To All,
Well, here we are back again at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. Things are going as expected. My room has a nice view of the state capital building and of lake Mendota. The doctors are going to perform a bone marrow biopsy later today and then start the Chemo Therapy again. The Chemo Therapy will be administered through an IV for 5 days, 24 hours a day. After that, depending on how I am holding up they may keep me for a short while longer or send me home. Two weeks after the last day of the Chemo Therapy treatment they will do another bone marrow biopsy to see if the lukemia (cancer) is in remission. If it is in remission then they will move on to my second stem cell transplant. If it isn't in remission...well I don't know...we will cross that bridge if and when it comes.
For those of you who would care to call, write or visit see my contact information below:
University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics
Attn: Cheryl Cummins - B6/###
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Madison, WI 53792
Direct room phone number - (608) ###-####
That is all we know so far, but promise to keep you posted and please continue to pray for our family.
Thanks for praying.
Cheryl
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
19 Jul 2006
To All,
We must once again call upon our dear family and friends to fervently pray for us. On 18 July, we were told that Cheyrl must once again endure Chemo Therapy and another transplant as her cancer has returned. As you can imagine the news has rattled us a great deal.
Cheryl is going back into the hospital in Madison on Thursday, 20 July for another intense round of Chemo Therapy, I think for four or five days straight. We are not certain of the entire process this time around, but understand that they will not perform the full body radiation this time as the doctor believes her body can't take the treatment.
Though we are currently enduring some of the pain and discomfort that many experience here on earth, we want to assure everyone that our faith is strong and focused on God our savior. We have no idea how this will turn out, but then again none of us can see into the future. We firmly believe that through all of this God will use this to glorify his name and that in the end a greater good will be achieved.
We are taking each day one at a time and will remain hopeful that devine intervention will intercede to cure Cheryl, after all that is all any of us can do.
Please pray for Emily while she is away at Ballet camp that she remains focused and strong, pray for Cheryl that she can endure the painful treatments once again and finally receive complete healing, pray for Michael that he continues to be the faithful and loving son that he is and finally, pray for Gene that he can maintain strength to carry the family through this ordeal keeping all focused on the blessing each of us has received from God.
As before we will send out updates as we get additional information.
May God Bless all of you
Love in Christ
Gene, Cheryl and family
We must once again call upon our dear family and friends to fervently pray for us. On 18 July, we were told that Cheyrl must once again endure Chemo Therapy and another transplant as her cancer has returned. As you can imagine the news has rattled us a great deal.
Cheryl is going back into the hospital in Madison on Thursday, 20 July for another intense round of Chemo Therapy, I think for four or five days straight. We are not certain of the entire process this time around, but understand that they will not perform the full body radiation this time as the doctor believes her body can't take the treatment.
Though we are currently enduring some of the pain and discomfort that many experience here on earth, we want to assure everyone that our faith is strong and focused on God our savior. We have no idea how this will turn out, but then again none of us can see into the future. We firmly believe that through all of this God will use this to glorify his name and that in the end a greater good will be achieved.
We are taking each day one at a time and will remain hopeful that devine intervention will intercede to cure Cheryl, after all that is all any of us can do.
Please pray for Emily while she is away at Ballet camp that she remains focused and strong, pray for Cheryl that she can endure the painful treatments once again and finally receive complete healing, pray for Michael that he continues to be the faithful and loving son that he is and finally, pray for Gene that he can maintain strength to carry the family through this ordeal keeping all focused on the blessing each of us has received from God.
As before we will send out updates as we get additional information.
May God Bless all of you
Love in Christ
Gene, Cheryl and family
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
12 Jul 2006
Dear Friends and Family,
Sorry it has been so long since I've written. The bone marrow biopsy done in May came back with no signs of acute leukemia. Praise the Lord! We don't have the DNA results yet. I go to the Dr. again the 18th. It has been almost a month since I've had an appointment-another milestone. I am only taking 3 medicines daily and one Mon. Wed. and Fri. She lessened the amount of immune suppressants I take-another milestone. I feel good most of the time. I still have stomach aches and diaherrea, although not as frequently as I used to. I tire easily and am still weak in my upper body. I walk a mile and a half a day so my legs are pretty strong. It doesn't do much for my upper body though.
