Discovery

I began showing some signs of illness on March 27, 2020. Initially, they lined up with COVID-19.  I had a dry cough, fatigue, a low grade fever and some associated muscle aches.  COVID tests were still hard to come by, so my doctor and I decided to treat and monitor the symptoms at home.  By Thursday April 2, my fever subsided and I began to improve. My fever returned on Saturday April 4.  And, by Monday night, I was on my way to the local ER. 

My local hospital admitted me for potential COVID-19.  But, the ER doctor mentioned that it didn't exclusively look like COVID and that they would explore a couple different tracks.  By the next afternoon, my COVID test came back negative.  My blood work revealed critically low platelets prompting my transfer to a higher level of care and a consult with Hematology.  My PCP, being based at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville was the logical location.

Upon arriving at CMC, they retested for COVID-19, got a new chest x-ray and did a CT with contrast. I was put on O2, IV fluids, and some IV steroids. Everything was, at the time, pointing to an acute viral infection with resulting Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP).  My lungs were clearing, breaths sounds improving, and my blood work was normal with the exception of the low platelets. 

By Thursday, I had a couple A-typical lymphoblast showing up in my blood work.  They drew a Cytology Flow Study to rule out Leukemia or Lymphoma.  On Friday, April 10, in the midst of discharge planning I got the call form my Hematologist confirming Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. 

A few minutes later, I have members of the Oncology team in my room along with my PCP and Teri on the phone. My head was spinning.  The past two weeks had been difficult clinically. And the past five days had been an incredible roller coaster of emotions.  

Because of COVID-19, no visitors had been allowed at the hospital and I had not seen my family since Matt dropped me off at the ER. I was emotionally spent. We made the decision to complete the bone marrow biopsy that afternoon.  And, graciously, my Oncologist supported me going home for a few days with family.  As the Oncology team left my room, I must have been in a clear state of shock.  

My PCP, gently took my hand and began to pray for me. Oh, what a difference that made. He patiently shared his own experience fighting Stage III cancer and brought me hope. 

 The following hour was filled with texts and phone calls to those closest to my fight. So many people had been praying fervently for me and this was certainly not the outcome anyone expected. With each person I told, I could tell the news was as devastating to them as it was to me.  

My Oncologist agreed that getting a few days at home would be good medicine in preparation for the road ahead.  I was able to complete the bone marrow biopsy and discharge home on Friday April 10 with instructions to return on the 15th for admission and the start of four to six weeks of in-patient chemo.

There is no doubt that this is going to be quite a journey.  I hope you will drop by from time to time to see how God is blessing.