Welcome friends and family!
My dear friend Paul was kind to set up this blog so that it would be easy to communicate with everyone as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Here is the quick version of what is happening…. I went for annual physical on Monday 7/9. Dr. Chapman (great friend and Dr.) called me Wednesday morning because the blood test results indicated a high white blood count of 83,000 (should be around 5-10,000). Had another blood test that morning and it indicated 89,000. Dr. Chapman acted quickly to get me in the hospital (took me less than 15 min. to get admitted and into a bed). Thank you Dr. Chapman! Dr. C referred me to Dr. Jim Frame who is the Director of the Cancer Center at Charleston Area Medical Center. After blood tests it was confirmed that I have chronic myelogenous leukemia. A bone marrow sample was taken on Thursday and within 7-10 days the results will come back to determine which specific strand it is. From there they will know which chemotherapy will be the most appropriate to use. I should start a chemotherapy on Tuesday to reduce the white blood cell counts. It is called hydroxyurea. I can’t start that until I make a deposit into the bank. The chemo can possibly affect my ability to be a father so it made sense to do that before starting. Dr. Frame supported that decision because my white blood count isn’t considered to be at a “critical” level.
I can’t even begin to explain how much love an support has been poured upon me by friends and family. Throughout this Kate has been right by my side. It is difficult to explain in words how much her love and support has meant to me. Of course my Mom has been here too! The three of us have had shared laughs, prayers, shock, pain, joy, confusion, frustration and peace together. I have been truly blessed to have their company. By coincidence my brother Rex and his wife Sharon were driving from St. Louis to Rhode Island and had the opportunity to stop and visit today. That was truly a blessing and we had a great time. It’s 10pm on Saturday night and I need to get some rest. I will work on more updates and thoughts tomorrow. My thanks and love to all who have been so kind to me in this difficult time.
July 14, 2007 at 11:01 pm
Glad to see you got that AOL up in your room. See you Monday to download a couple of those Ken Burns’ docs from itunes. Let me know if sometime around 2:30′ish is convenient and anything else I can bring you. We’re all thinking of you throughout the day.
July 14, 2007 at 11:02 pm
Chip,
We are all thinking of you and are praying for a speedy recovery. It was good to talk to you on the phone yesterday. You sound like your in good spirits. Keep that glass half full.
Rick
July 15, 2007 at 12:41 am
Chip –
I am thinking about you and praying for you here on the West Coast. You have everything it takes to fight this thing and win.
You know, here on the “left coast” we are all about energy and chakras and what have you. I’m loading up on it all and…
…Sending it all to you.
Be well, my friend!
Mary Witwer
July 15, 2007 at 2:06 am
Very sorry to to hear this. Chip, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. You WILL get well soon. God Bless…
July 15, 2007 at 10:34 am
Chip,
I have just come from church and read your news. I’m sure you do not underestimate the power of prayer, my friend. I will be praying for you, and, if it’s okay with you, I will submit your name for my church’s prayer list. You are young and strong and this too shall pass.
Prayers and thoughts,
Steve
July 15, 2007 at 11:14 am
I can’t imagine the shock of this news….
Please know that many of us will be praying for your wellness…
A big hug!!!
July 15, 2007 at 11:42 am
Chip -
Sending you love and prayers…
Stay positive and strong!
All our love,
Tonya and Michael
July 15, 2007 at 11:49 am
God Speed Chip. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if there is anything we can do and if you want visitors. Remember, the power of faith and positive thinking produces miracles!
July 15, 2007 at 12:49 pm
we love you chip & will be praying for your speedy recovery.. call us if you need anything, seriously.. xoxo
July 15, 2007 at 1:53 pm
Hi Chip,
I was so glad to hear from you but saddened by your news. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Stay strong. Nice picture by the way!
I will check back with you soon.