I have to stay out of the sun, since I am on an immune suppressant, I also have to be careful not to be around sick people, but no more wearing a mask. I have to wear a special mask and gloves to garden, I am leaving that up to Emily, I have had enough masks.
I went to Nebraska for my sisters wedding in June. I was really tired coming back, I even took the wheelchair at the airport-at my sisters insistance. My sister Sandy and brother Chuck were here last week, we had a great time. I wore down by Wed. though. I need to learn a balance of resting and going. I probably never will learn the resting part. It is hard to see something that needs done and not do it. The Dr. was amazed at my progress in such a short time. It will take a year to fully recover, that means I still have 7 months to milk this thing. Too bad I'm too impatient I want to be recovered yesterday.
The stem cell transplant is the cure. I should not have to have anymore treatments, unless the leukemia comes back. Then we would start over again. I am fully convinced that I am totally cancer free and will remain that way. I am a walking miracle. When I was first diagnosed the Dr. said if I didn't have any treatment I would live a couple more months. I am so thankful for the treatment and for my sister donating the stem cells to save my life.
I am having trouble eating, everything tastes salty to me. I still force myself to eat though. I have lost about 50 lbs. I don't recommmend the weight loss plan though. The Dr. said I could not loose any more weight.
Over all I feel great! My family has been a great support through all this, and I am truly thankful. The next 7 months can't go fast enough for me though. I have worn out my patience while in the hospital.
Oh, I have had trouble going up to the hospital to visit the nurses, it is attached to the Dr. office. When I would go up there I felt as if I was going to vomit. The last Dr. appt. I had I went up to see a lady from church who has cancer, My next appt. she will be up there again and I told her I would go and see her. Maybe that was the purpose for my leukemia. It is getting easier to go back to the hospital-JUST TO VISIT !
Last week I gave up wearing hats. My hair is about 1/2"long and very curly. I look like a poodle, It is nice to go without a hat , they were starting to get hot.
May God Bless all of you who have helped us along the way by your various acts of loving kindness such as daily praying, letters, cards, meals, visits ect. your constant devotion was a source of great encouragement for the whole family.
Sincerly
Cheryl and Family
Sorry it has been so long since I've written. The bone marrow biopsy done in May came back with no signs of acute leukemia. Praise the Lord! We don't have the DNA results yet. I go to the Dr. again the 18th. It has been almost a month since I've had an appointment-another milestone. I am only taking 3 medicines daily and one Mon. Wed. and Fri. She lessened the amount of immune suppressants I take-another milestone. I feel good most of the time. I still have stomach aches and diaherrea, although not as frequently as I used to. I tire easily and am still weak in my upper body. I walk a mile and a half a day so my legs are pretty strong. It doesn't do much for my upper body though.
I have to stay out of the sun, since I am on an immune suppressant, I also have to be careful not to be around sick people, but no more wearing a mask. I have to wear a special mask and gloves to garden, I am leaving that up to Emily, I have had enough masks.
I went to Nebraska for my sisters wedding in June. I was really tired coming back, I even took the wheelchair at the airport-at my sisters insistance. My sister Sandy and brother Chuck were here last week, we had a great time. I wore down by Wed. though. I need to learn a balance of resting and going. I probably never will learn the resting part. It is hard to see something that needs done and not do it. The Dr. was amazed at my progress in such a short time. It will take a year to fully recover, that means I still have 7 months to milk this thing. Too bad I'm too impatient I want to be recovered yesterday.
The stem cell transplant is the cure. I should not have to have anymore treatments, unless the leukemia comes back. Then we would start over again. I am fully convinced that I am totally cancer free and will remain that way. I am a walking miracle. When I was first diagnosed the Dr. said if I didn't have any treatment I would live a couple more months. I am so thankful for the treatment and for my sister donating the stem cells to save my life.
I am having trouble eating, everything tastes salty to me. I still force myself to eat though. I have lost about 50 lbs. I don't recommmend the weight loss plan though. The Dr. said I could not loose any more weight.
Over all I feel great! My family has been a great support through all this, and I am truly thankful. The next 7 months can't go fast enough for me though. I have worn out my patience while in the hospital.
