Wake up, time to die.
With my counts continuing to sit at rock bottom with no change, my doctor decided to perform a bone marrow aspirate and biopsy yesterday. Not typical procedure in a patient still “recovering” from treatment, but given my cryptic leukemia, the fact that there was no detectable blast presence in my blood meant next to nothing. The only real way to figure out what was happening was to take a look inside the bones.
Preliminary results show a 95% presence of blasts (cancer cells) in my marrow. instead of the chemotherapy killing off the cancer and allowing my healthy immune system to move into the vacated space – the opposite happened, The cancer survived the attack but my cells didn’t, allowing the cancer free-reign to spread through the entirety of my skeletal structure.
I’m the process of setting up hospice care at home and expect to be discharged sometime in the next two or three days. I will try and contine to write but can’t promise anything. I may not have much more than a few weeks left on this earth, I’ll be spending it with the people I love – doing the things I’ve missed.
Thank you all for everything you’ve given me on the way. All I can say is that despite my current condition, i’ve enjoyed a life with far more than most.
- Austin
My old view from 765 Feldberg at BIDMC
RSS
Lots of love to you Austin
Austin … you’re one of the most brave people we know. You’re in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong. XOXO
Austin -
My heart is hurting as I read your post. I am just thinking of how lucky I was to be able to spend so many mornings with you at Yang’s. If only everyone were so lucky
Keep fighting and be strong. Sending love and strength from NH!
-Teesha
You are amazing. I loved our early mornings and journey sharings! I still remember you hiding my trampoline before the insurance inspection! And the rock edges on my gardens remind me of you too. I love ya, m,! And you have shown us all so much about how to deal when you don’t get your way! Like I said, you’re amazing! Xoxo cindy rayner
Austin,
I send strength, love, and prayers your way. I continue to find great happiness as I think of your warm, unassuming smile.
Evie
What a long strange trip.
I wish you moments of smiles amongst the hours of exhaustion.
It was clearly my joy intersecting with your life for a while.
Your generous spirit and presence lives on right here with me.
Thank you so much for writing this. I don’t know you but I am good friends with Alex Ornstein and I also work on the bone marrow transplant unit at Children’s Hospital Boston and reading your posts give such good insight into what oncology patients truly go though (and in my case it’s nice to hear because kids don’t always tell you what they are feeling). Thank you for your honesty. You are truly brave and I with you peace. I will make sure to share your blog and story with others.
Thinking of you daily and knowing that you have lived your life to the fullest. Your honesty means so much to so many people. Wishing you all the peace the world can give.
love you always.
i am so grateful for the time we had. you will always be in my heart.
My friend lost his battle with leukemia on 5/8/11. He is in a better place. He was a giant among people in his passion for life, his zest for learning and his tenacity to endure. It was my privilege to call Austin my friend. Rest in peace…
Mu husband was diagnosed with a leukemia two months ago, and I discovered a lot of cancer heroes since, and you are one of them. I wish you peace and joy!
Check out blinatumomab at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/744644
A new leukemia drug that seems to be helping others. We’re looking into new drugs. Our daughter just relapsed the second time. Be strong!
Love, Kathy, Eric and Erica
happy birthday A. miss you so much.
would have loved a carrot cake this year for my birthday
wish you were here.
would have loved a carrot cake for my birthday this year
wish you were here.
Happy Thanksgiving! I know you’re deep frying a turkey somewhere. Miss you as always.
Merry Christmas
this time we know you’re lighting a tree on fire somewhere …
Happy Valentine’s Day