Last Day at Home

Today was my last day at home before checking into the hospital. My beautiful daughters, Erika, Jessie, and Marcie had a shower at my house for my daughter in law to be, Lauren. It was lovely. Lauren and her family were glowing. I just feel bad that this is the only shower I will probably be at, unless I am out in time for the last one on May 28. All the activity today helped keep my mind off of tomorrow. Father Phil stopped this morning and gave me the annoiting of the sick. It was a very moving experience for my family and I. Jude and Shelley stopped today to give me support. Everyone has been so wonderful, I just cannot say enough thank you's to all of you. Good bye for now, Talk to you soon.

Directions to the Cleveland Clinic

Thank you to everyone who has made comments and offered prayers and support to Mom. For anyone interested in visiting her in at the Clinic, here is some helpful information.

She will be in building G.

Here are directions from Sandusky.

I cannot seem to sleep this morning. I was so exhausted last night I went to bed early, thus I am up at the crack of dawn. Today is a special day; my oldest granddaughter is making her 1st communion today in Toledo. I know it will be an emotional day for me. First communion day has always made me a little teary as I watch those little souls receive Jesus into their hearts for the first time, but today will hold special significance for my family, as we all gather and prepare ourselves for this hard road ahead of all of us. Last evening, I met with a wonderful lady, Linda Pitsenbarger, who runs a foundation that supplies wigs to people who will be starting chemotherapy. She matches the wig as much as possible to the patient's own hair color and style. My friend, Patti, went with me and we had a few laughs as we joked about being a redhead or brunette for the first time in my life. But, of course, that is not me and we ordered a blond wig close to my own. This lady runs the foundation on donations only, so I know there are many of you who have been asking what you can do for me....if you would like to make a small donation in my name to her foundation, I would appreciate that very much. The name is the Kevin Pitsenbarger Foundation and the address is 1437 Sycamore Line Sandusky, Ohio 44870. Again, thank you everyone for your prayers, not only for me, but for my family as I enter the fight of my life. God bless you all.

Thank you everyone with you overwhelming and welcome outpouring of love and prayers for me and my family. The last 2 days have been hectic preparing for my journey. I am growing weary, but I am strong. I WILL SURVIVE THIS!

Cindy Lou: First Blog Post

Cindy Lou: First Blog Post

I am starting this blog to keep you all updated as I begin the frightening journey into the world of my experiences with cancer. My son set me up on this blog. He is so talented and I am so very proud of him. Thank you Kyle.
This whole experience began with a routine blood test back in September 2005. The next day my doctor called and said there was a problem with my white count and I needed to get a repeat CBC done. So I did and it was still low, so I was sent to a hemotologist. Dr Fanning in Sandusky. Dr Fanning diagnosed Epstein-Barr virus and monitored my bloodwork for 6 months. In March 2006, my red blood cell count began to drop also, so I was scheduled for a bone marrow biopsy onApril 10. On April 19 I was diagnosed withMyelodysplastic Syndrome and told I could not be treated here. I was sent to Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center. Yesterday, April 26th, Kyle and I made the trip there to meet Dr. Sekeres, who will be my oncologist. The news he gave was devastating to both of us. The myelodysplastic disease had progressed to acute myeloid leukemia and I would have to be admitted to the clinic immediately. I begged for more time and so I will be admitted on Monday May 1. Our son, Zac is being married in Punta Cana on June 13 and I really would have rather waited till after the wedding, but Dr. Sekeres said that is not an option. So he promised me he would get me to the wedding, albeit minus hair. So as I enter this very unfamiliar world, Pleas keep Kyle and I in your prayers. I think I will need many. Love, Cindy

First Blog Post

This is a test post. Mom this is what your posts will look like... ~ KD.