Oh, I have had trouble going up to the hospital to visit the nurses, it is attached to the Dr. office. When I would go up there I felt as if I was going to vomit. The last Dr. appt. I had I went up to see a lady from church who has cancer, My next appt. she will be up there again and I told her I would go and see her. Maybe that was the purpose for my leukemia. It is getting easier to go back to the hospital-JUST TO VISIT !
Last week I gave up wearing hats. My hair is about 1/2"long and very curly. I look like a poodle, It is nice to go without a hat , they were starting to get hot.
May God Bless all of you who have helped us along the way by your various acts of loving kindness such as daily praying, letters, cards, meals, visits ect. your constant devotion was a source of great encouragement for the whole family.
Sincerly
Cheryl and Family
Monday, May 15, 2006
15 May 2006
Dear friends and family.
Happy 100 days. Yesterday was 100 days since the transplant. It marks a real milestone. I can eat all the fresh fruit and vegetables I want to, before fresh broccoli, strawberries and things that you couldn't get real clean were on the do not eat list. THe milestone also means I get to have a bone marrow biopsy Tuesday the 16th. Pray that the biopsy would come out leukemia free. We won't know the results for 3-5 days. The DNA results take longer, about 2-3 weeks. I alsoo don't have to wear my mask as much. Prais the Lord. It is not real comfortable. I am feeling okay. I tire easily and don't feel as I have much strength. We walk a mile and a half everyday-well everyday that it isn't raining. I am not sleeping well at night. Maybe I need to walk farther so I get really tired.
I have been doing the laundry and fixing meals. I haven't had a helper for about 3 weeks now. I am not as dizzy. I get a little dizzy if I get up to fast but not to the extent that I was. I have been sewing, it can be done sitting down and I really love to sew. I can even drive! I have only been able to drive for about 2 weeks now. I asked about gardening. She said if I got these special tight fitting masks(I thought the other ones were bad) and if I wear gloves and wear a big hat to keep the sun off and wear sunscreen I could. I think I will wait until next year. THe risk is just not worth it. I am no longer on a steroid. I was on it to see if it would help regulate my blood pressure, I was eating everything in sight, it also gave me some energy, so when she took me off them I has some really strange things going on my legs ached, of course I had puffy cheeks and you gain weight at the base of you neck on your back while you are on them. NOw I have no appetite, I do eat at meals because I know I have to but pray that it will become easier to eat. Everything tastes salty, even watermelon. Well that is the latest, Oh, pray for Emily she has bronchitis and her eyes have been bothering her for about 6 weeks, Today we went to an eye Dr. and I think this may be the cure. While this is going on she isn't supposed to get too close to me, she can be in the same room but not hug and kiss and snuggle, it is a struggle for both of us. Thank you all for praying, thanks for the delicious meals that have been brought to our house and thanks for the cards that have been sent. They are so encouraging.
In Christ,
Cheryl
Happy 100 days. Yesterday was 100 days since the transplant. It marks a real milestone. I can eat all the fresh fruit and vegetables I want to, before fresh broccoli, strawberries and things that you couldn't get real clean were on the do not eat list. THe milestone also means I get to have a bone marrow biopsy Tuesday the 16th. Pray that the biopsy would come out leukemia free. We won't know the results for 3-5 days. The DNA results take longer, about 2-3 weeks. I alsoo don't have to wear my mask as much. Prais the Lord. It is not real comfortable. I am feeling okay. I tire easily and don't feel as I have much strength. We walk a mile and a half everyday-well everyday that it isn't raining. I am not sleeping well at night. Maybe I need to walk farther so I get really tired.
I have been doing the laundry and fixing meals. I haven't had a helper for about 3 weeks now. I am not as dizzy. I get a little dizzy if I get up to fast but not to the extent that I was. I have been sewing, it can be done sitting down and I really love to sew. I can even drive! I have only been able to drive for about 2 weeks now. I asked about gardening. She said if I got these special tight fitting masks(I thought the other ones were bad) and if I wear gloves and wear a big hat to keep the sun off and wear sunscreen I could. I think I will wait until next year. THe risk is just not worth it. I am no longer on a steroid. I was on it to see if it would help regulate my blood pressure, I was eating everything in sight, it also gave me some energy, so when she took me off them I has some really strange things going on my legs ached, of course I had puffy cheeks and you gain weight at the base of you neck on your back while you are on them. NOw I have no appetite, I do eat at meals because I know I have to but pray that it will become easier to eat. Everything tastes salty, even watermelon. Well that is the latest, Oh, pray for Emily she has bronchitis and her eyes have been bothering her for about 6 weeks, Today we went to an eye Dr. and I think this may be the cure. While this is going on she isn't supposed to get too close to me, she can be in the same room but not hug and kiss and snuggle, it is a struggle for both of us. Thank you all for praying, thanks for the delicious meals that have been brought to our house and thanks for the cards that have been sent. They are so encouraging.