Love,
Karla
July 15, 2007 at 7:12 pm
Chip,
T and I were happy to get to spend some time with you and Kate today. Any requests for some goodies next time, just let litte miss betty crocker know and I’ll be at your service. haha. T said Walter (the fish) is waiting for you so first opportunity get your butt here. Take care and call us when you feel like talking.
Love Ya,
Charly and T
July 15, 2007 at 9:29 pm
Hi Chip,
(((((( Hugs))))))
Keeping you in my thoughts and looking forward to hearing you say that you and Dr. Frame kicked Leukemia’s butt!
July 15, 2007 at 11:00 pm
Chip,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I know it must be difficult now, but I am confident that you will come out of this stronger than ever!
Julie, Alex and Bella
July 16, 2007 at 9:23 am
Chip,
Until one is tested, you never realize how much strength, perseverance and determination one has. If you haven’t read Lance Armstrong’s book, “It’s Not All About the Bike”, I would suggest it! Stay tough and fight hard! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
July 16, 2007 at 12:03 pm
Chip,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. As a cancer survivor, I know how scary this is for you. Keep a positive attitude, there’s no room for negativity in a battle like this.
If you need anything…. ANYTHING… just let me know. Hugs and kisses.
July 16, 2007 at 1:19 pm
Chip,
I was so sad to hear that you are ill. However, seems like you have the determination to put up a fight and beat this thing. I’m only a few minutes away, so truly, if you need anything. You know I’ve got the mom thing going on, so you need something, I’m there. I’d love to meet Kate.
Stay strong, you’re in my prayers.
July 16, 2007 at 3:15 pm
Chip: Art and I want you to know we are thinking of you and so so sad to hear the news Gregg passed on to us. In reading the messages from your friends and seeing the love and prayers surrounding you I know it will give you the strength to heal and be well soon. Love, Kay
July 16, 2007 at 4:03 pm
Hey there Chipper! It was so good to see you today. I have all the faith in the world that you are going to pull through this and be stronger than ever before. I’m so glad you have Kate by your side to go through this with you. You are a lucky guy. I will see you again soon. No worries, because “Cancer ain’t no thang!”
July 16, 2007 at 5:20 pm
Hay Buddy!
I just talked to Tess and Deb. I want to let you know I am thinking of you as you struggle with this life challenge. But with you Great positive attitude I know you will whip this soon. Becuuse then I will buy the BEER! Keep the faith and I will contact you later this week. Fred
July 16, 2007 at 5:56 pm
Hi Chip….you may not remember me but I am Kate’s friend from NJ. I met you in December at the WVU/Rutgers game. I just got the email and you are in my thoughts and prayers!
My love goes out to you and Kate.
Lisa xoxo
July 17, 2007 at 11:01 am
Good Morning Chip,
Just checking on you today….to let you know that you are on my mind and my prayers go out to you.
You got to get this whipped I sure need your leadership and guidance at my job….LOL LOL, plus I miss the hugs….
Kisses & Hugs,
Deb
July 17, 2007 at 3:31 pm
Hi Chip,
I just wanted you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If anyone has the attitude to beat this, it’s you. Stay strong!
July 17, 2007 at 4:16 pm
Hi Chip, Kim just passed this blog along to us and we are very sad to hear about your illness. However, keep your heart and mind focused on what the Lord can do for you! He IS the Master Physician and can heal your body.
Don’t forget the words of Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the LORD! How’s that for HOPE?
We’ll be praying for you always.
The Cranes – Norm, Sharon, Kiersten and Jayden
July 17, 2007 at 6:06 pm
Chip,
Put all the names down so you would know who I am…LOL. The only thing constant in life is change (ie my name)……this is a change in yours that I hated to hear about. You are such a positive, strong person – always making everyone else feel good about themselves. There is no doubt in my mind that you will win this fight – YOU ARE A WINNER!! Believe it and you will achieve it!! My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
July 19, 2007 at 4:17 pm
Chip,
Loved reading your blog, but hated finding out why you started it. Stay strong and know that there are many people out there sending you good vibes, wishes and blessings that may not be leaving you a response. Know that prayers are coming from Detroit for you and your family.
