- A
- j
Hello Family and Friends!!!
On September 11th 2015 I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. Multiple Myeloma is a form of cancer found in the bone marrow. Basically, an abnormal amount of plasma cells were found in my bone marrow. This can cause bone pain, bone lesions and is life threatening.
I actually was made are of this condition through abnormal blood work found during my regular ob/gyn and physical appointments. At the time of my diagnosis, I had no symtoms so Chris and I sought out additional opinions. After a third opinion of the same diagnosis and recommended treatment, we decided to begin chemotherapy at the Cancer Treatment Center for America in Newnan, GA.
Not only was CTCA able to provide a more wholistic approach to my treatment, but their state of the art facility had access to the most current forms of medicine. In addition to my oncologist, CTCA provided a naturopath doctor, nutritionist and access to massage, acupuncture, mind-body counseling and spirtual counseling. Also, one of the drugs recommended in my treatment was available in the form of a weekly shot instead of intravenously for hours and multiple days each week. This made the chemo journey so much more manageable. For the most part, I was able to maintain a high quality of life while addressing some key mental, emotional and spiritual issues along the way. I firmly believe this has aided in my physical recovery as well.
After 6 successful rounds of chemo, I began preparation for an autologous stem cell/bone marrow transplant. Autogolous means I am receiving the stem cells from my own body. Why does this work? Basically the chemo is used to eliminate the cancer. After the chemo, my healthy stem cells are harvested then frozen. The day prior to the transplant, I receive another large dose of chemo to kill the remaining marrow before receiving back the healthy stem cells. The stem cells then begin rebuilding my bone marrow. This process can take up to 100 days. During this time I am extremely susceptible to viruses and germs so my contact with people is fairly limited.
My stem cell/bone marrow transplant will take place on Tuesday, June 7th 2016. My prayer and goal is to remain free from cancer post this procedure.
There are several ways you can support Chris and me over the next 100 days:
1. PRAYER IS KEY...I know I am healed and simply am asking you to partner with us as we walk through this process. Right now I need your FAITH to be activated with ours as we walk through this process.
If you are interested in sending some encouraging words during my 100 days of recovery, please see the link below:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c084ca9a928a5f94-encouragement
2. PLATELETS...During my recovery from the stem cell/bone marrow transplant, I may need to be infused with platelets. Platelets are a part of the blood that help regulate clotting. You don't have to be a certain blood type to give platelets and the process is pretty simple. I've partnered with Atlanta Blood Services to recruit donors for myself if needed and anyone else that may be in need. To schedule an appointment, please contact Nancy Herring at (404) [phone redacted] x7004.
3. PROVISION...God has shown himself tremendously as a provider during this season and will continue to do so. However, He is constantly showing me that in order to receive I must ask, seek and knock. With that in mind, we are requesting assistance with finances and meals during this time.
All donated funds will be used to offset our hospital and medical expenses. Funds will also support the pursuit of alternative forms of medicine (detox, acupuncture, alkaline water, etc.) to maintain a cancer free life post transplant.
Funds will also go toward supporting our household as I will be out of work for an unknown period of time. I've been working as an independent contractor for the past 18 months so if I don't work, I don't get paid.
In addition to having a limited income, we are in need of a second car. We were in the process of saving for a second car when I was diagnosed. We'll be renting a car for a portion of the 100 days to get back and forth to daily appointments while Chris continues working. Donated funds will go toward rental car expenses and/or purchasing a used car as a second vehicle.
If you are interested in contributing a meal, please visit the link below:
https://mealtrain.com/6nmeg8
Chris and I want to thank you in advance for your prayers and support. We are incredibly blessed to be surrounded by so many who genuinely love us.
We'll be in touch over the next 100 days and can't wait to share ALL that God does in and through us.
Love,
Chris & Maya Dawson (AKA Dawsonville)
On September 11th 2015 I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. Multiple Myeloma is a form of cancer found in the bone marrow. Basically, an abnormal amount of plasma cells were found in my bone marrow. This can cause bone pain, bone lesions and is life threatening.
I actually was made are of this condition through abnormal blood work found during my regular ob/gyn and physical appointments. At the time of my diagnosis, I had no symtoms so Chris and I sought out additional opinions. After a third opinion of the same diagnosis and recommended treatment, we decided to begin chemotherapy at the Cancer Treatment Center for America in Newnan, GA.
Not only was CTCA able to provide a more wholistic approach to my treatment, but their state of the art facility had access to the most current forms of medicine. In addition to my oncologist, CTCA provided a naturopath doctor, nutritionist and access to massage, acupuncture, mind-body counseling and spirtual counseling. Also, one of the drugs recommended in my treatment was available in the form of a weekly shot instead of intravenously for hours and multiple days each week. This made the chemo journey so much more manageable. For the most part, I was able to maintain a high quality of life while addressing some key mental, emotional and spiritual issues along the way. I firmly believe this has aided in my physical recovery as well.
After 6 successful rounds of chemo, I began preparation for an autologous stem cell/bone marrow transplant. Autogolous means I am receiving the stem cells from my own body. Why does this work? Basically the chemo is used to eliminate the cancer. After the chemo, my healthy stem cells are harvested then frozen. The day prior to the transplant, I receive another large dose of chemo to kill the remaining marrow before receiving back the healthy stem cells. The stem cells then begin rebuilding my bone marrow. This process can take up to 100 days. During this time I am extremely susceptible to viruses and germs so my contact with people is fairly limited.
My stem cell/bone marrow transplant will take place on Tuesday, June 7th 2016. My prayer and goal is to remain free from cancer post this procedure.
There are several ways you can support Chris and me over the next 100 days:
1. PRAYER IS KEY...I know I am healed and simply am asking you to partner with us as we walk through this process. Right now I need your FAITH to be activated with ours as we walk through this process.
If you are interested in sending some encouraging words during my 100 days of recovery, please see the link below:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c084ca9a928a5f94-encouragement
2. PLATELETS...During my recovery from the stem cell/bone marrow transplant, I may need to be infused with platelets. Platelets are a part of the blood that help regulate clotting. You don't have to be a certain blood type to give platelets and the process is pretty simple. I've partnered with Atlanta Blood Services to recruit donors for myself if needed and anyone else that may be in need. To schedule an appointment, please contact Nancy Herring at (404) [phone redacted] x7004.
3. PROVISION...God has shown himself tremendously as a provider during this season and will continue to do so. However, He is constantly showing me that in order to receive I must ask, seek and knock. With that in mind, we are requesting assistance with finances and meals during this time.
All donated funds will be used to offset our hospital and medical expenses. Funds will also support the pursuit of alternative forms of medicine (detox, acupuncture, alkaline water, etc.) to maintain a cancer free life post transplant.
Funds will also go toward supporting our household as I will be out of work for an unknown period of time. I've been working as an independent contractor for the past 18 months so if I don't work, I don't get paid.
In addition to having a limited income, we are in need of a second car. We were in the process of saving for a second car when I was diagnosed. We'll be renting a car for a portion of the 100 days to get back and forth to daily appointments while Chris continues working. Donated funds will go toward rental car expenses and/or purchasing a used car as a second vehicle.
If you are interested in contributing a meal, please visit the link below:
https://mealtrain.com/6nmeg8
Chris and I want to thank you in advance for your prayers and support. We are incredibly blessed to be surrounded by so many who genuinely love us.
We'll be in touch over the next 100 days and can't wait to share ALL that God does in and through us.
Love,
Chris & Maya Dawson (AKA Dawsonville)
Organizer
