Changes

Good Morning All:



For two years now (off-and-on) I have posted the progress and the setbacks of my ongoing treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma/Leukemia. I have interjected humor where I saw it and expressed worry as I felt it.

It is not lost on me that I have not posted recently and I'd like to share now why. One week ago the very tone and tenor of my treatment was changed. In a meeting with an attending physician regarding the delays in my receiving the treatments from the clinical trial in which I was enrolled, we received stunning news--I was no longer able to physically withstand active cancer treatments, that no further treatments were to be recommended, and that I ought to start focusing on quality of life--what remains of it. The cancer was still there and would ultimately "win."

It took Marla and I easily three full days to digest and to begin dealing with this information. How do we tell the kids? How do we tell others? Is this where one calls an organization like Hospice (and if so, why doesn't someone come out and say so).

After subsequent meetings with doctors and staff at Hopkins a plan is beginning to crystallize for dealing with the ongoing physical decline that I will assuredly have to endure.

I do not know the extent to which I will have the energy or desire to continue the blogs--I think we'll have to wait and see on that. I do monitor the responses to my posts and this one won't be any different.

A question we anticipate relates to visitors. There are many emotional and practical considerations with regard to the frequency, duration, and timing of any visits and so I know I speak for Marla when I ask for your indulgence as we sort through these very new issues.

Finally, I thank you for all your engagement, encouragement and laughs. I cannot ask for any better support network than the one I have had behind me all along.

As always, thanks for reading.

--Russ.