It's Been The Darkest Time In My Life

#76
#76
I am so sorry my Vol brethren. My heart breaks. I will pray for Laura and the family with my entire being. And remember, he has promised, you will not be given more than you can bear.
 
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#77
#77
Though I didn't share my ordeal with VN, let me just say I have more than just a little idea of what you're going through. I prayed for you both and hope that prayer is answered. But also keep in mind: Unlike those without hope, we know we will be reunited in the time to come.
 
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#80
#80
I'm really sorry to hear this DD. As others have said, a lot of progress has been made in the battle against cancer and leukemia.
I am a firm believer that having a positive outlook on this battle undoubtedly has an effect on her progress and overcoming it.
Equally important will be the outlook that you and your kids have as well.
You guys have to be the strong ones to keep her uplifted when she gets down.
Live strong...its not just a slogan...
VN is there with you...hopefully you have some family nearby to help with the kids so you can focus on helping her.
Prayers sent brother.

Home | LIVESTRONG
 
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#81
#81
Sorry for my absence these last three weeks Nation. It's been the hardest time of my 37 years on Earth. My wife Laura started feeling under the weather around Dec 20th. We thought she had the flu at first and wasn't too worried. She felt weak, had body aches, and a small fever but that was all.

Fast forward to Dec 27th and she was suddenly became so weak she was having trouble walking. She also suddenly started having an insanely heavy period with gum bleeding and swollen Lymph Nodes

On the morning of Dec 28 my oldest son came running to me saying she fell and passed out heading to the bathroom. I picked her up, put her in the car and drove her to the ER.

After we were there an hour the Doc came in and said she would have to be air lifted to either Methodist in Memphis or Vanderbilt Medical. We live very close to Jackson so I asked them what's going on and why couldn't Jackson General take her. He said that her blood showed signs of Leukemia. As the words were coming out of his mouth it sounded that he was walking away down a tunnel. They could have told me she had Ebola and I think I wouldn't have been as shocked.

They air lifted her to Vanderbilt and on the way she had an heart attack and barely survived the night. She did stabilize and the next day I got the news I'd been dreading most. She was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and 4 days later we found out she also was Philadelphia Chromosome positive. It was the worst case scenario. It attacked her spine, brain, and kidneys so she had to be put on dialysis and she can't walk.

All hope is not lost however. So far she has responded well to the chemo and she can sit up on her on now. She can move her legs and even was able to use a wheelchair yesterday. Her latest spinal tap showed that it's now out of her brain and kidneys and they took her off dialysis earlier this week.

We have 4 kids. Dennis who is 15, Isaac 10, Ruth 5 and Brooklyn 3. To say it's been hell on them is the understatement. She's still in critical care so they can't visit. They do Skype with her and that helps, but they want their momma home. I tell her everyday that she has to fight and win because she ain't leaving me to raise 4 kids on my own lol.

She's fighting with a will that amazes me. I know the long term outlook is grim but if I can just get her home and her healthy again for even a year that would be a dream come true.

Physically, emotionally and financially it has drained everything I've had but I'll be damned if I let this beat me. My wife and my kids need me now more than ever and you can bet your last dime I'm up for this fight.

My sister in law started a Go Fund Me and if it's okay with Freak I'll link it. I've never been one to ask for help, but I have learned to swallow my foolish pride.

I tell you Nation I don't know what I'm going to do if I loose her. She has been by my side for 17 years and she is the love of my life. These last 3 plus weeks have felt like a long nightmare.

Tell the ones you love just what they mean to you, and let petty disagreements and grudges go. Life is too fragile and short Nation. Live life to the fullest and treat everyday like it may be your last. Let go of negativity and focus on the good.

Here are some pics of me with Laura and some of my children. They are the reason I'm alive today and the reason I carry on. They make life worth living.





I love you all Nation and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. Volnation is a second home to me and I've made many friends here over the years. You guys our my family to me. The internet would be a sorry place without this site.

Fundraiser by Erin Leigh Maynard : Laura’s fight against Leukemia


At times prayer doesn’t seem enough, though my family is praying for you and adding you to our prayer lists. My wife is truly my God provided soulmate, so I can only imagine your pain, anxiety, and stress.