In Christ,
Cheryl
Friday, April 14, 2006
14 Apr 2006
To All,
To date, there have been many very positive signs that the Leukemia is in remission and Cheryl is receiving Gods blessing in healing from this cancer. This progress hasn't been without personal struggles for Cheryl.
Last Friday, 7 April, she blacked out twice, once where she was caught off guard and actually fell, hitting her head on the door knob and also biting a hole in her lip. The second time she caught herself and grabbed a hold of the door, when she came out of the black out she was still standing very weak and shaking. It was after these that she called me home from my Army National Guard training time to be with her.
The other area she has been struggling is been with continued weight loss. The Doctors want this to stop.
Thursday we went to clinic again, with the main purpose of removing her hickman. As a reminder the hickman is a series of tubes that were inserted into her chest and then into a main vein leading directly to the heart. After trying several different medication combinations new and old, the doctors have concluded, or at least hope, that the hickman is the root cause for all of Cheryl's dizzy / black out spells. Thus, on Thursday they removed it. It is to early to say for certain if this has helped, we are praying that this will put an end to her dizzy spells.
Her spirit has remained high and steadfastly focused on the Lord.
We also discovered that Cheryl had gained two pounds. This to was good news.
Please continue to pray that:
1. Removing the hickman will also remove her dizzy / black out spells.
2. That her weight now stabilize and remain no lower than her current level.
3. That in the coming week she is able to resume some of the responsibilities of running a busy household (this is her desire).
4. That her vision would begin to clear so that she can resume driving and reading.
Thank you for your continued support in prayers, meals, cards and visits.
May God Bless you and your family during the Easter Holiday
Gene and Cheryl
To date, there have been many very positive signs that the Leukemia is in remission and Cheryl is receiving Gods blessing in healing from this cancer. This progress hasn't been without personal struggles for Cheryl.
Last Friday, 7 April, she blacked out twice, once where she was caught off guard and actually fell, hitting her head on the door knob and also biting a hole in her lip. The second time she caught herself and grabbed a hold of the door, when she came out of the black out she was still standing very weak and shaking. It was after these that she called me home from my Army National Guard training time to be with her.
The other area she has been struggling is been with continued weight loss. The Doctors want this to stop.
Thursday we went to clinic again, with the main purpose of removing her hickman. As a reminder the hickman is a series of tubes that were inserted into her chest and then into a main vein leading directly to the heart. After trying several different medication combinations new and old, the doctors have concluded, or at least hope, that the hickman is the root cause for all of Cheryl's dizzy / black out spells. Thus, on Thursday they removed it. It is to early to say for certain if this has helped, we are praying that this will put an end to her dizzy spells.
Her spirit has remained high and steadfastly focused on the Lord.
We also discovered that Cheryl had gained two pounds. This to was good news.
Please continue to pray that:
1. Removing the hickman will also remove her dizzy / black out spells.
2. That her weight now stabilize and remain no lower than her current level.
3. That in the coming week she is able to resume some of the responsibilities of running a busy household (this is her desire).
4. That her vision would begin to clear so that she can resume driving and reading.
Thank you for your continued support in prayers, meals, cards and visits.
