Chris in VA Posted August 4, 2017 Share Posted August 4, 2017 Just an update-- So I ended up going to see him in July, and it was a really special trip. He was very ill and in hospital--was predicted to get out but didn't (and is still there). He is battling lymphoma, caused, probably, by the anti-rejection drugs from his double lung transplant due to CF, received 17 years ago. The chemo was devastating his system, and he had no immunity left. I got to meet my nephews, spend time with my sister-in-law (both with my parents/her kids and alone on the drive to see my brother), and offer her a little support. It was... amazing. The estrangement is over. Yes, things might never be super-cozy, as we are different in lots of ways. But things are so.much.better. After I left, his numbers went up, and he was able to have another chemo treatment. He is handling it better this time. And, miracle of miracles, he is now slated for a stem-cell transplant. We didn't think he'd be able to even be considered. Thank you for all your advice, for your prayers and thoughts, for your kindness to me as I embarked on this scary journey--You see, it's easier, in a way, to remain in estrangement, to keep people at a distance, particularly when someone gets sick, because reconciling means opening up to love again, and being open to love is a vulnerable place, and often, a painful place. He may die, and now I have allowed myself to feel that pain deeply. But I am finding that the pain that comes from loving is really ok, and that I am willing to bear it because it with it come gifts of peace and joy. Funny how that works. And I just read yesterday about some stem-cell research that they are doing now, for those with lung fibrosis diseases, like CF and COPD. May they find the cures. 44 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted August 4, 2017 Share Posted August 4, 2017 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mominco Posted August 4, 2017 Share Posted August 4, 2017 :grouphug: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted August 4, 2017 Share Posted August 4, 2017 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrincessMommy Posted August 4, 2017 Share Posted August 4, 2017 How encouraging. I'm so happy that it was a healing experience, even under such awful circumstances. Praying this new therapy helps him greatly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kassia Posted August 5, 2017 Share Posted August 5, 2017 So glad your visit went well. :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted August 5, 2017 Share Posted August 5, 2017 ((((Hugs)))) And yes, may they find cures!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlett Posted August 5, 2017 Share Posted August 5, 2017 So precious. Thank you for the update. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted August 5, 2017 Share Posted August 5, 2017 :grouphug: :hurray: Thank you for that wonderful update. I hope his stem cell transplant is successful and smooth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted August 5, 2017 Share Posted August 5, 2017 That is really wonderful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
displace Posted August 5, 2017 Share Posted August 5, 2017 (hugs) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OneStepAtATime Posted August 5, 2017 Share Posted August 5, 2017 Hugs. Thanks so much for the update. I'm so glad you took that very scary step and went to see him. Good luck to your brother. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted August 5, 2017 Share Posted August 5, 2017 I am SO happy for YOU in that you were able to reconcile with your brother and find that peace and joy even through pain. Yes, it is odd how that often works like that! And I'm thrilled for your brother that there might actually be something that can truly help his physical health! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie in Ma Posted August 5, 2017 Share Posted August 5, 2017 :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EMS83 Posted August 5, 2017 Share Posted August 5, 2017 That was beautiful, Chris, and you're absolutely right. So glad you've reconciled! :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AimeeM Posted August 5, 2017 Share Posted August 5, 2017 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 5, 2017 Share Posted August 5, 2017 So thankful, in so many ways, for so many things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 5, 2017 Share Posted August 5, 2017 Thank you for all your advice, for your prayers and thoughts, for your kindness to me as I embarked on this scary journey--You see, it's easier, in a way, to remain in estrangement, to keep people at a distance, particularly when someone gets sick, because reconciling means opening up to love again, and being open to love is a vulnerable place, and often, a painful place. He may die, and now I have allowed myself to feel that pain deeply. But I am finding that the pain that comes from loving is really ok, and that I am willing to bear it because it with it come gifts of peace and joy. Funny how that works. This is such a beautiful thing to say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted August 6, 2017 Share Posted August 6, 2017 I am so glad you got to reconcile with him. Prayers that he gets better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted August 8, 2017 Author Share Posted August 8, 2017 Thank you, you sweet people. He has had a set-back. He came home from the hospital but was only at home for a day, and not even a whole day, before he spiked a fever and was vomiting, so he went back to the hospital. He will stay there for at least the next 5 weeks. I haven't heard for a couple of days how he's doing, but hopefully they will get the fever under control and be able to do the stem cell treatment. Thank you for your continued support. <3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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