Hi everyone.Forgive us if this is a little wordy, but we want to address some of the many questions that we have been asked over the past few weeks.
The facts. Mom was diagnosed with AML (Acute Myelogenous Leukemia) on Thursday, Oct. 8.
It was discovered on a routine blood test with her annual physical.
She had no outward symptoms – and had worked out at the gym the two previous days.
She was admitted to Foothills Hospital on Friday, Oct. 9 and started chemotherapy Oct. 10.
The objective. The chemo is meant to destroy the cancerous white blood cells being produced in her bone marrow. As the chemo kills the cancer cells and the normal blood cells, Mom will now spend the next 2-to-4 weeks in the hospital to recuperate and rebuild her immune system.
Progress. The therapy is going very well. Mom is tired and has had numerous blood transfusions to attempt to elevate her hemoglobin. Despite her fatigue, Mom manages to do several ‘laps’ of the ward each day (13 laps = 1 km). She makes her rounds with her IV pole, nicknamed Charlie, in tow.
She has little appetite, so Dad has done his part to make sure your tax dollars are not going to waste. (That’s right. He eats her food.)
Looking ahead. The ideal long-term treatment for this type of leukemia eventually involves a stem cell transplant from a compatible donor. That would happen right after an especially-intensive round of chemotherapy. If all goes well, Mom will be ready for that transplant early in the new year.
Her older brother, Chris, had blood tests done on Oct. 16. His blood samples will be analyzed over the next few weeks to determine if he is an eligible donor. The chances of him being a match are roughly 1 in 4.
If he is not a match, then a search will begin with people already registered as stem cell donors.
If you want more information about how to get onto that registered list of stem cell donors, please go to www.onematch.ca Some friends are also trying to set up a blood donor clinic, where information on the stem cell registry will also be available.
No visitors. Mom’s immunity is very low, leaving her very susceptible to infection. We are not even allowed to hug her or shake her hand. Our family has adapted by setting up the Wenis Rubbers Club. (Your wenis is the loose skin overlying your elbow. No kidding! Google it!) When we greet or say goodbye, we rub elbows rather than embracing.
Our family really appreciates the show of support and concern and know that many people would like to come and see Mom. Unfortunately, a full week of chemotherapy has left her very tired. She’s also experiencing some of the ugly side effects of the treatment. Her mouth, for example, has a number of sores that make it painful to talk. (Mind you, she does seem to be able to rally herself to tune Dad in every once in awhile.)
For the next few weeks, it is best to send Mom messages via email or the blog. She can take a look at them when she’s not too tired—and can rest without interruption when she feels the need.
How strict are they? The policies around hygiene are so strict Mom is not even allowed fresh flowers. A friend’s flowers were confiscated by staff! But don’t worry! Dad bartered those flowers for some really good potatoes that one of the nursing aides brought in for a staff Thanksgiving brunch.
Thank you! Thank you! Again, we want to thank the legions of family, friends, acquaintances and even total strangers who have organized a community of support we liken to a communal “Barn Raising.” Grandma has moved in to help with the day-to-day business of running a family . There are efforts underway to co-ordinate all of the offers of food from friends and neighbors and to organize those donations so that the food is there when we need it. We also appreciate all of the help we’ve received to transport Ali and I to school, appointments and ringette commitments.
(Mom says she’s relieved to know our welfare is not totally dependent on Dad. He’s a nice guy, but the assistance of some, umm, more qualified individuals, is really great!)
We will attempt to provide updates on Mom’s progress in a more timely and efficient fashion through the TeamTod blog that has been set up to help keep everyone in the know.
The doctors have repeatedly told us that this journey will be a year out of our lives. Many people are anxious to help out and visit right away. We will need the support of all of our friends at different times over the year and we will call upon everyone at some point. We will communicate our needs for help through the TeamTod blog and ask that you be patient with us as we are somewhat technologically challenged as a family. (Dad just got his first cell phone and it has taken us a week to teach him how to turn it on!)
We appreciate all of the support, positive energies and prayers that are being sent our way. Please keep them coming and we will all get Mom through this together
Thanks
Erin ( on behalf of Mom, Ali , Grandma and Dad )
Double One Footed Wenis Rub ..... this is an advanced greeting technique that should not be attempted before mastering the entry level maneuver 
