On Leukemia

Our journey begins April 1st (I believe). Daniel had been doing some yard work and Began to complain of his calf muscle hurting. After 2 weeks,I begged him to go to my Family practitioner, who I believe is great. He decided to try a local doctor and received some Mede and was sent on his way. Shortly after the pain resided... his back and chest began to be sore. Again, he was stubborn. Within the last two weeks he began to complain of shortness of breath. I had planned a trip to New York City with one of my very good friends. Other than work related trips, this would be my first ever trip away from my family. I was completely worried as to how Daniel was going to handle me being gone for almost 6 days. But anyone who knows the dynamics of our family, knows that Daniel is an excellent father to his 3 baby girls! I had the clothes organized and ironed and I knew that on Thursday my mother would be there to help, not to mention that I have a wonderful set of in-laws who help out as well.

Tuesday morning, I hurried out the door, as I do most mornings, and hugged and kissed Daniel and the girls good-bye. This was the last time that I would see them until Sunday because I was flying out early Wednesday. At this point, he thought that he probably had an ear infection. Thursday morning, he decided that he was I'll enough that he should go to the doctor. He had an appointment at 9 a.m. He mentioned that he was going to ask for a full blood work up (you see, we are pretty health conscious people), as he wanted to check his cholesterol and other stuff. He was diagnosed with strep throat, and his blood levels seemed way out of whack. He was told to come back in 2 weeks. So, home he went. He couldn't get out of bed and passed out a few times during the next 2 days. Saturday afternoon, he decided with the help of his sister (she always has a good intuition) that he should maybe go to the emergency room. His mom loaded him up and off he was! Meantime, Lana and I were wrapping up our New stork adventure (I'll be posting pictures of the trip later). It was in the Southeast Hospital emergency room our life completely changed. Daniel, my husband, my solid rock, the man that for me, was love at first sight, was diagnosed with leukemia. As you can imagine, I was numb, crushed and more than anything, I wanted to be with him. I know that he needed me. Can you imagine what it is like to be that far away, and not be able to get home for around 12 hours? I was breathless! Daniel was then on his way to Barnes Jewish Hospital via ambulance. I boarded a plane at 7 am (New York time).

They did a variety of tests, of which it was confirmed, he has Acute Myeloid Leukemia. I admit, I still feel like I am sitting in the dark, waiting on the numbness and edginess to wear off. It still hasn't. Tears come and go, constantly. Daniel had his bone marrow biopsy yesterday. As I write this, we are waiting on the dr to come by and deliver the preliminary test results. Other results will be available in 2 weeks. My stomach is just churning. For all of you wondering, I have been checking my blood pressure, and it is ok. I still can't find words, and I am trying to update everyone. I want to thank all of our incredible friends and family who send basket after basket of goodies for us and our family, trying to make us smile. I am struggling with words, especially with Daniel, and i am quickly learning that maybe, I'm serving him better by not saying anything at all. I will continue to update this pretty little blog as often as I can. Maybe, this will be easier. I promise, it will get prettier- the blog that is! I will be posting pictures of our family and our trip- maybe that will brighten it up! If I can ask anything of anybody- pray, I'm trying, but I am numb and vacant! But today, I humbly ask you to pray for Daniel. Please help me and our family! Lift him in prayer. Today, I ask for your words.