Help a Disabled Veteran fight Leukemia
Donation protected
On September 18th my legs went numb, Alex took me to the ER and I had another MRI on my back to ensure there was no new damage to my spine with my bulging discs. The ER doctor came in to tell me that my bones had changed color and I was being referred to an oncologist for further testing.
After extensive blood work and a bone marrow biopsy it was confirmed; September 30, 2014 is the day my doctor told me I have Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) and it is in 91% of my bone marrow.
My doctor said I needed to start Chemotherapy the next day and told me it is life or death. Each chemotherapy induction I was to go through would last a minimum of 5 days in the hospital and consist of IV and Spinal chemotherapy. After my fourth induction I had another bone marrow biopsy to see how well I am responding to the chemotherapy and there was good news, my blast dropped from 91% to 1.5 %. Due to there still being leukemic blast in my marrow I have to change to a new chemotherapy medication. This new chemotherapy is way different, it is 28 days long and I am required to stay in the hospital for a minimum of 2 days ,(9 days the first time) to watch for negative effects (none so far). After the 28 days I have 14 days off before I start again. I got very lucky that I am able to have home healthcare to finish out the 28 days and not be in the hospital the entire time.
February 27th I am headed to Scottsdale, AZ to meet with the Mayo clinic for my initial evaluation and talk about donors and what's next. I found out the I am responsible to get my donor to and from the a Mayo Clinic twice, one for testing and the second for the procedure. I'm glad the donor's second stay is only a week since I am responsible for all travel and lodging costs. These costs are added to my required cost for all the travel, lodging, rental car, and food costs for myself and a companion.
When I go back to the Mayo clinic for my bone marrow transplant I will be there for a minimum of 100 days and I'm required to have a companion and support system while there, this is a long time to be gone. ALL is creating a great deal of medical expenses and travel expenses, and so we need help.
I've got really good health insurance and it's covering a large portion of the bills but it doesn't cover travel, lodging, or food and it doesn't cover time away from work. Unfortunately the VA has refused to give any aide as well.
I am not one to ask for help but we have no choice at this time. I will keep everyone posted throughout the entire process so you can see where you donations are going and so you can see they are being used wisely.
I want to thank everyone in advance for all the help you can give.
Love Brandy, Alex, and Khristian
After extensive blood work and a bone marrow biopsy it was confirmed; September 30, 2014 is the day my doctor told me I have Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) and it is in 91% of my bone marrow.
My doctor said I needed to start Chemotherapy the next day and told me it is life or death. Each chemotherapy induction I was to go through would last a minimum of 5 days in the hospital and consist of IV and Spinal chemotherapy. After my fourth induction I had another bone marrow biopsy to see how well I am responding to the chemotherapy and there was good news, my blast dropped from 91% to 1.5 %. Due to there still being leukemic blast in my marrow I have to change to a new chemotherapy medication. This new chemotherapy is way different, it is 28 days long and I am required to stay in the hospital for a minimum of 2 days ,(9 days the first time) to watch for negative effects (none so far). After the 28 days I have 14 days off before I start again. I got very lucky that I am able to have home healthcare to finish out the 28 days and not be in the hospital the entire time.
February 27th I am headed to Scottsdale, AZ to meet with the Mayo clinic for my initial evaluation and talk about donors and what's next. I found out the I am responsible to get my donor to and from the a Mayo Clinic twice, one for testing and the second for the procedure. I'm glad the donor's second stay is only a week since I am responsible for all travel and lodging costs. These costs are added to my required cost for all the travel, lodging, rental car, and food costs for myself and a companion.
When I go back to the Mayo clinic for my bone marrow transplant I will be there for a minimum of 100 days and I'm required to have a companion and support system while there, this is a long time to be gone. ALL is creating a great deal of medical expenses and travel expenses, and so we need help.
I've got really good health insurance and it's covering a large portion of the bills but it doesn't cover travel, lodging, or food and it doesn't cover time away from work. Unfortunately the VA has refused to give any aide as well.
I am not one to ask for help but we have no choice at this time. I will keep everyone posted throughout the entire process so you can see where you donations are going and so you can see they are being used wisely.
I want to thank everyone in advance for all the help you can give.
Love Brandy, Alex, and Khristian
Organizer
Brandy SweetPea Wiseman
Organizer
Star, ID
