Skip to content
Close

Register with YACC

Enter your first name
Enter your last name

Day 53 – A 7 Month Summary

Here we are, the eve of the 7 month mark of my series. It was 7 months ago tomorrow that I was engaged in a great discussion with a gentleman at a business reception and ‘didn’t quite excuse myself’ from the conversation, proceeded to pass-out and from there went to the hospital. Of course the trip was just pre-cautionary, you know to ensure everything was fine, and I think you know the rest. I have definitely told the story, and do look forward to telling it again many times, but not right now as I have other ideas.

First I would like to begin by saying the past 7 months have been “real” (as a friend so accurately pointed out the other day). They have probably been the most “real” times of my life and as you know they have provided me with an amazing range of experiences, highs and lows, of which I attempt to share with you all on a consistent basis. Throughout my ’sharing’ I realize that I only really ’share’ what comes to mind, the things that I think you would find interesting or are appropriate for you to know. I do know that there are many times I talk over your head, so to speak, in relation to the medical terms for example. So I would like to give everyone an opportunity to ask questions regarding most anything and everything I have experienced over the past 7 months. While I won’t necessarily give you complete access to my thoughts, I will certainly be very candid and open, as I try to be always. No question is ’stupid’ or insignificant if it is something you have an interest to know then please go ahead and ask, as I do know there are many details both small and large that I have left out for one reason or another. Depending on your responses I will either reply to you personally or just mention your question to the group and tell everyone. As in the past there will be no names, just mine, so don’t worry about others reading or judging your comments and questions. Give it some thought and write if you wish.

The second thing I wanted to do on this June 5th, 1999 (2001), and the real reason I am up at 5:21 a.m., is to give you a little summary of my last 7 months. It is a list of many different things that I have been playing with over the past few weeks. I intend to grow it as the series continues but thought that this might be interesting to send now as we progress through such a critical time in Game 4.

“A 7 Month Summary”

We start with… a few minor warning signs, one trip to the Emergency Room, several preliminary blood tests, a memorable weekend in hospital, producing 1 Life Threatening Challenge. Adoption of a “confident, controlling, aggressive” attitude, that was followed by a few strategy adjustments and ultimately the ultimate Hockey Series containing, 1 Hickman Catheter, 1 stick, 1 puck, 1 official Jersey, 1 Player and 1 Opponent. The Series started with a November 12th face-off, and forced cancellation of a 23rd Birthday celebration, which will most definitely be rescheduled.

Officially diagnosed on November 9th, I’ve spent 109 days in hospital, had numerous Red Cell and Platelet transfusions, lots of pre-meds, 3 reactions to Platelets, a bartenders dream full of cocktails (medications). 4-6 Blood Culture tests, 4-6 negative Blood Culture tests, 6 Chest x-rays, 2 CAT Scans, 1 MRI and a couple of really good scares. 4 stitches, approximately 1 million needles and 4 million blood tests through my Hickman.

A life changing Bone Marrow Transplant decision, many weeks of uncertainty and searching for some comfort in a decision, any decision. A decision, 1 Bone Marrow Transplant, 30 total days of chemotherapy, 1 dose of full-body radiation, 31 days in Protective Isolation at Princess Margaret Hospital. A few special Doctors and many special Nurses, lots of love and support!! 173 members of “My Friends” email group, over 1500 email messages and 3 boxes of cards, and countless thoughts, blessings and prayers.

Many, many Life Learning Opportunities which I will cherish forever and look forward to sharing with any and all for a long, long time.

There you have my “7 Month Summary”.

 

Take care,

Geoff
#4

Browse news by similar topics

Check this out!

View more news from YACC:
Day 50 – Encouragement for Everyone

We LOVE our partners!