Tuesday, August 12

Why Blogging About Blood Cancer Is Important To Me....

Back in February 2001 my dad was dx with Leukemia. I remember when he told me he acted as if it was nothing. Telling me not to worry and everything would be ok. Yea right. I already had 1 parent with cancer, and now both. He told me the DRs said his only hope was a bone marrow transplant. I joked around with him and told him that I hope to be the last one tested to be a match. He laughed and said that wouldn't be a problem. I stressed about it constantly. Not the fact of me being tested but just afraid no one would be a match. My mom could see how scared I was. My mom was an avid People magazine reader. She couldn't go to the store without picking one up. Some times she would go to the store for the magazine, haha. Anyway there was an article about this young doctor who may have found the alternative to marrow transplants and chemo for some leukemia patients. It was a little pill called Gleevec...



It wasn't even FDA approved yet. I sent the article to my dad. He asked his oncologist about it, who in turn sent him to MD Anderson in Houston, Texas where I was living. He was 1 of 50 people in the U.S. to be placed on this medication. It was scary. Not knowing what this was all about and if it would work or make it worse. It was one of the fastest FDA approved drugs in just a few weeks before the trial time was even up. My dad is doing great 7 years later. There is always the possibility the cells will become resistant to the drug, but for now he's living life and enjoying time with his grandchildren.






I hope that you will take the time to blog about blood cancer, or any cancer for that matter. These days it seems like it's not about if you will get cancer, but when. It's scary times my friend.

Post about the importance of blood cancer research, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Friends of Heroes, The Light Night Walks, or how you have been touched by blood cancer. Please include a link to the Friends of Heroes blog (http://www.friendsofheroes.org/blog) and this post. Also make sure to tell us in your post what prize you'd most like to win. Then leave them a link directly to your post below on MR LINKY. (1 chance to win for each post you make, so make sure to post each day during the event for up to 7 chances to win.)


This isn't about winning, it's about fighting, raising awareness and living.

6 comments:

Valerie Williams said...

Wow! I'm so glad your dad is doing well now. That's pretty amazing!! ((Amanda))

Gena said...

((((AMANDA)))) What a blessing to have your dad with you today to enjoy his grandkids. I hope he continues to do well!

Audra Krell said...

This is such a great story of encouragement. I'm amazed at YOUR story, you have been through so much, but your attitude seems so beautiful. You are living life the only way, really, really living! Keep on keepin on.

Goodies for Mom said...

I am so glad your dad is doing well!!!! Thanks for posting

Virginia said...

Amanda, you truly are an Amazing & Strong Wife, Woman, Mother, Daughter & Friend! I am so blessed to know you. You have touched MANY people's lives. (((hugs)))

Goodies for Mom said...

Goodies for Mom Blogging for Blood Cancer Winner



Congratulations, you are one of the lucky winners from the Goodies for Mom Blogging for Blood Cancer Event!!!! Please e-mail me your full name, and shipping address, along with the name of the prize you won as soon as possible so our wonderful sponsors can send you your prizes. Also note any prize specifications if applicable like personalization, size, color, etc. :)

Check out what you won at: http://goodiesformom.blogspot.com/2008/08/blogging-for-blood-cancer-winner.html

Thank you so much for helping us raise awareness for blood cancer and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Make sure to stop back and visit us at Goodies for Mom soon!

P.S. I still get goosebumps thinking that LLS supported Dr. Drucker that young miracle working doctor that invented Gleevec!!!!!