May God Bless you and your family during the Easter Holiday
Gene and Cheryl
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
22 Mar 2006
Dear friends and family,
Greetings on this bright sunny day. I am enjoying the warmer days when they come, I can get out and walk around the block. On a good day I can make it 3 times! We had an appointment with the Dr. yesterday. Good news! More DNA tests are back and more than 95% of the DNA is my sisters. The Dr. is really pleased. I am still dizzy, the Dr. still doesn't have a solution. They tested my thyroid and adrenal gland, tested me for dehydration, for strep throat since Michael came down with strep throat Sat. Praise the Lord no one else in the family got it. My tests all came out negative! So, we changed some more of the medications for this week. I am no longer having to have hydration by iv. I am a little disappointed that the dizziness hasn't gone, but I have to think back to where I was 4 weeks ago and how much stronger I am now. It is definately a long process. I have 40-50% of my bone marrow back at this point. It can take 6-12 months before it is totally restored. I am learning patience, or at least trying to learn. God's timing and mine are definately not the same. The whole humility thing is a learning process. You truly learn humility when you have to have help just getting in the shower in the morning. Not being able to fix meals is another lesson in humility. Learning the way you always did something is not the only way it can be done. Really?! Well, I am off to take a walk while the sun is shinning.
Please pray for a solution to the dizziness, praise that the blood tests are looking terriffic!
Thanks for praying,
Cheryl
Greetings on this bright sunny day. I am enjoying the warmer days when they come, I can get out and walk around the block. On a good day I can make it 3 times! We had an appointment with the Dr. yesterday. Good news! More DNA tests are back and more than 95% of the DNA is my sisters. The Dr. is really pleased. I am still dizzy, the Dr. still doesn't have a solution. They tested my thyroid and adrenal gland, tested me for dehydration, for strep throat since Michael came down with strep throat Sat. Praise the Lord no one else in the family got it. My tests all came out negative! So, we changed some more of the medications for this week. I am no longer having to have hydration by iv. I am a little disappointed that the dizziness hasn't gone, but I have to think back to where I was 4 weeks ago and how much stronger I am now. It is definately a long process. I have 40-50% of my bone marrow back at this point. It can take 6-12 months before it is totally restored. I am learning patience, or at least trying to learn. God's timing and mine are definately not the same. The whole humility thing is a learning process. You truly learn humility when you have to have help just getting in the shower in the morning. Not being able to fix meals is another lesson in humility. Learning the way you always did something is not the only way it can be done. Really?! Well, I am off to take a walk while the sun is shinning.
Please pray for a solution to the dizziness, praise that the blood tests are looking terriffic!
Thanks for praying,
Cheryl
Saturday, March 11, 2006
11 Mar 2006
Dear Friends and family,
Thankyou for your prayers during this time of recovery. I came home from the hospital 13 days ago. What a blessing to be home, although I don't do a whole lot. I have this blood pressure issue. I am fine while lying down, when I sit my blood pressure drops and when I stand it drops about 30-50%. So I get dizzy when I stand and try to walk. THe Dr. has required an adult to be with me 24hrs. since I do get dizzy.
I am a little discouraged at this point. The Dr. is baffled about the blood pressure. I am receiving 2 litres of fluid through IV a day. Please pray that the blood pressure would be regulated.
I took a walk around the block with Gene today what a beautiful day for a walk. I am not supposed to be walking until the blood pressure is under control but I feel that at some point I need to increase my endurance. I think I am fine if someone is with me.
My youngest sister is coming today to stay next week. Gene can finally get back to work. The initial report of the bone marrow biopsy is good, no leukemia. They are further testing it to see if my sister's DNA is the dominant one in my body. We don't have those results yet.
Thanks for praying,
CHeryl
Thankyou for your prayers during this time of recovery. I came home from the hospital 13 days ago. What a blessing to be home, although I don't do a whole lot. I have this blood pressure issue. I am fine while lying down, when I sit my blood pressure drops and when I stand it drops about 30-50%. So I get dizzy when I stand and try to walk. THe Dr. has required an adult to be with me 24hrs. since I do get dizzy.
I am a little discouraged at this point. The Dr. is baffled about the blood pressure. I am receiving 2 litres of fluid through IV a day. Please pray that the blood pressure would be regulated.
I took a walk around the block with Gene today what a beautiful day for a walk. I am not supposed to be walking until the blood pressure is under control but I feel that at some point I need to increase my endurance. I think I am fine if someone is with me.
My youngest sister is coming today to stay next week. Gene can finally get back to work. The initial report of the bone marrow biopsy is good, no leukemia. They are further testing it to see if my sister's DNA is the dominant one in my body. We don't have those results yet.
Thanks for praying,
CHeryl
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