is still being determined but should be started by Monday.
 
Please use the Guestbook feature of this website to send notes and words of encouragement to Susie and the rest us and we will do our best to update this journal frequently to keep you all in the loop. 

Please do not send flowers as they are not allowed on this floor.  Cards are appreciated and should be mailed to Joe & Susie's home.

Please send lots of loving, healing wishes and positive thoughts her way.

Love,
Joe, Susie, Sandra, & Lauri