First question: Why would someone who just found out that he has leukemia think these are the good ‘ol days?
Easy answer: It’s a matter of choice. No matter what a disease does to ones body, it cannot take away the power to choose. Despite the cancer, I am a blessed man with an incredible family.
Second question: How did this happen?
Not-so-easy answer: After returning from Iraq in 2006 I started noticing excessive bruising. I went for a check up and learned that I had really low platelets, the cells that make your blood clot. After a bone marrow biopsy, it was determined that I did not have leukemia but rather simply a condition that causes low platelets. I went about life and even deployed to Iraq again in 2011.
In January 2013 I started noticing bruising again, along with other new symptoms. I was in great shape, having just ran a half-marathon and Tough Mudder the previous October. After another bone marrow biopsy, we learned that a significant change had occurred in my bone marrow since 2007. It still wasn’t cancer, but it was very concerning. Only three weeks later, during a follow up visit, I learned that lab results from that day were indicative of leukemia.
That was three days ago, Thursday, May 9, 2013. Another biopsy on Friday confirmed the news we were hoping to avoid: I have acute myeloid leukemia. Adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes abnormal myeloblasts (a type of white blood cell), red blood cells, or platelets (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/adultAML/Patient). I started chemotherapy immediately on Friday night, May 10, 2013, since this form of the disease can progress rapidly without treatment. I’ll probably be in here for a month, during which time I may feel pretty crappy and lose my hair (no worries there, except I look like an egg head when bald). Chemotherapy can send this disease into remission, which is what we’re praying for unceasingly. In the long run, I may very well need a bone marrow transplant. We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.
Back to question one. So many people have been through worse things that this. When I look at my life through God’s eyes, which admittedly I’m not great at doing, I see a man who is blessed beyond comprehension. I married my best friend over ten years ago and she gave me two beautiful daughters. I could stop there. God has blessed me with caring family, friends, and church body. I have a career I love that has provided good health insurance. I could be enduring much worse diseases or circumstances right now.
God tells us in Romans 8:28 that he will work all things for good for those who love him and are called according to his purposes. He loves me. I think about how much I love my daughters and realize that God loves me even more than that. Amazing.
Question for you: what circumstance in your life can you choose to see through the larger lens of God’d eyes?
Having rolled with you before on the mat, I know you are one tough dude. You will beat this brother. Keep your chin up. We are praying for you!
Praying with you and for you, Jeff.
Praying for you and your Family Sir!
Prayers for you and your family. Nothing is impossible with God. He is the Great Physician. 🙂
Thanks for all the prayers and encouragement.
I know you probably don’t remember me but we met once. I was with Tamara Stewart. My name is Mike. Tamara told me about you and I just wanted to let you know that there’s always hope. 14 years ago I was diagnosed with CML and after a little over a year they finally got it in remission. Which it has been every since. You just have to keep your faith in god and lean on your family and friends thru the treatments. They’re not easy and you’ll have good and bad days. But god and your family will give you the strength to get thru it. I’ll be praying for you and your family. If you ever need someone to talk to that has been thru this Tamara can give you my number. God bless you!
Mike
Thanks, Mike. I do remember meeting you. I appreciate your prayers. Your story is encouraging to me. God bless you.
Glad to see your positive attitude is still in full force. Keep your mind on the here and now and continue celebrating your blessings. I have all the confidence in your ability to rise above. Much love to you and your family, Brother.
John
The Ranger Creed
Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and “esprit de corps” of the Rangers.
Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move farther, faster and fight harder than any other soldier.
Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be. One-hundred- percent and then some.
Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well- trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress, and care for equipment shall set the example for others to follow.
Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarass my country.
Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission though I be the lone survivor.
Rangers Lead The Way!
Jeff, you are in my prayers. david mcfarland
I am praying for you and your family!!