The best to you, your family brother...

1st Peter chapter 3 verses 8-20
 
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#82
#82
Wow Brother my heart breaks for y'all, I'm down the road from you in Southaven, Ms and if there is anything I can do to help please let me know. Prayers Sent.......Brian
 
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#84
#84
Thank you so much my friend. I may no longer be religious but you don't know how bad I want to be wrong. I want to find my faith again I truly do. Joe even though we've never met you feel like a brother I've never had. I've never been this scared and lost in my entire life and you'll never know what your support means to me brother.
If you haven't seen it watch the movie " The Shack" to help renew your Faith
 
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#85
#85
Modern medicine can work miracles, with God's help. My best friend is 77 and has had chemo every 4-5 years since he was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia called hairy cell, myself I had a lesion on my lip a few years back which could have turned malignant but was caught in time, so I can kinda relate. Praying and pulling for you and your wife and family hoss. Appreciate you shared your particulars, will be in touch.
 
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#86
#86
Duncan, damn brother.
Nothing I can say except that we're here for you man. You've been one of the high spots on this board even in the hardest times.

Anything, anytime.
 
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#89
#89
Terrible to hear and very sad that you are going through it.

You're one of the best characters on this site and the only one I consider a friend even though we've never met.

Thoughts go out to you and hopes of things getting better soon.
 
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#92
#92
May God bless you and your bride Duncan. As a survivor, I can attest miracles still happen and God hears and answers our prayers. Prayers from the state line, brother.
 
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#93
#93
Very sorry to hear what you're going through, dd. I've always enjoyed the humor you bring here, and I'm really looking forward to the time when all this is behind you and she's back at home by your side and you're back on here bringing the laughs. I'll be keeping good and positive thoughts for you all.
 
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#94
#94
Just saw this posted - prayers --- also a co workers husband (57) has this since Sept -- the chemo worked well, and he just had stem cell treatments-- Im sure the cost is astronomical even with insurance, but they can deal with that some other time. Glad you arent letting it win -- keep fighting
 
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#95
#95
I just showed her this thread and she told me to tell you all that the moment she feels a little better she is going to get on here and thank you personally. She was in tears by the time she got through this thread.

She also told me to tell you all that even though she was born and raised a Razorback her heart will now forever be a Vol.

Thank you so much for the thoughts, prayers, help, and kind words Nation. I'm literally at a loss for words right now. I love each and every one of you.

Volnation is a place I simply wouldn't want to live without. This is more than just a fan board. It's a family.
 
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#98
#98
Though I didn't share my ordeal with VN, let me just say I have more than just a little idea of what you're going through. I prayed for you both and hope that prayer is answered. But also keep in mind: Unlike those without hope, we know we will be reunited in the time to come.
Thank you so much, and I'm here to tell you that if you ever want to open up the Volnation family can help you in ways you won't believe. Today was the first day I've had the power to post. I just didn't want to have to read what I wrote if that makes sense. I am just now starting to accept and embrace this new reality. That being said it still kind of feels like a bad dream. These last 3 plus weeks have felt like 3 days. I still haven't taken the xmas tree down. Heck I how to remind myself everyday that it's 2018. It's all been a blur
 
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#99
#99
Thoughts and Prayers to you, your wife, and your entire family in this difficult time. 12 years ago I too was treated for acute leukemia (myelogenous) at Vanderbilt. I believe with all my heart you are at the best place. Such a wonderful team up on 10T and 11N! The entire process totally changed my life, and I'm still around Vanderbilt Medical Center to this day. Please message me if you need anything while in the hospital or need someone to bounce things off of.
We love the doctors and nurses here. They are so professional yet caring. They are also among the best and brightest at their jobs but you would never know it from the way they carry themselves. They are as humble as they are skilled and that's a rare combo
 
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Prayers. I was diagnosed with CML/Philadelphia Chromosome in 2010. With the meds out there now, I'm in remission. I don't say this as a look at me, but as an example of hope for her full recovery. Our prayers and best wishes are with you and your wife.
 
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