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Showing posts from May, 2020

Equity and justice

Check out this recent Fox news clip of my brother Dan sharing about our journey and the need for donors esp. for underrepresented groups.   https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/a-brothers-heroic-response-leads-to-a-fathers-cry-for-help Thank you for your continued prayers for my transplant situation. With all the options on the table, we felt it would be wise to get a second opinion from a transplant doc from Sloan in NY whom we had been referred to from a friend of my brother’s. After talking with him and him sharing with his colleagues, there was consensus that my brother would be the best donor option while acknowledging the genetic stuff. They did mention an additional molecular genetic test that my brother could do via a bone marrow biopsy which would give more peace of mind but they still felt he was the best choice.  God has not only opened doors but He has also closed other doors. For example, it looks as though a potential donor in Korea is not going to ...

Chemo update and other stuff

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I was admitted to HUP this past Friday for my next round of chemo and am more than halfway through my treatment which has been going well overall. Unfortunately, I couldn’t do this cycle at home cause of the length of infusions and toxicity of chemo which needs to be monitored in my blood. Thankfully, the covid situation here has been better than anticipated so they opened up all the oncology floors which had been closed before in anticipation of having to accommodate covid pts. As a result, many oncology patients who had been on hold have now been able to have procedures and come in for treatment so it’s gotten pretty busy again here. I was bummed to find out there was no room in the Inn this time on the 7th floor of Rhoads where I’m familiar with, but I’ve been enjoying my stay here nonetheless meeting new nurses and staff who have all been wonderful. There is even a small staircase at the end of the hallway where I’ve been able to get in some stepping exercise! 💪 Last we...

Deep thoughts (at least for me) 🤔

A few weeks ago, a veteran missionary couple had shared this song to encourage young missionaries going out to various countries to remind them that God goes before them even in these uncertain times impacting our world. It spoke to my heart as I go through this journey of cancer with obstacles and uncertainties as well and wanted to share with you: https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=1Ko4yroBP0A Recently, God has been teaching me about surrendering my will and idea of what a “good life” entails. I’ve heard somewhere that  whatever can be lost in this life is not worth ultimately living for.  And I feel this has been reinforced by the daily reminder of the frailty of life coupled with the uncertainty we’re all facing everyday with this corona pandemic affecting all spheres of life whether it be our health, jobs, or family. There has been an upheaval of the normalcy of life as we always knew it that has made an indelible mark on our lives and future. ...

Transplant donor update

I found out this past week that my genetic test results all came back normal... praise God! So, there's no genetic explanation that we know of as to the cause of my ALL. And that also means that most likely my niece Tabby wouldn't have any of these genetic mutations either (at least the ones I was tested for.) This is great news!  🤗 Could it be that both of us having such a rare diagnosis of leukemia is indeed a fluke coincidence?!    I know in God’s story, there is no such thing, as He is sovereign and working ALL (no pun intended!  😉 ) things out for His glory because He loves us. Yes, would be hard to believe but so was an empty tomb!! In regards to my transplant, the main takeaway from this is that my brother is now back on the table as a donor option! The genetic tests were comprehensive but there is always a possibility that we could be missing something. With that said, the safest donor choice would still be a full match from an unrelated donor. Oth...

Donor drive update

I’m finishing up this round of chemo with just one more spinal tap scheduled for this Monday. It was so good to be able to do this at home these past few weeks... just to be with my family, and the home care nurses have been wonderful! I’ve gone for many walks and bike rides in our neighborhood enjoying the beautiful weather.  I met with my transplant doctor this past week and will be meeting with my oncologist next week to further discuss the various options on the table. Much of the plan is pending on the results of my genetic testing results which we should be hearing back from soon.  Please see link below for our updated Facebook page for our online donor drive as well as an article which my brother Dan wrote which sheds further light on the underrepresentation of Asians (and minorities overall) in our national registry and thus the need for more donors.  https://asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com/blog/minority-communities-and-the-marrow-registry ...

Fellow fighters update #4

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Many of you have been praying for these dear fellow fighters so just wanted to give a quick update on how they’ve been doing. Tabitha Enjoying some laughs while face-timing with my nieces! 😆 My dear niece Tabitha finished her first 28 day round of chemo today! She has been a trooper through her admissions, many tests, needle sticks, injections, and of course taking her meds!    Recently, I’ve been thinking of her whenever I get poked and prodded and find inspiration to persevere knowing that my precious niece is fighting everyday. Please keep Tabby, her parents and older sister in prayer. Ryan Smith Ryan has been steadily recovering from his transplant last month. He is eagerly awaiting to go home soon pending his blood levels continue to rise and his nutrition improves as he’s been battling nausea. Ryan is a true warrior who has persevered in faith through so many setbacks throughout his battle with cancer and he will continue to press on. Please pray for ...

Online donor drive and chicks! 🐥

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Our online donor drive is underway! And check out this video we made to help with the drive efforts. If you’re willing, please participate and share with your friends on social media as well. Thank you for your voice and continued prayers on our behalf.  🙏 https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=RWoJYzs5_cM https://facebook.com/events/s/hey-its-may-register-to-help-s/797077277484863/?ti=icl All 12 of our chicks hatched this past week!  🐣  It’s been an exciting and fun time witnessing the beauty of life. Sadly though, we had to say goodbye today as we returned the chicks to the farm.😢 U Toby was not too impressed!  😙

No one fights alone

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As I’ve gone for strolls in my neighborhood, I’ve seen many encouraging signs such as these. Solidarity as we stand together strong as a loving community. During these tough times for us all, it’s encouraging to know that we are not alone!  So fitting with a toilet in the background 😉... 🚽  my familiar friend “John” during these chemo days!  Thank you so much for your prayers and reaching out esp. after we heard the heartbreaking news of my niece Tabitha’s leukemia diagnosis as well as my transplant detour. I’ve been struggling with disbelief with all these recent setbacks and obstacles. Questions fill my minds of why?? And what more God?? But I have to say, at those low moments even when I don’t have the will to even get out of bed to face the day, God continues to give grace to press on in faith... often through a song or a timely word of encouragement. Recently, I’ve been singing a song from Hosea 6:1-3. A reminder that just as the sun rises and ra...