Thursday, June 9, 2011

Could it be genetics?..............

We are spending this week, on the Outer Banks, with our beautiful eldest daughter Gale, (and as of Tuesday ) her new hubby Bill. It's a week that, on the one hand, is filled with sunshine, warm summer breezes, the blue waters of the Atlantic,  the sand that burns one's feet in the heat of the day, and sunbathers who have stayed too long in the blazing sun.

On the other hand, it's a week that has been destined to be joyous and light-hearted, no matter what. But, just under the surface, and in the back of our minds looms that word again.....CANCER.

Gale hasn't felt good for quite some time, and had begun to lose weight rapidly. After several blood tests, and a couple of doctor's appointments, we received the word (on Friday as we were travelling toward NC) that she has been diagnosed with Leukemia. She has an appointment with an oncologist, next Thursday, that specializes in this type of cancer. At that time, we will know the type and the staging.

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, and it is in the same family as Bob's Multiple Myeloma. Is it possible that there is a genetic link? There are four major types of Leukemia, and like MM, the cause isn't really known (but genetics has been mentioned for blood cancers). Just as with MM, there have been many advances over the years in the treatment of Leukemia. We pray that it has been discovered quickly, and like Bob's, is treatable. We pray, and pray, and pray.

This week is a time of celebration, joy, and happiness. There will be time, too soon, for dealing with this.....and once again.....coping. Coping - that word that has become such a part of our lives, and something that we've learned to do quite well......but not when it's our child.





As many of my friends have said....."It's not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance.....in the rain". 

9 comments:

  1. Love you Sarah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  2. Thanks, Angie.....just taking this....one day, at a time.

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  3. What a lovely couple and a beautiful setting. I'm in awe of you all, going forward with all that swirling around in the background of your lives. Nice two step! Prayers for you all in my heart.

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  4. Lori: Thanks! Can't do anything but move forward......

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  5. So many things to cope with, Sarah. The joy of the beautiful wedding with the sadness of your daughter's diagnosis, hope and fear, fire and smoke, and now your younger daughter has health issues, too? Dear Lord, enough. May today's and next Tuesday's appointments provide positive and hopeful answers for both of your daughters. I'm holding you and yours in my thoughts and prayers.

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  6. Oh my goodness! So many whirling emotions in one week! All the best to the happy couple and to you both.

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  7. Heartbreaking to read this. Praying all goes well with your daughter's treatment. They say women are equipped with very strong hearts.
    We need them. So much loving and caregiving to do in our lives. Hang in there.

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  8. hello sarah,

    such a beautiful couple, so glad you posted those wonderful photos. now my prayers for you all can be matched with faces - yours and bob's, and your lovely gale, and new hubby, bill. know i am thinking of you and wish you comfort and peace in the days to come. warm hugs.

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  9. Oh Sarah I had to read that twice and then double check the comments to make sure I'd read it properly. I'm speechless.

    Congratulations on the wedding - they look a lovely couple. :D

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