Chris’s Story

Site created on October 6, 2018

Chris started experiencing very high fevers, fatigue and overall not feeling well around the middle of September. At first, he tried to keep the fever down with Tylenol and Advil, but that was not helping. Like any of us, he thought it was the flu, so he decided to go to the doctor to get some answers. When the blood work came back very abnormal,  our concern grew.  Within a few days, our world had gone from almost perfect to earth shattering. 

With more lab work and testing, Chris was diagnosed with Acute Promyeloctic Leukemia (APL), an extremely rare type. Chris was admitted into the Hematology/Oncology unit at UAB Hospital on Saturday, October 6th to begin treatments. 

We have all been amazed by Chris’ positive attitude. As always, he continues to make everyone in the room smile and laugh. 

We have started this caring bridge page to keep everyone updated throughout his journey. We will update this page as much as possible. This is going to be a long process for our family. We continue to ask for prayers for Chris, Sarah, Taylor, and the entire family. 




Newest Update

12/6/18

Journal entry by Sarah Gibson —

Chris saw the hem/oncologist last week to get results of his most recent bone marrow biopsy and plans for further treatment. Thankfully, his biopsy results showed that the treatments are working! 

Chris started outpatient treatments of arsenic and atra on Monday. The arsenic is infused in the hospital every day, 5 days per week for 4 weeks. After those 4 weeks,  then he has 4 weeks off from the infusion. The infusion pattern continues for several months. The atra is taken by mouth at home in a 2 week on/off pattern. Chris has noticed this week that the overall fatigue has returned. He is still in good spirits and doing well, but exhausted from treatment, commuting to UAB daily, and keeping up with his girls. 

Thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers! We wish you all a Merry Christmas! 
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