New Beginnings

A thousand emotions and thoughts ran through my mind the day I found out that I had leukemia. Some days, it still feels surreal. I don't remember any of the emotions being related to fear, anger, or really anything negative at all. While the doctor was talking about the diagnosis, all I could think about was figuring out a way to fix things so I could get back to my pack. This thought was and still is the most difficult part about battling this disease for me. 

I decided to start this blog for a couple of reasons: to keep family and friends updated with the treatment I'm undergoing and to provide an honest account of my experiences throughout this process, whether they be physical, emotional, or spiritual. 

The amount of support, thoughts, prayers, positive vibes, etc. has been amazing and overwhelming (in a good way), and I believe they have played a huge role in helping me achieve remission after the first round of chemotherapy and continue to help me stay on a positive path to beating the leukemia. 

Toby and Remi flew back to Missoula tonight, and I'll be staying in Seattle for the next 3 or so weeks undergoing my second round of chemo, known as consolidation therapy. It was hard to leave them at the airport, but knowing that the treatment I will receive in Seattle gives me the best shot at long term survival and being around for my family in the future keeps me going and makes me content with being a few hours away. It also helps that I have a huge support system here. Knowing I'm not alone makes a huge difference. 

Starting tomorrow, I'll be taking part in a clinical trial of chemotherapy known as G-CLAM. This is a 5 day outpatient treatment where I'll go to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Infusion Center each day for lab work and 5 hours of chemo. There may be some days when I'll also need a blood transfusion or platelets. I suspect those days will mainly come the week following the chemo, but we'll just take it one day at a time.

During the last week, I was able to put some weight back on and get some of my leg strength back, and tonight, I feel like my healthy, usual self. Here's to the week ahead and hoping my body continues to work hard.