This one hurts

Last summer I received a phone call from Vada Murray after a little phone tag. We had no problem connecting. Both of us were diagnosed with cancers that were not very fitting. Vada, a non-smoker, was diagnosed with lung cancer and I received a diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma at 28, forty years younger than the majority of MM patients.

Playing football at Michigan and a freak diagnosis were not all we had in common. We both happened to have three kids, the oldest being a boy, followed by two daughters. I could not help but feel connected with him.

During the one and only conversation we had he stated that this was a battle he was not going to win. I really had a hard time hearing that. It's a reality with those taking on cancer...He knew his fate.

Last week Vada Murray passed away. Today as I attempted to give tribute to him and his family at UM's Relay for Life I broke out in tears for a man I hardly even know, but feel so close to. It hurts to think about his family right now.

My speech was focused on the Fight Back theme of Relay for Life. It was very fitting. Thinking of Vada makes me want to Fight Back. I have always just wanted to dominate, but now I also want to fight back for him and his family. I don't have a lot of words right now for what that means, just tons of emotion probably centered on feelings of injustice for what his family is having to go through.

For all those who can make it, there will be a memorial service this Thursday at 11:00am at Cliff Keen Arena.

Cycle #5: Much of the same...

Just a quick mid-cycle post. After I finally decided to have folks pray for me following my 12 day bout with projectile vomiting and 6 days of not being able to hold down even a teaspoon of water, my body has bounced back. I can't explain it, nor can the Docs. I was literally heading towards hell and no drug could stop it. Isn't it funny how many people only turn to a hirer power when things get really, really bad. I am hoping my kids don't follow suit when they are older and only call me when they need bailed out!

News on the transplant #1 front and other happenings:

• All my tests, labs, doc meetings, cytoxin infusion, and harvest are on the books. Cells will be pulled mid-Feb
• High dose chemo and transplant still not scheduled; waiting on Cycle #5 results
• I purchased Rock band for the Wii and will not break it open until post-transplant. Video games is totally out of character for me...thanks cancer for allowing me to be a kid again.
• Maize and Blue hair dying will probably happen the first week of February!
• Cassie is still holding up like a champ, but her belly is getting huge! 3 more months until baby #3 is here!

Praise:

• Cassie for putting up with my dex ideas and being somewhat of a single parent during this time
  
• Family for watching the kids during my infusion, getting genetic testing done and all that other good stuff
• Friends for continuing to bless us with at least two meals a week...unbelievable
• My new MM friends who unfortunately are given the horrible fate of MM, but can join the hope train with us
  
• Michigan Faithful for continuing to show your support
• Dr. J and BN for providing the best medical support and growing friendship
• ..and God...I'll try to call your name out on some of the high moments, although it's easy to forget