Thoughts...

Recently, I've been reading the blogs of others who are battling leukemia. Links to those blogs are in the sidebar. As Joe and I have read through various entries and prayed for others who have been shocked by unexpected news we've had various discussions and have just been amazed. It is all at once sad and beautiful, thought-provoking and eye-opening. I want to feel sorry for these people that I may or may not know...my heart aches as I read words that have come from my own mouth, or that I've heard from Joe. But then...always as weaknesses are revealed, strength is seen shortly after. That is a beautiful thing. Also beautiful is the faith I see that everything is under control. The willingness to accept this life that has been dealt and live it the fullest! And finally, seeing friends and family band together to help the people they love is beautiful.
It has all been very thought-provoking for us though, and very eye-opening. I mean, it is incredible when you realize how many people out there are affected by leukemia or MDS or cancer. And it is positively mind-numbing when you stop to realize how many people are affected by other things that are just as scary. It's just interesting how Joe's diagnosis has caused me to notice things I might have ignored in the past. I don't know. There is so much running through my mind right now, but no way that I can put any of it down in a remotely eloquent manner! It's late, and the drive is in the morning! Maybe tomorrow I can unjumble my thoughts more.

Thank you David for stopping by before studying for your boards! It was so great to see you. Thank you to Cammy for flying down from New York for the drive! And thank you to Louis for picking Cammy up from the airport. It was fun sitting around with the two of you and eating pizza, spaghetti and jello! Thanks for the puzzle too Louis!!!! It was so sweet of you to get it for us...especially since I'm always stealing yours when we visit! Thanks to Ray too for stopping by and bringing the gifts from Hawaii. I'm so impressed that you picked them out yourself. You have great style!

I hope to see a big turn out for the drive tomorrow!!!!!! Big hugs to everyone.

Just a very quick update. Yesterday, a "mean fellow" pretty much told Joe that his rash could be Leukemia affecting his skin...which would mean that he would not respond as well to chemo. Uhm...he had just gotten a skin biopsy with no answers yet, so why freak him out like that?

Well, PRAISE GOD! Because today we found out it is actually a weird drug reaction, which is most definitely the least of all evils. Also, he had the inflammation of his gums checked out and for now he just needs to gargle with a special mouthwash. Tomorrow he may see the oral surgeon here for possible irrigation and debriding of the area.

Joe was mostly smiling today, which is GOOD! Especially considering he didn't sleep so well last night. He spiked another high fever. I know that it is so rough being in the hospital and going through all that he is going through. I'm so very proud of him though for trying to stay positive.

Joe's mom made him some goodies for lunch, which he was able to eat. And he ate most of his hospital dinner too. Yippee. My parents were around today too. My mom made Joe some cake, and he loved that.

That's all for now. I can't keep my eyes open. But as always thank you all for your wonderful messages and words of cheer! Sara and Mike M. sent balloons which really brighten up the room. And Lisa, who I must call tomorrow has been amazing in using her connections to plan an upcoming bone marrow drive! Sometime I'll have to make a list of thank you's. It would seriously be miles long, I think. We love ALL OF YOU!