Cancer Journey

Category: Personal Experience

Personal Cancer Experience

  • 12/13/18 Update

    God is good! A lot has happened since my last update. The major development is that they have set dates for my stem cell transplant. Highlights as follow:

    • Pre-transplant testing – 1/8/1/10/19
    • Removal of PICC line from my arm and placement of central CVC line in my chest – 1/14/19
    • Admission to hospital – 1/30/19
    • Donor collection – 2/5/19
    • Transplant – 2/6/19
    Following my estimated 30-day hospital stay, I will likely have to go to MDA daily for several months to monitor potential rejection issues – will likely require a temporary relocation closer to MDA.
    God bless the donors who have agreed to provide stem cells that will ultimately cure my AML. 
    In the interim, I am at Day 17 of my second consolidation 28-day chemotherapy cycle, but will likely have to continue taking oral chemotherapy drugs (Venetoclax) until they start me on a different chemotherapy drug (Busulfan) in preparation for the stem cell transplant. Still receiving weekly transfusions of blood cells and platelets, and white blood cell count is not measurable (as expected), resulting in a very weak immune system. Mucositis (mouth inflamation and cold sores) has returned during my ongoing chemotherapy treatment, requiring resumption of specially formulated mouth washes and increase in my Valtrex (antiviral drug) daily dosage. Hoping to continue fighting off any infection potential and any prospects of rehospitalization prior to my transplant. 
    Lorraine has been a godsend care giver. I am unable to drive during this period and require constant transport to MDA for blood tests, transfusions and assessments. Please keep her in your prayers, as I know my continuous presence at home is creating quite a challenge. I am still working every day, but cannot travel. This compares to my prior work travel schedule of being away from home 4 days per week on average. I have completely disrupted her normal full schedule and have entirely invaded whatever “space” she used to have. 
    Our sons and their families have also been extremely supportive during this ordeal. We are slowly adjusting to our “new normal”, but remain thankful that I have the opportunity for treatment at MDA. Our gift for the Holidays has been the wonderful medical skills and services housed at MDA that offer a vision of hope for my future. 
    Thanks to all for your continued prayers and support. We can feel the strength that comes from your prayers. 
    Yours in Christ,
    John L. 

  • 12/3/18 Update

    It’s been a long week. Finished second round of infusion chemotherapy last week, but developed fever in response. Came to Emergency Room at MDA Friday evening and was admitted to the hospital  for observation and treatment. Started intravenous injection of antibiotics and found no infection. Fever appears to be response to chemotherapy drugs. Good news is I wasn’t placed in isolation, and I am being discharged this evening after receiving a blood transfusion.

    Overall, progress is good, and I look forward to receiving stem cell transplant early next year. I will find out more when I see the Stem Cell Transplant Doctor on December 12.

    Keeping the Faith,

    John L.

  • 11/27/18 Update

    Great news yesterday! Bone marrow biopsy results indicate I am in complete remission. No residual cancer cells detected.  This morning I start my second 28-day cycle of chemotherapy to ward off any recurrence until my stem cell transplant which could occur as early as January 2019.

    Prayers have truly been answered, and I want to humbly thank all of you who continue to pray for me.

    Yours in Christ,

    John L.

    P.S. Go Texans!

  • 11/22/18 Update

    Happy Thanksgiving to all!

    It’s been a good week, and I have a lot to be thankful for. On Monday, my white blood cell count had returned to a level high enough to allow me to have a bone marrow biopsy to evaluate my progress. Had a blood transfusion while I was there to help me get through the week. Tuesday afternoon and evening, my sister Michele and nephew Quinn came over to visit and have dinner with us. We had a great visit and enjoyed the company. Today, Iwent down to MDA for blood work, and the results were positive, i.e., counts all up. On Monday, I go back down to MDA for more blood work and a doctor appointment and hope to learn the results of my bone marrow biopsy and future treatment plans.

    Things I am very grateful for this Thanksgiving include:

    • My loving and supportive wife and family, including two caring sons, their wives and our five wonderful grandchildren.
    • Wonderful medical facilities here in Houston.
    • My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
    • My beloved friends and colleagues who continue to provide support throughout my ordeal.
    • The opportunity to live in a free country and the great State of Texas.
    • My dog  Bailey.
    • Prayers answered and unanswered, and the faith to know who is in control.
    • Being alive another day.
    • All those serving in the armed forces who have committed their lives to protect our freedom.
    • All those who have passed before me and provided a guiding light to steer my life.
    • All of the teachers and educators who mentored me and inspired me to read and learn.
    I hope each of you have a blessed Thanksgiving and are able to spend time with your loved ones.
    Love and Peace,
    John L.

  • 11/16/18 Update

    Still making good progress. White blood cell count is slowly increasing, and I received a platelet transfusion yesterday. Still on schedule for possible bone marrow biopsy on Monday to determine treatment plan going forward.

    Best news I received this week is that MDA has located a 100% matching, unrelated stem cell donor for my pending transplant.

    Prayers answered every day. Actually got to go outside today for a brief walk. Good to take in the sunshine and fresh air.

    Hope all is well with everyone. I cannot begin to thank you enough for your continued prayers and support.

    Yours in Christ,

    John L.

  • 11/12/18 Update

    Great to be home!

    Had platelet transfusion on Saturday and went to church that evening at Clear Lake Presbyterian Church. Had appointment with primary leukemia doctor today who indicated my white blood cell count is slowly increasing and that I will likely need another bone marrow biopsy next Monday to determine cancer status. Bone marrow biopsy last Thursday was inconclusive due to insufficient white blood cells.

    Doctor is pleased with my progress and indicated I will likely need 2 more cycles of chemotherapy (as an outpatient) depending on how long it takes to find a complete match stem cell donor!

