Leukemia Claims Another Life, That Of My Friend

So sorry to hear of your's and your friend loss. I remember a friend and neighbor of ours lost there son he was in 7th grade. just so sad.

First. . .my condolences to you for the sad loss of your friends. Like you sad, death is a truth and it sure ain't a very welcomed one.

Leukemia. . . I spent the first 7 1/2 years of my modest nursing career on a hematology/oncology/BMT floor. I had the privilege of caring for many-a leukemia patient during those years. Many were quite young! They were in the late teens, early twenties, thirties and up. And. . . they all worked HARD to survive. They wanted to LIVE!! (Back then, the "cure" rate for people with leukemia was told to be about 15% to 25% percent. That ain't much!) I remember the chemo regime being quite remarkable! The chemo works against cells that grow fast. Most leukemia cells tend to "grow" fast. But so do good cells. Of course this includes the bone marrow. But it also includes cells found within the mouth and digestive track. So, patients receiving chemo for leukemia had the expected bone marrow depression (low white cells to help fight off disease, low red cells that carry oxygen throughout the body, and low platelets the help create clots when we bleed). But they also had significant and painful mouth sores and esophagitis. This made it difficult to swallow saliva. UGH!! It was so painful to see these patients swallow!! But they worked hard! They persevered through the pain; they persevered through many blood transfusions; they persevered through all sorts of antibiotic, anti-fungal and antiviral medications that were taken when they got some kind of infection. And then, most often, they died.

I'm a bit out of the loop with regards to current treatments for leukemia. It's been over 11 years since I worked on that particular unit. I sure hope that the treatment regimes are more effective.

It was a memorable honor to provide care and support for those precious lives afflicted with leukemia. They taught me the definition to "Fighting the Good Fight!" Many precious souls also taught me that Peace can be found through letting go, after all options for survival were explored, and dieing.

It is my hope that your friend has now found Peace. Still, though, we're left behind, sorely missing our friends, family and loved ones who have gone before us. . . . . .

Too many close to me are fighting cancer. I'm so sorry to hear about Jimbo. He sounds like a wonderful man.

I'll add you and his family and friends to my prayers. I hope you're doing okay.

Such a sad outcome. Sorry for your loss. Yes, leukemia and all forms of cancer are horrible. I have lost so many to just about every form of cancer. Clipped to CancerVine.

Lost a cousin, a teacher in her 40s, with 2 small children, to non-hodgkins lymphoma. It was devestating to everyone she knew. To her family and friends, but especially the students she taught. The world became less bright without her.

Wish I could offer a magic salve to ease your bereavement, but can only recommend to follow what feels right to ease your sadness. Everyone grieves in their own special way.

Memorials are one way to pay homage. Thank you for this.

I'm sorry for your loss :(