We learned on Friday that Dori's leukemia has returned. We've posted the following on her CaringBridge site:
"These words are hard to say and will be hard to read … Dori’s cancer has returned. We are all reeling, deflated and in shock.
Last month, Dori’s donor DNA was 99.67%, below the 100% you always like to see. In recent weeks when climbing stairs, Dori has been short of breath. A blood test Wednesday showed low platelets and other dropping counts. Dori had a bone marrow biopsy Thursday morning, and the doctors saw “suspicious cells.”
Friday afternoon at 3, Dr. Jagasia called me with the bad news … her leukemia had relapsed. Dori was on the road, travelling to Cincinnati to see her mother. I broke the news as she crossed into Ohio. We agreed to let the dust settle, to wait for the doctors to make a recommendation, and to tell our family and friends today. We’ve all had good cries, and will have more.
We have a lot to ponder, obviously. I have witnessed miracles, none greater than watching Dori survive last summer. I have never seen such courage and resolve in the face of seemingly insurmountable adversity. I believe, like most of you, that prayer had a huge role in her miracle.
Many of you will ask us what you can do in the coming weeks. Nothing is greater than the firepower of prayer. We would be grateful for every one you can say for Dori. No one I know deserves them more. She is my role model and has touched so many lives in so many positive ways. We live among greatness.
On the way to her Thursday biopsy, Dori said she wished for the days when we were simply “nicely irritated with each other” rather than cherishing every moment since her 2007 diagnosis. I agreed but said that may be the gift we’ve been given, to see life unlike most.
Yesterday, I asked Will, our smart son, “What are we going to do?” He said, “We pray,” later adding, “I wish God would take me instead of Mom.” Interestingly, that is the scripture I read at Mass last Sunday (Rom 5: 1-2, 5-8). We love Will and our wonderful daughter, Kathryn, who don’t deserve any of this.
Please join us in prayer. We love you all and are grateful for each of you."
Jim
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Hello from Jim
Welcome to my blog, Run for Dori. My wife, Dori, passed away in June 2011 from leukemia (AML) after a determined four-year battle. Please consider supporting several programs (listed below) dedicated to finding a cure for blood cancers and assisting patients and families. Please consider registering with the National Marrow Donor Program that helped save her life in 2007.
Dori July 2010
Hot Links
Blogger Friends
About Me
- Jim
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Father to two exceptional children: Kathryn and Will. Work in public policy and advocacy. Enjoy running, the outdoors, Vanderbilt sports, music, reading and making a difference for people.
5 comments:
Not again. This is terrible news. Of course you have my prayers.
So very sorry to hear it. Please keep us posted about the plan. There's always something else to do!. (Look at me with the four transplants!)
You all will be in our prayers and you have our sincerest wishes for Dori's recovery. We'll keep the faith.
Hey Jim I was thinking about my comment and hoping it didn't sound like, "Woo hoo, look at me!" I just meant that someone like me who has received multiple transplants is an example of how they always figure out something to do.
Not at all, Ronni. You are an inspiration for us and always will be. Jim
Post a Comment