pinkjewel
Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Aug 1, 2011
- Messages
- 2,362
ame|1377205119|3508238 said:Yep that's Barnes. Siteman is the Cancer Center there, and they're FANTASTIC. I do not know what exactly the specifics are of his condition, my mom hasn't given us ALL of those details, but I know it's some form of large cell lymphoma. Since it's the third time, I don't know if this particular time is somehow different, or if any of the three were the same, to be totally honest, because other than my cousins (his kids), they're trying to not get too carried away with TOO many details because the way stuff spreads through this family is pretty ridiculous. We still do not understand why there was ever a "no", but there's a long drawn out story so frankly and a whole new can of drama.pinkjewel|1377202064|3508203 said:ame|1377186294|3508034 said:This topic is VERY close to me and if I didn't know you weren't in my own family, I'd feel like you were. Big HUGE hugs to you. I really hope you're a match, and that if you are NOT that they find one. I am a donor, as are my siblings and most of my cousins and family members who are allowed. I carry my fob with my donor number on my keyring. My mom is livid she's not allowed to be one, my husband isn't allowed to be one due to medical conditions, but anyone in the family who can be is. Except one person, who is a spineless TOOL. Long story.
My uncle is on his third go around with I believe large cell lymphoma, and when he was "clear" after his 2nd diagnosis, he ended up being his OWN donor the 9/10 match within the family who initially agreed to be the donor sheepishly refused to do it (and didn't even tell my uncle!) and the closest match from the pool ended up not matching closely enough after the second round of testing. He was good for almost a year before he started noticing pain and got another PET scan and they found more.
So, unfortunately his cancer is back again for the 3rd time, so we don't know if he'll get that far again, but we're hoping this time WHEN he beats it, that there's a good match in the pool. He's not in great shape right now, fighting off serious infections during his treatments, but hopefully this is the final go around and he beats it for good this time. It's destroying him, unfortunately, this time, his morale, HE is different this time. I am an atheist, so I don't believe in higher power stuff, but I am sending all of my healing vibes to your brother, your family, as well. We walk in and raise money for the LLS Light the Night. Last year he was with us, though he needed a wheelchair about halfway through. But it was SO powerful the first time to see the sea of balloons, and where it's located is in the shadow of Siteman cancer center, which is where my uncle and a lot of folks here get their treatment.
Oh, Ame- I'm sorry to hear about your uncle. Knowing what my brother is going through, I feel for your uncle, you and your family. I don't know how a family member could welch out of donating when it might save someone's life (sigh). I'm wondering if your uncle has the same type of lymphoma as my brother. I believe his is t cell anaplastic large cell with the negative modifier. Is that what your uncle has,too? Here's something else that's a weird coincidence. I just sent all my bloodwork to Barnes Jewish in St. Louis- isn't that the same place? If I'm a match I think I need to be up there for about a week for shots,etc-I'd love to get together with you. I'm sure I'll be going to visit anyway at some point.
I'm sending healing thoughts right back at you for your uncle. Although it's hard for them, it's important that we try to keep their morale up.
If you're coming up here, let me know, I work during the day and don't often get much for a lunch break, but I am free most weekend days and can make it happen, or can meet for a happy hour after work or something. We can make it happen! You need a hug!
Aw, thanks Ame!! I'll let you know when I make plans to be up there.