This is a sucky entry
I wish I really didn't have to write this entry. I know it's slightly impersonal, but I've been trying to call everyone that I could and now I'm pretty much just worn out. So here goes.
I have leukemia.
Wow that's wierd to write...Anyways, some of you know that I've been dealing with pretty bad chest pain since Jan. and I did go to a doctor in NYC, but it was getting worse. So, after my IU audition I flew back to DeLand for Spring Break and made an appointment with the doctor for the next day. Gosh I love my doctor by the way. So nice and completely honest with me. I had a chest x-ray, CT scan, bloodwork done, and a bone marrow extraction. I would like to say right now that I don't wish that last procedure on anyone....ever. Anyways, the results all point to leukemia. I have an appointment in Tampa at the Moffitt Cancer Center on Tuesday where they're really good at treating this type of thing. And early bloodwork makes it seem like I have the "best" kind: acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Google it if you want, though I'm warning you, it's a little scary. The chemo sounds pretty nasty. I'll know much more after Tuesday. I'm a bit stir crazy right now because I can't leave the house (stupid lack of an immune system....) but some people can come see me. Right now, I'm feeling pretty tired, weak, and kinda just blah, but they say it's good that at least I'm not in the ICU, which is where most people find out.
I want everyone to know that it's ok to ask questions. I will tell you anything I know. School and life as I know it has kinda been put on hold, but anyone who knows me hopefully also knows how driven I am. I will kick this disease's butt! And in record time, I'm hoping:-)
I realize this whole thing is frustrating (to me and probably other people) because there's not a whole lot that other people (except the doctors and the people who give you drugs) can do for you. It's ok not to know what to say or do. If you want, you should call me because then you'll hear my completely strong voice and maybe that'll help. Seems to help some people. But I've come up with some other ideas of how you can help!! If you want to, send me book suggestions and movie suggestions. Or just call to leave funny messages on my phone. And I'll be in Florida for a while, so maybe you can come by and visit if you live near by. I'm going to start another blog as soon as I figure out what to name it (you can send in suggestions for that, too) and I'll keep you updated, but try to spare the icky details.
On the flip side, I managed to get through all my auditions:-) My goal is to get up to NYC and finish my degree at some point in time (reeeeeeally pulling for this semester to graduate but we have to wait and see) and then start my next degree program in the fall. But we'll see. I'm pretty stubborn and determined, so I'm not really worried.
So, I know this is a really sucky entry, but I want everyone to know it's going to be ok. I'm going to fight like heck and win:-) I love you all. And really mean it.
~Cameron
I have leukemia.
Wow that's wierd to write...Anyways, some of you know that I've been dealing with pretty bad chest pain since Jan. and I did go to a doctor in NYC, but it was getting worse. So, after my IU audition I flew back to DeLand for Spring Break and made an appointment with the doctor for the next day. Gosh I love my doctor by the way. So nice and completely honest with me. I had a chest x-ray, CT scan, bloodwork done, and a bone marrow extraction. I would like to say right now that I don't wish that last procedure on anyone....ever. Anyways, the results all point to leukemia. I have an appointment in Tampa at the Moffitt Cancer Center on Tuesday where they're really good at treating this type of thing. And early bloodwork makes it seem like I have the "best" kind: acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Google it if you want, though I'm warning you, it's a little scary. The chemo sounds pretty nasty. I'll know much more after Tuesday. I'm a bit stir crazy right now because I can't leave the house (stupid lack of an immune system....) but some people can come see me. Right now, I'm feeling pretty tired, weak, and kinda just blah, but they say it's good that at least I'm not in the ICU, which is where most people find out.
I want everyone to know that it's ok to ask questions. I will tell you anything I know. School and life as I know it has kinda been put on hold, but anyone who knows me hopefully also knows how driven I am. I will kick this disease's butt! And in record time, I'm hoping:-)
I realize this whole thing is frustrating (to me and probably other people) because there's not a whole lot that other people (except the doctors and the people who give you drugs) can do for you. It's ok not to know what to say or do. If you want, you should call me because then you'll hear my completely strong voice and maybe that'll help. Seems to help some people. But I've come up with some other ideas of how you can help!! If you want to, send me book suggestions and movie suggestions. Or just call to leave funny messages on my phone. And I'll be in Florida for a while, so maybe you can come by and visit if you live near by. I'm going to start another blog as soon as I figure out what to name it (you can send in suggestions for that, too) and I'll keep you updated, but try to spare the icky details.
On the flip side, I managed to get through all my auditions:-) My goal is to get up to NYC and finish my degree at some point in time (reeeeeeally pulling for this semester to graduate but we have to wait and see) and then start my next degree program in the fall. But we'll see. I'm pretty stubborn and determined, so I'm not really worried.
So, I know this is a really sucky entry, but I want everyone to know it's going to be ok. I'm going to fight like heck and win:-) I love you all. And really mean it.
~Cameron