Pray for Chuck

If you've been reading my blog you might remember the guy who called out of the blue prior to my transplant and helped me understand what I was facing, then followed up by coming to the hospital and staying with my friends and family as the transplant happened.  Chuck is a very positive man, full of faith and energized to do all he can to help transplant families. 

I had not see Chuck at clinic in about a year, and only saw him for a few minutes at Dick Thomason's funeral in the fall.  At that time I thought he looked a little thinner and tired, but funerals of transplant patients is often hard on we transplant people so I didn't think much of it.

About two weeks ago I received an email from the transplant support group that informed us that Chuck was in ICU with a bacterial infection from his chemo for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.  He is 16 years out this month.  See, if you survive the first 5-7 years without major complications from the transplant the next hurdle you will face will be the side effects of the medications we have to take to keep from rejecting. 

It is not unusual for transplant patients to have another organ fail (usually liver or kidney if you've had a heart transplant) or develop cancer related issues.  Thus why we continue to go in and have blood work done every couple of months.  Not that they can detect cancer that way, but they can monitor liver and kidney failure.

In my family, we have a big history of cancer.  Half of my mother's siblings have died from a very aggressive cancer....and two of her cousins as well.  On my father's side, he just lost a sister who battled leukemia for many years as well as losing an eye to cancer.  My father has survived prostrate cancer and my brother has survived the same non-Hodgkin's cancer that Chuck is dealing with.  So, I know my odds are not good in this area.  The medication has already made me a slight diabetic so I can tell the effects are starting.

But, I've decided to just take the attitude of living each day the best I can.  I can't control if I develop cancer and there really isn't much I can do about it except get all the yearly tests that I have to do.  I could be in constant worry and run scared, or I can just go out and enjoy the extra time that I have been granted.

I vote to enjoy the extra time.  I think Chuck would agree.  He is the father of two boys, married to a wonderful lady, a dedicated Christian, and a good friend.  Please remember him in your prayers.....I do.