Yesterday I ran into my friend Krissy Kobata while I was at the City of Hope. This was a surprise because she ordinarily sees a doctor at the UCLA Medical Center.
She told me that our friend Jerome has finally found a donor match after a search of more than two years. I had somehow missed this Facebook announcement, wrote him back right away and found out that he's scheduled to go in for his stem cell transplant on November 15. I might be a little reserved when I find out I've won a raffle prize, but I go a little crazy when I get this kind of news.
But minutes later, while sifting through the blogs I follow, I spotted this headline: Brad is Gone. I immediately burst into tears to learn that this larger than life Texan died yesterday. We both got our diagnosis of Mantle Cell Lymphoma, Blastic Variety, at around the same time and followed one another closely through our blogs and email. The blastic variety has a reputation for being aggressive and treatment resistant. This proved to be the case for Brad.
I never met him in person, but I'm going to miss him dearly. I only wish that just once I could have given him the kind of embrace that Krissy gave me yesterday. I love to receive one of Krissy's hugs and I love to watch her give one because you see her face glow and you feel pure love, appreciation and support.
Just one more reminder of how good it feels to be supported and the importance to wrap our arms around others (both literally and figuratively) every chance we get.
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8 comments:
So sorry to learn about the loss of your friend. Thinking of you and sending you a virtual hug.
I'm so sorry about Brad.
Hope to be able to give you a real hug one day soon.
Margaret, thanks for the virutal hug.
Ann, when I finally get to give you that real hug, I may never let go.
Can't wait to see you soon and hug you, Susan.
So sorry to hear about Brad. Love to you.
I'm so sorry to hear about Brad. As patients, we are constantly elated over news of finding donors or achieving remission, but on the flip side, we are also very exposed to the harsh reality that some are not going to make it.
Susan, it just makes me that much more devoted to the mission of organizations like A3M. We must find good matches for all those in need. We have to be the voices for so many.
I know of the Krissy hug you are talking about. We embraced at
A3M's Starnight and I never got a chance to talk to her after that. She's truly a one-of-a-kind gem. We have to find her a great marrow match!!!
By the way, so how was your appointment at COH? Hope you are feeling well.
Love ya and much hugs to you! n
Petrea and ID, Thanks for the love and promises of hugs!
Nancy, I witnessed Krissy hugging you and just took it in.
I got the results of my bloodwork on Friday and learned that those pesky EOS are on the rise again. I have another appt. on the 16th.
Hi Susan,
Like everyone else, I'm so sorry about the loss of Brad and so happy that you got that good hug. I'm sending you my own virtual hug and hope we get to meet for a real hug in person some day.
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