    Learning to be patient, remembering I am in a Marathon for complete recovery!

    Very grateful for my family, faith, friends, colleagues and especially the doctors and staff at MD Anderson.

    Lorraine has been my inspiration to stay positive and not take myself too seriously. As she has always said, for better or worse, as we approach our 45th wedding anniversary on 12/29/18! I am a very lucky guy to have found the love of my life as early as I did.

    That’s it for now. Will keep everyone updated in future postings.

    Love and Peace,

    John L.

  • 11/09/18 Update

    “Free at last, Free at last, Thank God almighty we are free at last.” Out of the Hospital and home last night with my wonderful wife and dog! Hard to describe how surreal it is to be out of the confines of protective isolation in a hospital and back into my own home again. No more purified air, blue lights and poking and prodding all night long. I now just have to make sure I don’t get unnecessarily exposed to anything while my immune system is compromised. 


    Got another bone marrow biopsy on my way out of the hospital yesterday along with extensive training on how to care for and maintain my PICC line. I have to go back down to MDA tomorrow for blood work and then again on Monday. On Monday afternoon, I will meet with my primary doctor and hopefully learn what the next steps of my treatment program will be. In any case, it will be as an outpatient until I get ready for a stem cell transplant.


    I would like to sincerely thank all of my visitors and prayer partners during this ordeal. I cannot begin to tell you how much strength I have derived from your loving and caring support. My faith, family and friends have been an inspiration to me every day.


    I know I can beat this if it be God’s will. I will leave it in His hands. 


    For the time being, I am just glad to be home with Lorraine, Bailey and my sons and their families coming over to the visit.


    Yours in Christ,


    John L. 

  • 11/4/18 Update

    Day 16 in isolation. Still expect to be discharged as out patient on Thursday, November 8. Future treatment will be dictated by additional bone marrow biopsy to be completed on my way out of hospital.

    Received platelet transfusion today which should help with nosebleeds, and waiting for white blood cells to populate.

    Had a pleasant visit from Anne Marie Wallace yesterday from Prayers of the People (https://popministry.org/) who came by to visit and pray with me as part of their hospital visitation program. She left me a stuffed polar bear as a memory of her visit. She is from First Presbyterian downtown and knows Pastor Rachel at CLUPC where we attend church, and is also very familiar with theEmergency Aid Coalition that Lorraine works with to assist the homeless population in Houston. This is a great program, and I truly appreciate the support they provided me.

    My sister Debra sent me a beautiful hymn to lift my spirits and remind me Who is in charge: https://youtu.be/FP003C5dP3k

    My son Jarrod came to the hospital today to see me. Had a wonderful visit, mutually laughing about my”prison cell” status! Sure am proud of both my sons and their families!

    Feeling blessed by my faith, family and friends and the wonderful capabilities of MDA Cancer Center!

    Keep the Faith and Keep me in your Prayers,

    John L.

  • 11/2/18 Update

    Had my bone marrow biopsy yesterday and received great news today. The biopsy showed that the chemotherapy has effectively killed all cellular elements that make white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets, including all of the cancerous white blood cell blasts. The biopsy indicated a hypocellular or “empty” marrow. That means that my chemotherapy treatments will stop tonight and I will continue to be evaluated in isolation for the next 6 days until my discharge on Thursday, November 8. On my way out the door, they will perform another bone marrow biopsy (my fifth) to determine how the cells are repopulating, i.e., if they are all growing back in normally or if there are still signs of cancerous cells. The results from this biopsy will dictate my future treatment regimen and path forward for a stem cell transplant. It is most likely that I will at least have to undergo one more round of chemotherapy; however, the good news is that I can do this as an outpatient with daily trips to MDA. At least I will be able to come home!

    Several of you have asked how the bone marrow biopsy is conducted. It’s like taking a core sample from your hip bone: cancer.govDefinition of bone marrow biopsy – NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms –
    National Cancer Institute    . They shoot you up with a lot of lidocaine and then drill away to collect their sample. It takes a lot of strength not to reach out and kick someone!

    No fever last night, and cat scans from yesterday show no nasal area or lung infections. I got to escape the unit in a “bubble” yesterday to go down for my cat scans. I attempted to offer my “driver”, Sergio, cash to take me to a bar while en route, but with no success.

    My sister Debra and her husband Jesse drove over from the Austin area yesterday to visit and greatly lifted my spirits. Lorraine came down too and was able to go out to lunch with them before they had to leave. Had a wonderful visit. Jesse is turning 80 and is an inspiration to keep going, and Debra has always been a solid, thoughtful and loving sister!

    Thanks to all for your prayers and continued support. I will keep you posted on my progress and anticipated treatment plans in the coming weeks, but for now just want to sing praises for successful treatments to date.

    Yours in Christ,

    John L.

  • 10/31/18 Update

    Happy Halloween to all!

    In special recognition of today, I dressed up as a hospital patient!

    Treatment continues on – day 12 in isolation – everything seems to be proceeding well. Will find out when they perform bone marrow biopsy tomorrow afternoon.

    Rich Steinberg came by to see me yesterday, providing a big boost to my sprits, and Dave Cole is coming over again later today.

    Lorraine and my sister Debra are coming over tomorrow to visit.

    Everett and Karen Crockett continue to provide me with regular humor and positive support.

    Truly blessed by good friends, strong faith and wonderful family. Not sure how Lorraine does it all!

    Expect to be discharged from hospital on or about November 8, 2018. Forward treatment plan under development following receipt of bone marrow biopsy results.

    With Lorraine’s help, I was able to vote yesterday and sent in my ballot by mail.

    Ever trying to stay strong, patient and faithful,

    Your in Christ – all in accordance with His will,

    John L.