Mike my husband set this blog up for our family, friends, and others who wish to know about our journey. I know that journaling is good for my own benefit, and so this is for me as well.
4 weeks ago I started going to the doctor for chest pains and abdominal pains and shortness of breath. I was told I was fine and was asked if I had anxiety, or heartburn. 3 hospital visits later when everything was normal on my blood work, all of the sudden, on 10/12/21, my white blood count was over 99,000, and I was told by the doctor that I might have leukemia. 48 hours later, it’s at 117,800. Of course I was devastated and In disbelief. The next three days I have had so many emotions, from thoughts of leaving my family, my friends, my Alliance family, and all of my customers over so many years. I have cried many times and said God why me. They transported me from UTMB CLEAR LAKE on 10/13/21 to UTMB Galveston, I’ve been in the hospital for just over 48 hours.
They said, we must move fast, your cancer is extremely aggressive. I thought I was in a nightmare, an alternate universe, but no, this is real. Thursday evening , as I sit in the hospital, In the last 24 hours I’ve had a team of about 10 doctors , oncologist, hematologist, internists , cardiac thoracic surgeon, residents, and the list goes on. I am in great hands here.
Bottom line, In the last 24 hours they have completed my diagnosis with a bone biopsy complete, spinal tap complete, picc line set, and about 40 other tests from ct brain scans to Ct of my heart, lungs, mri’s , chest X-rays , blood work every few hours, as my blood work shows my body deteriorating very fast. I am hoping and praying to start chemo tomorrow.
They have confirmed my diagnosis of ALL leukemia, one of the most aggressive types of leukemia.
What I need most is your prayers right now, and my plan is to beat this cancer.
My team of doctors and nurses are working like crazy to get my treatment plan started.
Life can change in a moment. Just last week I was living a normal life.
They also found a mass on my chest 6X3x1 inches, malignant as well. They say this is also part of this cancer.
I want all my friends and family to know that I will get through this. They say this first phase my chemo will be inpatient and 3-6 weeks for this first round. From anti virus medications to anti bacterial medications, they are all doing their best to treat my body before they start the chemo.
I will be missing many of my friends and work buddies who are leaving for Aruba’s all expense paid incentive trip at the end of this month, first trip I will miss in the 15 years I have been an agent. But for now, I have a beachfront room in Galveston UTMB for the next few weeks. I will miss you all in Aruba while I am kicking cancer !
I will post more as we walk through this journey. Thank God for my husband who was relentless about making me go to the hospital, he is my rock in this life. He can always make me laugh even through our hardest moments. I am grateful for the 37 years we have been together and his love and support through all of my crazy. And thanks to all my kids, siblings, nieces, nephews, and our work partners who are also a part of my family. You have always been there for me.
Michele's Cancer Journey 