Dear Friends and Family,
A year and a half ago I was diagnosed with stage two Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. I have done eight rounds of chemotheraphy and radiation therapy in hopes of beating the cancer back into remission. In the process my immune system has been compromised a great deal. In the last three months, I have been hospitalized three times fighting off complications from having such a weakened immune system and the infections that do not seem to get any better.
This morning I am scheduled to have a bone marrow biopsy and my fight of my life will continue. I have a long and painful journey ahead of me, but I'm hopeful for more good days than bad ones. My family and close friends felt that it was important that I share this information as they, and I will need your prayers, support and love during this fight. To say that I am scared shitless might be an understatement, but I felt that as my friends you should know what is going on. You all know that I tend to be private about my personal affairs and I am letting you all know about this personal fight to allow my family and caregivers to ask for your support during this difficult time.
I am going to continue to fight the NHL with the courage and tenacity that my grandfather so bravely battled multiple myeloma with. He also battled prostate cancer with more patience, grace, and courage than anyone that I have ever met. It wasn't bad enough that he had to undergo chemotherapy and the painful, extensive testing that they do for bone marrow cancers, but having two cancers at the same time...come on now! Doctors appointments, hospital visits, bloodwork constantly being orderd.. can't the guy catch a break!. My grandfather's courage, albeit quiet at times, never wavered and it is this courage that he instilled in me that helps me get through those long, painful, "bad days".
With your continued prayers and support I know that I will not be a cancer patient forever. With my faith, courage and determination I am greatly looking forward to the day when I can proudly call myself a cancer survivor! I will try and be better about keeping you all updated on my progress as best I can. I pray that none of you ever have to undergo this fight, but if you do I promise to be right there in your corner encouraging you and giving you my love and support as you have done for me. Thank you and I love you all.
-Carleton