Had no idea that you were in Charleston. I was born in Charleston Memorial and all my extended family lives down there. You are in good hands down there.
Don’t forget, you have to get yourself well for the 20 year class reunion next August 2, 2008. See you then. Keep you in my thoughts and prayers, Michele
July 19, 2007 at 6:48 pm
Hi Chip-I went to John Marshall w/you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers! I hope you beat this! Take care and stay strong w/hope and love! Sincerely and Truly, Anna
July 21, 2007 at 5:52 pm
Hi Chip,
You probably don’t remember me but I also went to JM with you–go class of ‘88!!!
Anyway, just wanted to send my best wishes and prayers to you and your family.
Life seems to throw us curve balls when we are least expecting it…just know that all of us (your friends, family and former classmates) will be playing catcher for you!!!
Best of luck with your upcoming treatments, you will beat this, I am sure of it!!!
Thank you for sharing your story with all of us…it is a great reminder of how truly precious life is!!!
Love and sincerity, Heather Parsons-Dillon
July 22, 2007 at 6:34 pm
hey chip, how you doing? Have not seen you for a few days, but did notice you had company….
We have cheese cake waiting for your next visit….LOL
July 24, 2007 at 8:28 am
Been reading your “dailies”…glad you had a good day with Gregg, etc. Things seem to be shaping up. When can we do lunch?
July 24, 2007 at 9:03 am
Don’t forget to use what they used to call “carriage returns” in your daily write ups. Paragraphs make your info easier to read.
I know that you were not even born in those days, but you can achieve the same results by pressing “Enter”.
July 24, 2007 at 2:17 pm
Chip: Just checking in to let you know I’m thinking about you and received an update from Art last night – he said you look Great! Well I know you always look Great, but you know what I mean. Keep that positive attitude! Next time I get to Gregg’s I’ll fix you dinner. Love, Kay (and Art)
July 25, 2007 at 4:58 pm
Wednesday 7/25 5 PM. According to your reports, things seem to be moving along at the right pace. And you surely have the right attitude…good for you. Really enjoy the daily updates. Keep swingin’!
July 26, 2007 at 8:42 pm
Hey Chip:
I wrote earlier is response to Will Slicers news about your CML. As you may recall I have had CML for 16 years, and life is still marvelous and healthy!I was diagnosed at age 38, now 54. It was good to read that your Gleevic was approved. I was wondering why you were not using Gleevic. Now I understand. Gleevic is a wonderful drug for so many. As a person that spends a couple visits a year in waiting rooms over these years, the news about Gleevic for so many seems great. I pray for a cytogenetic response. If not, there seems to be many new drugs on the scene. Gosh, there seems so many out there these days the Lord has just the right one for you, even if its experimental. I have had great results with a recently approved drug called BMS. The joy of our mutual situations is the love experienced from our friends. So many have to wait so long to experience this depth. We get to experience the love while young and healthy. It’s a marvelous experience, a gift of perspective. Oddly, cancer in so many ways is a wonderful thing. Isn’t that amazing? Hope to talk soon. Get back to work… and in the Word, bro. Phone -1- 614-6550018, or cell – 1-614-4034632. When in WV on weekends – 1-304-8558192. Praise our Lord for his power and intimate involvement in our lives! In His Grip and Grace, Rob Hall
August 7, 2007 at 1:11 pm
Hello Chip:
Dave Hummel, here. I received an e-mail from Michelle Trimble Porter attaching your blog’s address so that I could read and learn what was going on in your world. My sincere thoughts and prays are with you to win your battle! Reading your blog brings a whole new perspective to the little challenges we all face on a daily basis. If I could, know that I would (as would all of your many supporters) take on a day of your joint and bone pain so that you wouldn’t have to. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as I keep tabs on you through your blog.
Sincerely, Dave Hummel